Adapting Tricycles for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Tricycle Vendor List
Author: Mia Sugi DPT, Eileen Fowler PhD, PT, Kara Siebert DPT, MEd, Sharon DeMuth DPT, Evan Goldberg MS.
Growth Hormone Therapy Improves Bone Mineral
This article is about a pilot study that was done to evaluate the effect of 18 months of GH therapy on spinal BMD, linear growth, biochemical markers, and functional measures in children with cerebral palsy.
Pediatric Endurance and Limb Strengthening for Children with Cerebral Palsy (PEDALS) – A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol for a Stationary Cycling Intervention
The rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial examining the effects of a stationary cycling intervention for children with CP are outlined in this paper. Sixty ambulatory children with spastic diplegic CP between the ages of 7 and 18 years are randomized to either an intervention (cycling) or a control (no cycling group). Outcome measures include muscle strength, walking speed and endurance, gross motor function and health related quality of life.
Pilot Trial of Albuterol in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy
The authors conducted a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of albuterol in nine boys with dystrophinopathies. Primary outcomes were 1) isometric knee extensor and flexor strength; and 2) manual muscle testing (MMT). Isometric knee extensor strength and MMT scores were significantly higher in patients taking albuterol vs placebo. Therefore, 12-week treatment with extended-release albuterol may increase strength in patients with dystrophinopathies. A larger, double-blind, randomized study is necessary to confirm these results.
Promotion of Physical Fitness and Prevention of Secondary Conditions for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Section on Pediatrics Research Summit Proceedings
Inadequate physical fitness is a major problem affecting the function and health of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Lack of optimal physical activity may contribute to the development of secondary conditions associated with CP such as chronic pain, fatigue, and osteoporosis. The purpose of this article is to highlight the content and recommendations of a Pediatric Research Summit developed to foster collaborative research in this area.
A Controlled Social Skills Training for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Mary J. O’Connor, Fred Frankel, Blair Paley, Amy M. Schonfeld, Erika Carpenter, Elizabeth A. Laugeson, and Renee Marquardt.
Abstract: Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have significant social skill deficits. The efficacy of child friendship training (CFT; Frankel and Myatt 2003) versus delayed treatment control (DTC) was assessed for 100 children ages 6 to 12 with FASD. Children in the CFT group showed clear evidence of improvement in their knowledge of appropriate social behavior and, according to parent report, CFT resulted in improved social skills and fewer problems behaviors compared with DTC.
Duplication 8q22.1-q24.1 associated with bipolar disorder and speech delay
Authors: JF Macayrana, SG Brodieb, PN Raob, MJ O’Connor, JA Grayc, B Ciarimbolic and KM Dipple.
Abstract: A case report of a child with bipolar disorder found to have an unbalanced translocation involving the long arm of chromosome 8. This study provides further evidence to support previous linkage studies of a potential causative gene on 8q for bipolar disorder.
Reducing Adverse Outcomes from Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Clinical Plan of Action
Authors: R. Louise Floyd, Mary J. O’Connor, Jacquelyn Bertrand, and Robert Sokol
Abstract: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are among the leading preventable causes of developmental disorders in theUnited States; however, recognition and prevention of these conditions cannot be achieved without informed and educated health providers. This commentary addresses the importance of recognition and prevention of FASDs through the use of well-established standardized practices of diagnosis, screening, and brief alcohol reduction counseling. It is hoped that more knowledge on currently available procedures will encourage their use in the provision of routine health care to all women of childbearing age.
Strategies to Reduce Alcohol Exposure in Pregnancies
Authors: R. Louise Floyd · Shahul Ebrahim, James Tsai, Mary O’Connor, and Robert Sokol.
Abstract: Prenatal alcohol exposure remains a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States, with the prevalence of alcohol consumption by women in childbearing age remaining high and unchanged over time. This paper provides a summary of current knowledge and information on recognition and prevention of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy, including overall alcohol exposure burden among women of child-bearing age, diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and recommendations for screening, assessment and interventions to reduce alcohol exposed pregnancies.
The Relationship of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and the Postnatal Environment to Child Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Mary J. O’Connor, and Blair Paley
Abstract: This study examined the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and child depressive symptoms, and the mediating effects of maternal and child characteristics. Participants were 42 children aged 4–5 years and their biological mothers. Prenatal alcohol consumption was assessed by self-report of maximum drinks per drinking occasion. The Pictorial Depression Scale (PDS) measured child depressive symptoms. Mother–child interactions were assessed using the family interaction puzzle task. Structural equation modeling indicated that prenatal alcohol exposure was associated with more negative child affect. In turn, mothers of more negative children were less emotionally connected to their children, and those children had higher levels of depressive symptomatology. Results could not be explained by current maternal drinking patterns or maternal depression. Study findings highlight the importance of examining prenatal alcohol exposure as a risk factor in the prediction of childhood-onset depression and the environmental mechanisms that may mediate that relationship.
A Pathway to College
Sixteen young adults have intellectual and other developmental disabilities — Down syndrome, autism, Asperger's syndrome or other disorders that affect their intellectual abilities — and are going to college as the inaugural class of Pathway at UCLA Extension.
Opening the Door to More
Charities are tapping the talents of disabled helpers to diversify the face of their volunteer work force.
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