Pediatrics

Kids orthotics are us!

Tummy tech tracks electrical activity for signs of indigestion

Wearable stomach monitor could help salvage a technology largely abandoned by gastroenterologists. Researchers have developed a wearable system to monitor stomach activity that performs as well as current state of the art methods but … READ MORE

Electrical brain stimulation could benefit children with cerebral palsy

First-of-its-kind study using electrical currents to boost motor skills shows promise. Testing the technology: Hadley Lucca, making slime with her mom, Sarah, took part in a groundbreaking study at the University of Minnesota that … READ MORE

Wearable sensors characterize CP gait

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) facilitate the creation of a gait analysis system that is portable and suited for use in the clinic. Research suggests IMUs can be used to measure clinically important gait metrics in children with … READ MORE

Calgary researchers develop portable brain imaging system to shed light on concussions

A volunteer wears the cap, developed at the U of C, which contains small lights that have sensors connected to a computer. When researchers turn on the lights, they can monitor and measure brain activity. Elissa Carpenter CBC By Kelly … READ MORE

Simulated horseback riding helpful in treating children with cerebral palsy

Robotically assisted hippotherapy, a type of therapy that simulates the repetitive and rhythmic movement of a horse, has the potential to improve trunk control and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy, according to science … READ MORE

Markin undergrads get first-hand experience using cutting-edge robotic technology

Markin USRP students Ash Kolstad, left, and Justin Tan combine neuroscience research with technology under the mentorship of Tyler Cluff, seated. Stephanie Vahaaho, University of Calgary University of Calgary students Justin Tan and … READ MORE

Orthopedic issue in kids? Skip these tests, experts say

Five things physicians and patients should question. The American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, POSNA have identified five procedures or tests that may be unnecessary when … READ MORE

What is Pectus carinatum and how can it be treated?

Pectus carinatum is a rare chest wall deformity that causes the breastbone to push outward instead of being flush against the chest. It is also known as pigeon chest or keel chest. Quick and accurate 3D scans assure excellent fit of … READ MORE

Bad habits, not a bad brain, affect many cerebral palsy patients

Just sitting upright is a battle for two-year-old Jack Pankratz, and so his mother Kim Kucher offers a steady hand and lots of encouragement. Two-year old, Jack, who suffers from cerebral palsy, lays on a couch in the home of … READ MORE

A smart phone app for cerebral palsy screening

Early diagnosis appears key for physiotherapy interventions for cerebral palsy, so researchers have developed an app for parents to video their child for remote screening. Baby Lexi Polonidis is taking part in the Baby Moves and VICS … READ MORE

Health Canada approves Dysport to treat kids with cerebral palsy

Health Canada has approved Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) for the treatment of leg spasticity in children and teens ages 2 and older, including those with cerebral palsy. Six months ago, 13-year-old Georges Vermast rode her bike for the … READ MORE

Parents shouldn’t over worry about early issues with children’s knees and feet

Most early anomalies in a child’s gait will work themselves out, says Dr. Peter Nieman. Childhood development can be a time of both excitement and stress. On the one hand, it is exciting for parents to document their baby’s … READ MORE

Botox treatments may help your child with spastic CP

Spastic CP means the muscles are tense and tight. This occurs because the brain is not sending the right signals to the muscles. Muscle stiffness affects all aspects of the child’s activities of daily living. A four-year-old who has … READ MORE

Task training seems to improve hand dexterity in kids with cerebral palsy

Task-oriented training (TOT) improves hand dexterity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), according to a preliminary study from South Korea. Children with CP often show delayed development, impaired body movement, and limitations in … READ MORE

Seeking one giant leap for a child’s mobility

With public programs stretched, some parents are turning to private therapies to help kids overcome mobility problems – but the jury is still out on their effectiveness. Therapist Sandi Marshall (left) and mother Nancy Grant (right) … READ MORE

Toy cars help kids with disabilities explore movement

Modified vehicles offer independence to children, hope to parents. Khyla Buium, a two-year-old with cerebral palsy, along with her mom Julie were at the Wascana Rehabiliation Centre to demonstrate a modified ride-on car that was … READ MORE

Boy, 12, overcomes limited mobility and inspires friends to play sledge hockey

Yellowknife’s first such team has about 20 players, but only one actually requires a seated sled. Riley Oldford, 12, who has limited mobility, has inspired the formation of Yellowknife’s first sledge hockey team. Sarah Bridge … READ MORE

Pink custom trike a dream come true for 12-year-old Syrian refugee with cerebral palsy

Elham Albakar and her family came to Canada in 2015 after fleeing conflict in Aleppo. Elham was presented with the bike by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba, Freedom Concepts and the Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams … READ MORE

Children with special needs get their own, special Santa time

“I’d drive 1,000 miles for an experience like this.” Harrison Markin, 6 yrs, experiences a giant snow globe and visits Santa and Mrs Claus at Southcentre Mall in southwest Calgary on Sunday, December 3, 2017. The mall hosted a … READ MORE

Botox treatment observed less effective for children with CP

More than one injection of botulinum toxin A in children with cerebral palsy (CP) was seen as less effective over the long term and had fewer gait benefits compared to patients injected once or not at all, according to a new … READ MORE

Umbilical cord blood improves motor skills in some children with cerebral palsy

Randomized clinical trial shows improved motor function in children infused with own cells. An infusion of cells from a child’s own umbilical cord blood appears to improve brain connectivity and motor function in children with … READ MORE

Researchers call on province to fund genetic testing for cerebral palsy

New study shows genetic variations are a factor in 20 per cent of hemiplegic CP cases. What was thought to be an almost entirely environmental disorder has a significant genetic component. – Stephen Scherer, Hospital for Sick … READ MORE

Video game improves balance in youth with autism

Playing a video game that rewards participants for holding various “ninja” poses could help children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve their balance, according to a recent study in the Journal of Autism and … READ MORE

Bearspaw boy struggles toward recovery, years after being choked by lanyard

It’s a looming five-year anniversary Kamila Kitzul is loath to ponder. On Dec. 12, 2012, her eight-year-old son Nicholas donned a hall pass dangling from a non-breakaway lanyard for a trip to the boys’ washroom at Bearspaw School, … READ MORE

You have to keep trying: Teen with cerebral palsy on school volleyball team

Brett Smith, 14, plays volleyball, floor hockey, table tennis and softball. According to his coaches, Brett Smith’s strong point is his serve. It’s on display Tuesday afternoons, during volleyball practice at Heritage … READ MORE

Study finds children with cerebral palsy not receiving common spasticity therapy

Among children with cerebral palsy, 42% have not received any common spasticity management therapies, including orthotics, casting or orthopedic surgery, according to a press release from Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. Inquiry into … READ MORE

Meet the bike designer who changes lives

Custom bikes make cycling dreams come true. Jerzee Wasylnuk’s mobility was achieved thanks to Freedom Concepts, a Winnipeg company where a team custom designs and builds bikes for people — mostly children — who would never … READ MORE

Music therapy for children with autism has positive outcome

It might not surprise that good relationships create good outcomes, as meaningful relational experiences are crucial to all of us in our everyday life. However, the development of a relationship with a child with autism may be … READ MORE

Pup dives in for special-needs kids

Cori, a 1-year-old retriever mix training in water rescue, takes part in a special-needs swim lesson in Escondido. With her, clockwise from left, are Logan Powell, 6, dog handler Deb Parker, Caiden Shawver, 3, swim instructor Jodi … READ MORE

Cerebral palsy: Understanding and embracing the journey

October 6 is World Cerebral Palsy Day, a movement to increase awareness about the #1 childhood motor function disorder. In our efforts to encourage open discussion in all topics, we reached out to influencers impacted by cerebral … READ MORE

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