TOPIC

Paediatrics research

Everything we have read on paediatrics. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

2,466 PAPERS · PAGE 18 OF 50 · NEWEST FIRST

• OTPilot2021Combined Effects of Virtual Reality and Computer Game-Based Cognitive Therapy on the Development of Visual-Motor Integration in Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study.Occupational therapy internationalThirteen children with intellectual disabilities improved on motor skills and visual perception tests after combined VR and computer game therapy. However, the specific visual-motor integration score showed no significant change. Do not assume this combination works for integration.
• PTOTRCT2021Efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA with standardized occupational therapy for treatment of pediatric upper limb spasticity: Phase III placebo-controlled randomized trial.NeuroRehabilitationOnabotulinumtoxinA plus occupational therapy significantly reduced upper limb spasticity in children compared to placebo plus occupational therapy. However, it did not significantly improve overall clinical impression of change or active functional goals at the primary time point, though passive goals showed some benefit.
• OTSystematic Review2021Coaching Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Difficulties: A Scoping Review.Occupational therapy internationalCoaching parents of children with autism and sensory difficulties showed promise in four small studies, improving parent competence and child behavior. However, evidence is preliminary, designs varied widely, and long-term maintenance is unproven.
• OTSLPRCT2021Randomized controlled trial of sulforaphane and metabolite discovery in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Molecular autismSulforaphane did not significantly improve the primary measure of autism severity compared to placebo. However, caregivers reported significant improvements in behavior problems at 15 weeks. Blood markers showed the compound reached the body and altered inflammation and mitochondrial function.
• OTSurvey2021Occupational Therapy Services in School-Based Practice: A Pediatric Occupational Therapy Perspective from Ireland.Occupational therapy internationalIrish school-based OTs mostly deliver one-to-one therapy and see schools monthly, but lack specific training and guidelines. They value collaboration but struggle to implement it due to time and workload constraints.
• PTOTSLPRCT2021Safety and Effectiveness of a Perturbation-based Neuromuscular Training Program on Dynamic Balance in Adolescent Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial.International journal of sports physical therapyA five-week perturbation training program was safe for adolescent females but did not improve dynamic balance, strength, proprioception, or flexibility compared to normal activity. The primary outcome was null.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Functional Consequences of Poor Binaural Hearing in Development: Evidence From Children With Unilateral Hearing Loss and Children Receiving Bilateral Cochlear Implants.Trends in hearingChildren with unilateral hearing loss had similar language, academic, and visuospatial memory deficits as peers with bilateral deafness using cochlear implants. Normal hearing in one ear did not prevent these developmental delays. Balance issues were equally common in both hearing loss groups.
• OTSystematic Review2021Systematic Review of Visual Motor Integration in Children with Developmental Disabilities.Occupational therapy internationalAge and diagnosis consistently influence visual motor integration scores in children with developmental disabilities, while gender findings are inconsistent. Occupational therapists should prioritize age-based norms and diagnosis-specific expectations when assessing and setting goals.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Assessing the Quality of Life of Parents of Children With Disabilities Using WHOQoL BREF During COVID-19 Pandemic.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesParents of children with disabilities reported significantly lower quality of life in physical health, social relationships, and environment domains compared to parents of typically developing children. However, psychological health scores showed no significant difference between the two groups.
• OTOther2021Psychometric validation and refinement of the Interoception Sensory Questionnaire (ISQ) in adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum.Molecular autismA shorter 8-item questionnaire reliably measures interoceptive difficulties in autistic adolescents and adults. The original 20-item version contained redundant questions that skewed results, so the refined tool provides a clearer, more accurate picture of a patient's awareness of internal body signals.
• PTOTSLPPilot2021A novel measure of matching categories for early development: Item creation and pilot feasibility study.Research in developmental disabilitiesMost children with developmental delays could engage with a new tablet-based concept matching task, but many struggled with the dragging motion. This pilot shows the format is feasible, but the interface needs changes to reduce motor demands before clinical use.
• OTSLPCohort2021Relationship Between Parent and Teacher Reported Executive Functioning and Maladaptive Behaviors in Children With Down Syndrome.American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilitiesTeachers reported more executive functioning problems than parents in children with Down syndrome. Better behavioral regulation and metacognition were linked to fewer attention and externalizing problems. These concurrent links suggest targeting inhibitory and emotional control may help, but do not prove causation.
• OTSurvey2021COVID-19 and behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: Disparities by income and food security status.Research in developmental disabilitiesCaregivers reported moderate-to-large negative behavior changes in 74% of children with ASD during pandemic regulations. Food insecurity was a stronger predictor than income alone. Clinicians should screen for food access when managing behavioral escalations in these families.
• OTSLPPilot2020Developing a Screening Tool for Young Children Using an Ecological Framework.Infants and young childrenA new screening tool for homeless children was tested with 60 families. Most questions worked well, but items about daily skills and parenting did not fit and were replaced. The tool is feasible for staff to use, but it is not yet proven to accurately identify developmental delays.
• OTSystematic Review2021Performance-Based Executive Function Instruments Used by Occupational Therapists for Children: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties.Occupational therapy internationalEvidence for five performance-based executive function tests used by OTs with children is weak. While these tools assess real-world tasks, their reliability and validity are inconsistent or unproven. Use them with caution and do not rely on them as definitive measures.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021Pediatric unilateral spatial neglect: A systematic review.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicinePediatric unilateral spatial neglect often persists for years but is missed by simple paper-and-pencil tests. Clinicians should use challenging functional tasks, eye tracking, or age-appropriate tools like the Teddy Bear Cancellation Test to detect it, as standard assessments frequently fail to identify the condition.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021The intersection of gross motor abilities and participation in children with autism spectrum disorder.Infants and young childrenChildren with autism who had better gross motor skills participated more in self-care, active play, and social interaction. Many children lacked opportunities for team sports or bike riding due to parent or environmental factors, not just their own ability.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Co-Occurrence of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPTwenty-four percent of children with sickle cell disease had a neurodevelopmental disorder. Half of those with language disorders and only 63% of those with ADHD received appropriate therapy or medication. Screen for cognitive issues in all sickle cell patients, as many eligible children miss school support.
• PTOTOther2021Impact of Upper Extremity Impairment and Trunk Control on Self-Care Independence in Children With Upper Motor Neuron Lesions.Physical therapyTrunk control explains more self-care independence in children with upper motor neuron lesions than arm movement quality, spasticity, or strength. Therapists should prioritize trunk stability training, as it provides the stable base required for the upper limbs to function effectively during daily tasks.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Prevalence and Correlates of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Diverse, Treatment-Seeking Pediatric Overweight/Obesity Sample.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPIn treatment-seeking youth with obesity, ADHD was linked to fewer active days and more meals per day, but not consistently to higher BMI. Rurality predicted higher BMI. Stimulant medication was associated with even lower physical activity.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Accuracy of body mass index in categorizing weight status in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineBody mass index misclassified weight status in 61% of children with disabilities compared to 11% of typically developing peers. For wheelchair users, BMI failed to identify obesity in every case assessed, underestimating weight status by up to three categories.
• PTOTSLPPilot2021Inspiratory muscle training in children and adolescents living with neuromuscular diseases: A pre-experimental study.The South African journal of physiotherapyEight children with neuromuscular disease completed six weeks of inspiratory muscle training without adverse events. Inspiratory strength and flow improved. Lung volumes and cough ability did not change, and quality of life scores did not improve significantly.
• PTOTSurvey2021Site, frequency, and duration of pain in young children with spina bifida.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicinePain frequency and duration did not differ by child sex, lesion level, spina bifida type, or walking status. Still, 69 of 101 caregivers reported their child complained of pain, often in the head, abdomen, or lower body.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Association between race and in-hospital outcomes in children with spina bifida following inpatient urologic surgery.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineIn children with spina bifida undergoing urologic surgery, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with longer hospital stays and higher costs compared to White patients. There was no difference in in-hospital complications between White, Black, or Hispanic groups.
• OTCohort2021Knowledge of Infant Development and Parent Well-Being: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Toddlers.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPKnowing more about child development did not make parents less stressed or healthier. Across 299 families, caregiver knowledge showed no link to mental health, stress, or general health. Do not assume boosting developmental knowledge will improve parent well-being.
• PTOTCase Series2021Exploratory analysis of a developmentally progressive modified ride-on car intervention for young children with Down syndrome.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyAll eight toddlers with Down syndrome learned to drive modified ride-on cars independently. Five used a sit-to-stand mode to practice walking. The study suggests this is feasible and safe, but lacks a control group, so it cannot prove the cars accelerated motor development.
• OTCohort2021Longitudinal change in parent postsecondary expectations for youth with disabilities.Disability and rehabilitationParent expectations for youth with disabilities were moderately stable over two years, but shifts were associated with later independence. Negative shifts consistently linked to less independent outcomes; positive shifts were inconsistent and sometimes linked to less independent living.
• PTOTCohort2021Relationships among classifications of impairment and measures of ambulatory function for children with spina bifida.Disability and rehabilitationFor children with spina bifida, classifications based on braces, devices, and home or community mobility tracked daily steps better than x-ray lesion level. Functional classification may be more useful than anatomic level alone.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Functional Gains in Children Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation After Brain Tumor Resection.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationChildren recovering from brain tumor surgery showed significant functional gains during inpatient rehab and continued improving three months after discharge. Earlier admission and older age predicted better outcomes, but tumor location and neurological risk scores did not add predictive value beyond basic patient characteristics.
• OTCohort2021Returning to the Workplace During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Concerns of Australian Workers.Journal of occupational rehabilitationMost employed Australian workers reported concerns about returning to the workplace. Infection risk was the most common worry, but over half also feared impacts on work and home life. Workers with psychological distress, financial stress, or working from home reported more concerns.
• OTSLPSurvey2022Therapy use for U.S. school-aged children with developmental disabilities: State variation and determinants.Disability and health journalOnly 34.6% of U.S. school-aged children with developmental disabilities were currently using therapy services. Use varied by state, from 21.7% in Iowa to 51.1% in the District of Columbia. State-level factors did not explain these differences.
• PTOTSystematic Review2022Physical Impairment and Function in Children and Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationChildren and adolescents with sickle cell disease show widespread physical impairments, including reduced muscle strength, lower bone density, and decreased physical activity. Objective testing reveals deficits that self-report questionnaires may miss, suggesting clinicians should use direct measures to guide care.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Discriminatory Capacity of the Physical Domain Versus the Full-Scale Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory With Traumatic Brain Injury Severity in Children.American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitationThe full Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory detects brain injury severity better than the physical domain alone. The physical score identifies moderate and severe cases but misses milder ones. Clinicians should use the full survey, which takes less than five minutes, for complete assessment.
• PTOTOther2021Application of Inertial Measurement Units and Machine Learning Classification in Cerebral Palsy: Randomized Controlled Trial.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesCustom wrist sensors plus machine learning separated movement samples from children with CP from typical movement samples on a stop sign task, correctly classifying 85.75% of older samples and 88.13% of younger samples. This is a measurement method, not proof that therapy works.
• PTOTQualitative2022Educational support needs of injured children and their families: A qualitative study.Journal of rehabilitation medicineInjured children and parents report that schools often isolate them in separate zones or exclude them from physical education out of caution. Families say a trusted key worker is essential to coordinate flexible learning and keep children with their peers.
• PTOTOther2021Usability and performance validation of an ultra-lightweight and versatile untethered robotic ankle exoskeleton.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA lightweight untethered ankle exoskeleton reduced energy cost during incline walking in healthy adults and increased stair-climbing distance in people with cerebral palsy. Users could don and calibrate the device independently in under five minutes.
• PTOTSLPPilot2022Optimized scheme for paired transverse corrective forces in S-shaped scoliosis via ultrasound and application in Chêneau brace: a pilot study.Prosthetics and orthotics internationalPlacing the thoracic pressure pad 2 cm below the top of the curve, rather than at the top, significantly improved spinal alignment in adolescents with S-shaped scoliosis. This position worked in Chêneau braces, but long-term outcomes and rotation correction require further study.
• OTOther2021Proximal and distal movement patterns during a graphomotor task in typically developing children and children with handwriting problems.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationChildren with handwriting problems drew shapes less accurately and moved their shoulders and upper backs differently than peers. However, the amount of movement did not predict writing quality. Accuracy errors, not joint dynamics, were the strongest predictors of legibility and speed.
• PTOTCase-Control2021Bilateral actigraphic quantification of upper extremity movement in hemiparetic children with perinatal stroke: a case control study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationBilateral wrist actigraphy distinguished hemiparetic children from typically developing peers in real life, with asymmetry scores correlating modestly with clinical tests. The strongest links appeared during sleep and rest, not active play, suggesting standard clinic measures do not fully capture daily movement patterns.
• OTCohort2021The Role of Decision-Making in Psychological Wellbeing and Risky Behaviours in Autistic Adolescents Without ADHD: Longitudinal Evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAfter accounting for background differences, autistic adolescents' decision quality was similar to peers, but they took longer to decide. Only in autistic adolescents, longer deciding was linked with greater happiness, higher self-esteem, and fewer antisocial behaviours.
• OTSLPCohort2021Individual and Environmental Factors Affecting Adaptive Behavior of Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Role of Parents' Socio-cultural Level.Journal of autism and developmental disordersMothers' education linked to better communication, and parents' community engagement linked to better daily living skills in toddlers with autism. These environmental factors mattered alongside the child's age and general development, suggesting family context is relevant for early intervention planning.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Understanding Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Autism-Related Service Use Among Medicaid-Enrolled Children.Journal of autism and developmental disordersBlack, Asian, and Native American children with autism received fewer outpatient services than white children, but more school-based services. This suggests families may be substituting school therapy for medical care, potentially hiding access barriers in the outpatient setting.
• OTSLPMeta-Analysis2021IQ and Internalising Symptoms in Adolescents with ASD.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAdolescents with ASD and lower IQs reported significantly more anxiety, but parents did not. Higher IQs were linked to more depression. Clinicians must ask adolescents directly about anxiety rather than relying on parent reports, especially for those with lower cognitive abilities.
• PTOTOther2022Safety and efficacy of repeat long-term incobotulinumtoxinA treatment for lower limb or combined upper/lower limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineRepeat incobotulinumtoxinA injections for lower limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy were well-tolerated over four to six cycles. Muscle tone improved consistently, and gross motor scores rose by 4.8 points at the final visit. Most adverse events were mild respiratory infections.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Shared Features or Co-occurrence? Evaluating Symptoms of Developmental Coordination Disorder in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersMost children with autism in this study showed motor difficulties severe enough to meet the criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder. Their performance on standardized movement tests was no different from children diagnosed with DCD. This suggests motor issues are common in autism and may be overlooked if clinicians only look for social or communication deficits.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Brief Report: Impact of COVID-19 on Individuals with ASD and Their Caregivers: A Perspective from the SPARK Cohort.Journal of autism and developmental disordersCaregivers reported severe disruptions to speech, OT, and ABA therapy, with 64% saying their child's symptoms worsened. Remote services were rarely used and perceived as beneficial by fewer than half, except for mental health care. Parents of preschoolers reported the highest stress levels.
• PTOTSLPOther2021A Distinct Three-Factor Structure of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in an Epidemiologically Sound Sample of Preschool-Age Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersPreschoolers with autism showed three distinct behavior clusters: repetitive sensorimotor, insistence on sameness, and stereotyped speech. Speech patterns linked to higher language skills, while sensorimotor behaviors linked to lower adaptive functioning. This structure was unclear in non-autism children.
• PTOTPilot2022Feasibility of a virtual reality-based exercise intervention and low-cost motion tracking method for estimation of motor proficiency in youth with autism spectrum disorder.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAll 10 children with autism completed the two-week VR game with motion capture without serious adverse events, but motor and cognitive flexibility scores did not improve significantly.
• OTSLPOther2021Detecting Feeding Problems in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersThe Dutch Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale reliably detects feeding problems in children with autism, who score higher than typical peers on almost all items. The exception is mealtime duration, where children with autism often eat faster, so this item should be excluded from the total score.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Sex Differences in Co-occurring Conditions Among Autistic Children and Youth in Florida: A Retrospective Cohort Study (2012-2019).Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn 83,500 autistic children, girls had significantly higher odds of anxiety, mood disorders, intellectual disability, epilepsy, sleep, and GI issues than boys. Boys had higher odds of ADHD. This suggests clinicians should screen girls more aggressively for these co-occurring conditions.