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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.

1,906 PAPERS · PAGE 28 OF 39 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTSLPCohort2025Parental magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of fetuses with brain anomalies.Developmental medicine and child neurologyWhen a fetus had a brain anomaly similar to a parent's MRI, the child usually developed typically. This was especially true for isolated corpus callosum issues. Parents of fetuses with these 'concordant' findings were more likely to continue the pregnancy.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Clinical utility and psychometric properties of tools for early detection of developmental concerns and disability in young children: A scoping review.Developmental medicine and child neurology67 validated tools are recommended for screening and assessing children from birth to 5 years 11 months. The ASQ-3 is best multi-domain screen; GMA is strongest early CP screen; SACS-R is best autism screen.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2025Journeys towards accessing an autism diagnosis and associated support: A survey of families of autistic children in Ecuador.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceFamilies of autistic children in Ecuador face fragmented care, paying out of pocket for diagnosis and relying heavily on the internet for support. They urgently need clear diagnostic pathways and evidence-based information. Clinicians must recognise that families are proactive but lack professional guidance and accessible services.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Clinician-caregiver informant discrepancy is associated with sex, diagnosis age, and intervention use among autistic children.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceClinicians rated boys higher than caregivers, but rated girls lower than caregivers. This discrepancy linked to earlier diagnosis and more intervention hours. Therapists should note that girls may appear less impaired in clinic than at home due to camouflaging.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Health and Health Care Utilization Outcomes for Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study.The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationOne year after injury, people with traumatic brain injury used significantly more health care than matched controls without injury. They had higher rates of emergency visits, hospital admissions, and new diagnoses, including headaches and anxiety. This suggests a need for closer long-term monitoring.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Do maternal and paternal education protect against developmental delays?Research in developmental disabilitiesMaternal education is associated with lower odds of developmental delays in children's second and third years, but not the first. Paternal education shows a similar trend only when maternal education is not considered, suggesting maternal factors are the primary driver.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024Parent Perspectives on Parent-Mediated Intervention for Young Children With Down Syndrome.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDParents want home-based interventions to fit existing routines, involve siblings, and require brief sessions. Time pressure and feeling unqualified were major barriers. Clinicians should design parent-led programmes to be short, structured, and embedded in daily life rather than adding new tasks.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2025Parent concerns prior to an assessment of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParents' concerns before an autism assessment vary widely. Speech and language issues were the most common concern across all studies, ranging from 27% to 84%. However, social concerns were much more frequent in older children, while parents of children later diagnosed with other conditions focused more on behaviour and medical issues.
• PTOTCohort2025Natural history of gait patterns in untreated children with bilateral cerebral palsy in a low-income country setting.Developmental medicine and child neurologyUntreated children with bilateral cerebral palsy show highly variable gait patterns, but hip and knee movement ranges decrease with age. This supports prioritizing interventions to maintain hip and knee extension, rather than assuming a uniform progression from equinus to crouch gait.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2024Global State of the Art and Science of Childhood Dysphagia: Similarities and Disparities in Burden.DysphagiaThis review maps the rising burden of childhood dysphagia, noting it affects 2-4% of US children under 5 and up to 99% of those with cerebral palsy. It argues that care must be multidisciplinary and tailored to the whole child, not just the swallow.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Cerebral palsy characteristics in term-born children with and without detectable perinatal risk factors: A cross-sectional study.Developmental medicine and child neurologyTerm-born children with cerebral palsy and no detectable perinatal risk factors had milder motor and communication impairments than those with risk factors. They were more likely to have unilateral spastic CP and focal brain injuries, particularly venous stroke, despite normal birth histories.
• PTOTSLPPilot2025Can muscle synergies shed light on the mechanisms underlying motor gains in response to robot-assisted gait training in children with cerebral palsy?Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationRobot gait training improved gross motor function and gait quality in children with cerebral palsy, but changes in muscle coordination patterns did not reliably predict who improved. One child showed a clear link between better coordination and gains, but this was not seen across the group.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Developmental trajectories in infants and pre-school children with Neurofibromatosis 1.Molecular autismChildren with NF1 showed slower cognitive and motor development from 5 months, with clear differences by 24 months. Autism traits were high at 24 months but dropped at 36 months, likely due to remote testing. Screen and refer for intervention by age 2.
• PTOTQualitative2025Understanding the complexity of decision-making for mothers of young children with ambulatory cerebral palsy: A qualitative phenomenological study.Developmental medicine and child neurologyMothers of children with ambulatory cerebral palsy describe decision-making as a constant trade-off between clinical gains and family survival. They report high uncertainty and administrative burden, often skipping therapy to protect work, money, or their child's happiness. Clinical success is not the only goal.
• PTOTSLPCase-Control2025Cerebellar haemorrhage and atrophy in infants born extremely preterm with intraventricular haemorrhage.Developmental medicine and child neurologyExtremely preterm infants with both intraventricular and cerebellar haemorrhage had significantly lower motor and cognitive scores at age two. Cerebellar atrophy predicted worse outcomes across all domains. These MRI findings help identify high-risk infants early for targeted therapy and counselling.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024Social Determinants in COVID-19 Experiences of Children With Disabilities Receiving School-Based Services in Chicago: Mixed-Methods Study of Parent/Guardian Perspectives.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPParents of children with disabilities reported that remote learning and virtual therapy were less effective than in-person services. Key barriers included lack of hands-on interaction, insufficient accommodations, and family financial or housing constraints that limited access to private support.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2024A Comparison of Parent-Reported Severe Autism With Mild/Moderate Autism Among US Children.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPChildren with parent-reported severe autism had higher rates of intellectual disability, language delays, and emergency visits, but were no more likely to receive behavioral therapy or see specialists than those with mild/moderate autism. Caregivers faced significantly higher stress and financial burden.
• PTOTCase-Control2024Interceptive abilities in autism spectrum disorder: Comparing naturalistic and virtual visuomotor tasks.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchAutistic boys caught fewer ping-pong balls than neurotypical boys in naturalistic and virtual tasks. Reaction time and quiet standing did not differ, so slower movement or poor balance did not explain the catching difference.
• PTOTSystematic Review2025Incidence of hip problems in developmental central hypotonia: A scoping review.Developmental medicine and child neurologyChildren with developmental central hypotonia face a much higher risk of hip dysplasia and dislocation than the general population. Because standard newborn checks often miss these issues, authors recommend hip ultrasound for all hypotonic infants between 6 weeks and 6 months, followed by ongoing surveillance.
• PTOther2025Serum metabolomics after exercise in ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy.Developmental medicine and child neurologyAfter functional testing, adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy had serum metabolite profiles that were different from those of typically developing peers, and several metabolite levels tracked with walking and strength only in cerebral palsy.
• PTOTRCT2025Evaluation of a Game-Based Mechatronic Device for Rehabilitation of Hand-Arm Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesChildren with cerebral palsy using a game-based robotic handle improved hand dexterity and visual-motor skills more than those receiving standard physical therapy. All 34 children completed the 8-week program with no adverse events, suggesting the device is feasible and engaging for home or clinic use.
• PTOTPilot2025Augmented Reality Exergames for Upcoming Cognitive-Motor Rehabilitation: User-Centered Design Approach and User Experience of Healthy Children.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesHealthy children rated the augmented reality cognitive-motor games as easy to use and reported positive emotions, but physical and mental fatigue increased after sessions. The games are not yet tested in children with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024Experiences of families of children with spinal muscular atrophy and the healthcare professionals supporting them during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide study.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineFamilies of children with SMA faced increased isolation and responsibility for home-based therapy. Healthcare professionals reported ethical stress from prioritising performance assessments over care. While physical health remained stable, the burden shifted heavily to parents and altered the therapeutic relationship.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Policy and practice recommendations for services for disabled children during emergencies: Learning from COVID-19.Developmental medicine and child neurologyStakeholders agreed on 19 recommendations for disabled children's services in emergencies. Key priorities include keeping education settings open, maintaining designated in-person assessment spaces, and ensuring clear, joined-up guidance from national bodies to local commissioners.
• PTOTOther2025Psychometric properties of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Patient Reported Outcome: A cognitively accessible measure of functional performance.Developmental medicine and child neurologyYoung people with developmental disabilities aged 14 to 22 could complete a self-reported functional performance measure on a three-point scale. Scores were consistent across daily, social/cognitive and mobility domains, so it can support goal setting, not prove intervention effects.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Accuracy of the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children in the primary care setting.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceIn a statewide primary care model, the STAT screening tool agreed with expert diagnosis in 78% of cases. It missed autism in children with higher developmental skills and lower symptom severity, so a low score does not rule out autism in these children.
• PTCase Report2025Case Report: Combination of focal vibration therapy and botulinum toxin injections to treat equinus gait in a child with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesIn one child with cerebral palsy, adding vibration therapy to standard care and botulinum toxin injections was associated with faster walking and less calf pain. The vibration effects seemed to disappear after the toxin injections, suggesting the two treatments may work through different mechanisms.
• PTCohort2024Associating neuromotor outcomes at 12 months with wearable sensor measures collected during early infancy in rural Guatemala.Gait & postureWearable sensors on infant ankles in rural Guatemala linked movement variability to later motor scores. Infants with more diverse leg movements in early infancy had higher motor scores at 12 months. Movement rate and peak acceleration did not predict outcomes.
• PTCohort2024Handrim kinetics and quantitative ultrasound parameters for assessment of subacromial impingement in wheelchair users with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury.Gait & postureIn 11 wheelchair users with pediatric-onset SCI, greater variability in propulsion force was linked to a thicker supraspinatus tendon, while higher force application effectiveness was linked to a thinner tendon. These relationships were inconsistent and did not establish a clear protective mechanism.
• PTCase Report2024Effects of robot exoskeletal-assisted gait training on gait ability in a pediatric patient with peripheral polyneuropathy: a case report.Journal of physical therapy scienceA boy with suspected Guillain-Barré improved walking and balance after robot exoskeleton-assisted gait training added to intravenous immunoglobulin, physical therapy and occupational therapy. This single case cannot show which treatment caused the change.
• PTOTSystematic Review2025Longitudinal relationship between hip displacement and hip function in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A scoping review.Developmental medicine and child neurologyThe link between hip displacement and daily function in children with cerebral palsy remains unclear. Most studies measure physical impairment rather than activity or participation, and surgical interventions obscure natural history. Clinicians cannot rely on current data to predict functional outcomes from hip structure alone.
• PTOTSLPOther2024Associations Between Childcare Physical Activity and Sedentary Time and Early Childhood Developmental Outcomes: A Compositional and Isotemporal Substitution Analysis.Child: care, health and developmentPreschoolers who spent more time in energetic play during childcare had fewer internalising symptoms and better movement skills. Replacing light activity with energetic play or sitting was linked to fewer symptoms. No links were found for cognitive scores. These are cross-sectional associations, not proof that play prevents mental health issues.
• PTOTSLPCase Report2024Complex Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a 4-Year-Old With Repaired Critical Congenital Heart Disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPIn a 4-year-old with repaired heart disease and autism, guanfacine worsened aggression, but clonidine plus stimulant medication reduced elopement and meltdowns. Cardiac monitoring was essential. This single case shows how to manage complex symptoms, not that these drugs work for everyone.
• PTCohort2024A Modification to the Assessment of Problem-Solving in Play to Enhance Its Utility: Evaluation of Validity, Responsiveness, and Reliability.Pediatric physical therapy : the official publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy AssociationA new scoring method for assessing problem-solving in play takes 10 to 18 minutes to score and can be learned in 4 to 8 hours. It correlates strongly with standard cognitive tests in infants with motor delays, offering a feasible way to track progress over time.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Emergency department utilization by spina bifida patients in Florida 2016-2020.Journal of rehabilitation medicineYoung adults with spina bifida in Florida used the emergency department most, especially those aged 20 to 29. Common reasons included infections, seizures, and bowel issues. These presentations suggest gaps in routine outpatient care during the transition from paediatric to adult services.
• PTOther2025ABC Grow Healthy Practices and Obesity-Related Health Behaviours in Family Child Care Homes in South Carolina.Child: care, health and developmentBefore ABC homes had to meet Grow Healthy standards, children in South Carolina family child care homes did not differ in activity, sedentary time, sleep, or overall diet quality; for child behavior outcomes, only fat and protein calorie shares differed.
• PTQualitative2024A Qualitative Study of Factors Perceived to Influence Physical Activity among Young Athletes after ACL Reconstruction.International journal of sports physical therapyYoung athletes after ACL reconstruction described fear, soreness, and lost time as barriers, yet kept moving through body awareness, personal meaning, and social accountability.
• PTOTQualitative2025'It can be very complicated': A qualitative analysis of clinicians' practices and perspectives on treating adolescents with nonspecific persistent back pain.Clinical rehabilitationClinicians treating adolescents with persistent back pain prioritised function over pain reduction. They found success depended on aligning goals with both the teen and their parents, as parental buy-in determined attendance. Treatment varied by clinician training, with many relying on exercise before addressing psychosocial factors.
• PTOTSLPOther2025The effects of family directed power mobility on self-care, mobility, and social function in very young children with severe multiple developmental impairments.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesTwelve children with severe mobility impairments used modified ride-on toys for three months. Caregivers reported improvements in self-care, mobility, and social function. All children learned to operate the device, even those with cortical visual impairment or who could not follow commands.
• PTOTSLPRCT2025Would integrating monochromatic infrared energy into the physical rehabilitation of adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome have any advantageous effects? A randomized controlled trial.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAdding infrared therapy to exercise reduced pain more than exercise alone in adolescents with knee pain. Pain scores dropped to a median of 2 out of 10 in the infrared group versus 4 in the control group after three months.
• PTOther2025Imu-based kinematic analysis to enhance upper limb motor function assessment in neuromuscular diseases.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationWearable sensors recorded children's upper-limb movement during routine DMD and SMA assessments. Hand workspace area and volume moved closely with clinician scores, and full-session movement differed from scored items alone.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Natural history of SGCE-associated myoclonus dystonia in children and adolescents.Developmental medicine and child neurologyIn children with SGCE-associated myoclonus dystonia, motor symptoms worsen over time. Action myoclonus and writing dystonia progressed significantly, causing reported declines in speech, writing, and walking. High rates of anxiety, OCD, and ADHD were also found.
• PTOTNarrative Review2024Sleep-related breathing disorders in children with spina bifida.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineChildren with spina bifida and myelomeningocele often have sleep-related breathing disorders without snoring or poor sleep history. The review recommends low-threshold in-lab polysomnography and multidisciplinary care, with physical and occupational therapy as possible team members, not a proven single treatment.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Psychometric evaluation of the Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire.Developmental medicine and child neurologyThe Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire reliably tracks social and repetitive behaviors across ages and backgrounds. It screens well in general populations but poorly distinguishes autism from other disabilities in clinical settings. Use it to map symptom profiles, not to diagnose.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Material hardship and sources of support for autistic adolescents and their families.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceFamilies of autistic teens face high material hardship, but income alone misses the problem. Many middle-income families struggle with costs and lack safety net access. Therapists should screen for financial strain and asset loss, not just poverty, as these families often have insurance but still face food insecurity and bankruptcy risks.
• PTOTCase Series2025Satisfactory long-term functional and radiological outcomes following hip reconstructive surgery in children with cerebral palsy.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineAt mean 8.4 years after hip surgery, parents reported better health, leg function, activity and pain, and hip radiographs improved. Without a control group or pre-surgery pain scores, the surgery's effect is not proven.
• PTOther2025Psychometric evaluation of the PROMIS parent proxy mobility item bank for use in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.Developmental medicine and child neurologyA parent-report mobility questionnaire for ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be reduced to a shorter set of items that consistently rank activities from easiest to hardest. It separates children well by mobility, except at the highest levels.
• PTOTSLPCase Report2024Analysis of brain activity for speech stimuli and child development of an infant with neurosyphilis: case report.CoDASA four-month-old with treated neurosyphilis had normal peripheral hearing but delayed expressive language and fine motor skills. Brain imaging showed speech detection without left-hemisphere lateralization. This single case cannot prove a treatment effect, but highlights the need for multidisciplinary monitoring beyond hearing tests.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Longitudinal Associations Between Movement Behaviours and Development Among Infants Using Compositional Data Analysis.Child: care, health and developmentMore tummy time and sleep linked to better gross motor skills. More time on back linked to delays. Time in strollers or high chairs helped communication but slowed sitting. Optimal daily minutes for motor development: 43 tummy, 51 back, 96 restrained, 845 sleep.
• PTOther2025Comparison of gait deviation index (GDI) and gait variability index (GVI) measured by marker-based and markerless motion capture systems in children with cerebral palsy (CP).Gait & postureIn children with cerebral palsy, Theia3D markerless motion capture gave lower Gait Deviation Index scores than marker-based capture, especially in more affected limbs. Gait Variability Index scores did not differ. Do not compare GDI scores across systems.