The ResearchWorks Podcast

Our annual wrap-up and summary of the combined EACD / IAACD 2025 Conference, live from Heidelberg Germany!Be sure to catch up on our entire EACD / IAACD 2025 conference series, both audio and video casts!For information on the ResearchWorks Academy, be sure to visit the academy website (www.researchworks.academy), register for FREE for the discussion forum and check out all the tools, apps, AI powered search and chat features on the main academy website - it's FREE for the next 60 days!We'd love to get your feedback and thoughts on the site!

We catch up with friend of the pod, Dr Wade Schrader!Pain trajectories, care coordination, CP and surgery keynote: What are the long-term implications of orthopaedic surgery for children with cerebral palsy, and how can care coordination enhance their outcomes?Another brilliant interview with researchers from EACD / IAACD 2025 at Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Professor Ana Carolina de Campos!Sexuality and relationship in young adults with CP: Why is it important to address sexuality and relationships in young adults with cerebral palsy, and what are some key considerations?Another brilliant interview with researchers from EACD / IAACD 2025 at Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Professor Paula Chagas!GMFR: The Gross Motor Function Family Report - GMF-FR aims to measure gross motor activity in the home and community settings, reported by the families.Another brilliant interview with researchers from EACD / IAACD 2025 at Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Assistant Professor Sudarshan Dayanidhi!Muscle morphology and Macrophages: What can muscle morphology tell us about the progression of cerebral palsy, and how can this inform treatment approaches?Another brilliant interview with researchers from EACD / IAACD 2025 at Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Professor Kaat Desloovere!Gait Classification: How does gait classification help in tailoring rehabilitation strategies for children with cerebral palsy?Another brilliant interview with researchers from EACD / IAACD 2025 at Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Associate Professor Guro Anderson!Lessons learned from 20 years of CP registry: What have been the most significant insights gained from 20 years of cerebral palsy registry data, and how have they shaped clinical practice?Another brilliant interview with researchers from EACD / IAACD 2025 at Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Professor Petrus De Vries!Coaching of PWLE in LMIC with behavioral interventions: What are the key components of effective coaching programs for people with lived experience in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those focusing on behavioral interventions?Another brilliant interview with researchers from EACD / IAACD 2025 at Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Professor Jan Kirschner!Gene therapy for childhood onset disability from neuromuscular disorders: What lessons have you learned from gene therapy in neuromuscular disorders, and how do you see this approach evolving in the future?Another brilliant interview with researchers from EACD / IAACD 2025 at Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Keynote speaker: Professor Tobias Banaschewski!Long-term impact of early life adversity on antisocial brain: What have been the most significant findings from your research on the long-term impact of early life adversity on the brain, particularly in relation to antisocial behaviour?Another brilliant interview with researchers from EACD / IAACD 2025 at Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Chair of the Intensive Therapy Session: Professor Diane Damiano!Diane's work has been incredibly influential and has certainly shaped the field of physical therapy. We check in with her about research and what has made the most significant shift over the past few decades.We also get Diane's thoughts about the research that is currently being done and presented in the intensive therapy space.  And amongst many other topics, we discuss the key challenges in translating CP research into clinical practice and what the future of motor interventions for childhood disabilities looks like!Join us for another brilliant conversation with a brilliant researcher - live from the EACD / IAACD Conference 2025, in Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Keynote speaker: Professor Jill ZwickerDCD and ADHD keynote: How do developmental coordination disorder and ADHD intersect, and what are the implications for diagnosis and treatment?Join us for another brilliant conversation with a brilliant researcher - live from the EACD / IAACD Conference 2025, in Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Vice President of EACD / IAACD 2025 Dr Christian Shaaf!A behind the scenes look at the conference and how it has all come together!Join us for another brilliant conversation with a brilliant researcher - live from the EACD / IAACD Conference 2025, in Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Professor Hercules Leite!The F-word Lens: How does the F-words lens change the way we approach intervention for children with cerebral palsy?Join us for another brilliant conversation with a brilliant researcher - live from the EACD / IAACD Conference 2025, in Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Professor Thorsten Langer!Transition of youth with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: What are the key challenges in transitioning youth with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to adult care, and how can we address them?Join us for another brilliant conversation with a brilliant researcher - live from the EACD / IAACD Conference 2025, in Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Professor Ann-Cristin Eliasson!Remote early intervention for infants at high risk of CP: How have remote early intervention programs impacted families and their children with cerebral palsy?Join us for another brilliant conversation with a brilliant researcher - live from the EACD / IAACD Conference 2025, in Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Dr Jorn Ockerman!We last spoke with Jorn nearly 2 year ago and pre-PhD! The now Dr Ockerman is passionate about gamerfication and how this can impact on research and clinical application!Join us for another brilliant conversation with a brilliant researcher - live from the EACD / IAACD Conference 2025, in Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Debora Claesson!A parents perspective on Research and the real life impact of bringing the evidence to the fore! Amongst many other topics, we discuss her advocacy for evidence-based therapy has changed the landscape of rehabilitation for children with disabilities.Join us for another brilliant conversation - live from the EACD / IAACD Conference 2025, in Heidelberg Germany!

We catch up with Dr Kath Benfer!It's all about Early Intervention for CP in LMICS. We discuss what are the most effective early intervention strategies for children with cerebral palsy in low- and middle-income countries, and how can they be scaled up?Join us for another brilliant conversation with a brilliant researcher - live from the EACD / IAACD Conference 2025, in Heidelberg Germany!

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Dr Boyer - a discussion about her incredible work in the specific area of pain research in cerebral palsy!Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/@mconmannheim/videos

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Professor Fehlings and discuss all things early intervention, genetics, biomarkers, being curious, asking questions and the blend of research and clinical work and the call of implementation!Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/@mconmannheim/videos

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Professor Boyd - the Vice President of EACD / IAACD 2025! We discuss all things early intervention, randomised control trials, collaborations and the implementation and adoption of the new, weening off what we are wedded to!Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/@mconmannheim/videos

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Professor Imms - the IAACD President, a look at how Professor Imms came to lead the IAACD, her involvement in the IAACD and her passion about all things participation!Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxnWIR6iNio

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Dr Cathy Morgan - we cover off AI, artificial intelligence, early intervention and early detection, developing AI models, best practice ML processes, dissecting and analysing video and Data! Data! Data!CP360 - a bold new initiative accelerating global action for the 50 million people living with cerebral palsy!Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph0t7Q6lZas

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Professor Dusing - we discuss what therapy should look like, what it could look like and how we should be  incorporating PLAY in therapy (it's much more complex than you might think!). It needs to be self-generated by the child to truly be play!Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a27lVhpb6XQ

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Dr Sebastian Schroeder - a look behind the scenes at EACD / IAACD 2025. Dr Schroeder is the Chair of the Scientific Committee for the conference and one of the key personnel behind the combined congress this year. Hearing his heart for the conference was a beautiful insight into the interdisciplinary and collaborative philosophies that Dr Schroeder and his team brought to the fore.Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH1TtdUvDCY

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Professor Novak - State of the Evidence, traffic lights. A brilliant conversation about her seminal work and the future of stem cells and early intervention."...i did it myself..." "...whose brain is doing the work?..." Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql9n_jw2u88

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Dr Greaves - all about upper limb therapy, unilateral cerebral palsy, bimanual therapy and all things hands-off!Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKt_gSrWhGI

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Professor Ortibus - a conversation centred around CVI (cerebral visual impairment)!Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvftmDsnx5s

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Professor Bleyenheuft - the Habit-ile story, it's origins and what the future holds!Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mLUsArpXDA

We're in Maulbronn Germany - at the pre-conference sessions!We catch up with Professor Blank - EACD / IAACD 2025 President and a man giving voice to the international community! Professor Blank has visited a number of countries world-wide onsite in order to hear the international voices on childhood-onset disabilities. Be sure to visit the m:con Mannheim YouTube channel for the special video-casts we created for the Pre-Conference - all set in the beautiful location of Maulbronn Monastery - a UNESCO world heritage site!The video-casts will be available on the mconmannheim YouTube channel over the course of the conference and mirrored to the ResearchWorks YouTube channel after the conference too!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8cvgjXr44E

Longitudinal trajectory of medial gastrocnemius muscle growth in the first years of lifeAim: To define the longitudinal trajectory of gastrocnemius muscle growth in 6- to 36-month-old children with and without spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) and to compare trajectories by levels of gross motor function (Gross Motor Function Classification System, GMFCS) and presumed brain-lesion timing.Method: Twenty typically developing children and 24 children with SCP (GMFCS levels I-II/III-IV = 15/9), were included (28/16 females/males; mean age at first scan 15.4 months [standard deviation 4.93, range 6.24-23.8]). Three-dimensional freehand ultrasound was used to repeatedly assess muscle volume, length, and cross-sectional area (CSA), resulting in 138 assessments (mean interval 7.9 months). Brain lesion timing was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging classification. Linear mixed-effects models defined growth rates, adjusted for GMFCS levels and presumed brain-lesion timing.Results: At age 12 months, children with SCP showed smaller morphological muscle size than typically developing children (5.8 mL vs 9.8 mL, p < 0.001), while subsequently no differences in muscle growth were found between children with and without SCP (muscle volume: 0.65 mL/month vs 0.74 mL/month). However, muscle volume and CSA growth rates were lower in children classified in GMFCS levels III and IV than typically developing children and those classified in GMFCS levels I and II, with differences ranging from -56% to -70% (p < 0.001).Interpretation: Muscle growth is already hampered during infancy in SCP. Muscle size growth further reduces with decreasing functional levels, independently from the brain lesion. Early monitoring of muscle growth combined with early intervention is needed.

Are we focusing too much on body structures and functions?   Should participation and the F-words—Fun, Family, Friends, Fitness, Function, and Future—be leading the way?  Dr. Ginny Paleg is a pediatric physiotherapist specializing in children with severe motor impairments, particularly those at GMFCS Levels IV and V. She holds a Master's in Physical Therapy from Emory University and a Doctorate from the University of Maryland Baltimore.   Certified in the Prechtl GMA and HINE, Dr. Paleg integrates evidence-based tools with coaching and routines-based interventions. With over 60 peer-reviewed publications, her research spans standers, supported stepping, and power mobility for children with complex needs. She is the lead author of the AACPDM Hypotonia Care Pathway and serves on the AACPDM Care Pathway Council, having held key roles in both AACPDM and the EACD.  If you've ever found yourself in a heated Facebook thread or a passionate discussion with colleagues about what really matters in pediatric therapy, you're not alone. Dr. Ginny Paleg moderates some of these spaces, and what's always clear is that therapists deeply care—they want children to thrive. But the differences in approach can be striking.   Today, we're diving into the heart of this tension through the lens of the ICF-CY framework. It's a big conversation, and one we think is absolutely worth having.

Interrupting normal broadcasting for a quick announcement! The ResearchWorks team are heading to Heidelberg Germany in a few weeks time to interview guests from across Europe and around the globe!From video-casts to audio-casts, it will be a full integration into the conference and we're excited to bring you all the latest in research from Heidelberg - with dozens of interviews!We still have a number of episodes pre-conference to release with dozens more lined up for the months of June/July!Also - stay tuned for an extra special announcement - it will be worth the wait, we promise! 

Identifying and Evaluating Young Children with Developmental Central Hypotonia: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and ToolsChildren with developmental central hypotonia have reduced muscle tone secondary to non-progressive damage to the brain or brainstem. Children may have transient delays, mild or global functional impairments, and the lack of a clear understanding of this diagnosis makes evaluating appropriate interventions challenging. This overview aimed to systematically describe the best available evidence for tools to identify and evaluate children with developmental central hypotonia aged 2 months to 6 years. A systematic review of systematic reviews or syntheses was conducted with electronic searches in PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, and PEDro and supplemented with hand-searching. Methodological quality and risk-of-bias were evaluated, and included reviews and tools were compared and contrasted. Three systematic reviews, an evidence-based clinical assessment algorithm, three measurement protocols, and two additional measurement tools were identified. For children aged 2 months to 2 years, the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination has the strongest measurement properties and contains a subset of items that may be useful for quantifying the severity of hypotonia. For children aged 2-6 years, a clinical algorithm and individual tools provide guidance. Further research is required to develop and validate all evaluative tools for children with developmental central hypotonia.

Gross Motor Family Report: Refinement and evaluation of psychometric propertiesElton D. D. Magalhães, Peter Rosenbaum, Marilyn Wright, F. Virginia Wright, Lesley Pritchard, Kennea M. A. Ayupe, Ana Carolina de Campos, Rosane S. Morais, Hercules R. Leite, Paula S. C. ChagasAbstractAimTo refine the Gross Motor Family Report (GM-FR) using parents' input and to evaluate its psychometric properties.MethodIn this measurement study, 12 parents of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), aged 2 to 18 years, classified in all levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), were interviewed about their experience completing the GM-FR (content validity). Parents' feedback was used to refine the measure which was then completed by 146 families to evaluate internal consistency, and discriminative and concurrent validity. Forty-six parents completed the GM-FR again, 7 to 30 days later, to evaluate test–retest reliability.ResultsGM-FR scoring, pictures, descriptions, and the total number of items were revised based on parents' feedback. The GM-FR version 2.0 demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.99), no floor/ceiling effects, and excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). GM-FR scores discriminated between GMFCS levels (p less than 0.05) and were strongly negatively correlated with GMFCS level (r = −0.92; p less than 0.001). GM-FR scores correlated positively and strongly with the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (r = 0.94; p less than 0.001) and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory – Computer Adaptive Test mobility domain (r = 0.93; p less than 0.001).InterpretationActive participation of families in the GM-FR's development facilitated creation of a family-friendly instrument. This study provides strong evidence of reliability and validity to support GM-FR use in clinical practice and research for assessing gross motor performance of children and adolescents with CP.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dmcn.16042

Professor Gareth Baynam is a globally recognised clinical geneticist, researcher, and advocate for rare diseases. He is the Director of the Rare Care Centre at Perth Children's Hospital and the Head of the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies. With a career dedicated to improving the diagnosis, management, and care of individuals with rare and genetic conditions, he has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies such as genomics, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine into healthcare. Professor Baynam is also a leader in Indigenous health initiatives, championing equitable access to rare disease diagnostics and treatment. Through his work with organizations such as the Global Commission to End the Diagnostic Odyssey for Children with a Rare Disease and the European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDERA),  he continues to drive global collaborations and innovations that aim to transform rare disease care.

Spinal manipulation and mobilisation in paediatrics - an international evidence-based position statement for physiotherapistsAnita R Gross, Kenneth A Olson, Jan Pool, Annalie Basson, Derek Clewley, Jenifer L Dice, Nikki MilnePMID: 38855972PMCID: PMC11216248DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2024.2332026AbstractIntroduction: An international taskforce of clinician-scientists was formed by specialty groups of World Physiotherapy - International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) & International Organisation of Physiotherapists in Paediatrics (IOPTP) - to develop evidence-based practice position statements directing physiotherapists clinical reasoning for the safe and effective use of spinal manipulation and mobilisation for paediatric populations (

Early Detection and Early Intervention - where are we now (and what does the future hold)?The last time we had Alicia on the pod, we spoke about the Cochrane Review she led titled “Early developmental intervention programmes provided post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairment in preterm infants” which was published in 2024. In this week's episode, we thought we'd ask Alicia about the state of early intervention right now and what the provision of therapy looks like within our current context of early detection and early intervention for children with cerebral palsy.There have been some rather significant developments in the early detection and early intervention space over the past 20 years. From the rapid technological advances to the value of co-design and involvement of people with lived experience, we now have some impressive evidence to guide our clinical pathways. However, what is very clear now is the vital importance of implementation. The industry has generated substantial knowledge that now needs to be implemented into practice with one particularly important aspect that we must include - family involvement and well-being. Alicia speaks ever so passionately about our role as therapists and I cannot help but to feel even more compelled to ensure that the family is at the centre of everything we do. It is exciting to know that we have the evidence now, so it's time to put it into practice and it can start in your very next session.https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/27041-alicia-spittle

Implementing Clinical Practice Guidelines for Improving Function in Cerebral Palsy: Development of a Fidelity ToolAbstractPurpose: To develop a fidelity tool to support the implementation of clinical practice guidelines to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy.Methods: Fidelity tool development followed a 5-step process: the pilot study, using a mixed-methods action research approach, and including focus groups, questionnaires, and field notes.Results: A 21-item fidelity tool representing the core components of the clinical practice guidelines was developed, including subsections of goal setting, intervention, and elements seen throughout therapeutic intervention. Clinicians and supervisors reported this tool as acceptable and feasible, especially when used as a self-reflection tool.Conclusions: A fidelity tool has been developed that clinicians, supervisors and organizations can use to reflect on current practice and plan for changes to align practice with guidelines to improve function in children with cerebral palsy.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39378353/

Professor Nick Gottardo walks us through medulloblastomas - a comprehensive master class for clinicians and researchers.  Expect to learn about early signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Dr Nick breaks this down beautifully.What was really clear throughout our discussion was that collaboration is key. Given the incidence of medulloblastomas and the specific subtypes that fall within this category, it would not be possible to develop effective treatments that minimise detrimental side effects without coming together with centres across the world.This episode is truly special so if you want to know the current state of the evidence when it comes to treating medulloblastomas - this is a must listen episode.

All about knowledge translationA special episode with our illustrious hosts before we catch up with Professor Nick Gottardo, Professor Alicia Spittle, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Dr Gareth Baynam, Assoc. Professor Nikki Milne and Assoc. Clinical Professor Anita Gross amongst many others!

Randomized Comparison Trial of Rehabilitation Very Early for Infants with Congenital HemiplegiaRoslyn N Boyd, Susan Greaves, Jenny Ziviani, Iona Novak, Nadia Badawi, Kerstin Pannek, Catherine Elliott, Margaret Wallen, Catherine Morgan, Jane Valentine, Lisa Findlay, Andrea Guzzetta, Koa Whittingham, Robert S Ware, Simona Fiori, Nathalie L Maitre, Jill Heathcock, Kimberley Scott, Ann-Christin Eliasson, Leanne SakzewskiPMID: 39477009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114381Free articleAbstractObjective: To compare efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy (Baby-CIMT) with bimanual therapy (Baby-BIM) in infants at high risk of unilateral cerebral palsy.Study design: This was a single-blind, randomized-comparison-trial that had the following inclusion criteria: (1) asymmetric brain lesion (2) absent fidgety General Movements, (3) Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination below cerebral palsy cut-points, (4) entry at 3-9 months of corrected age, and (5) greater than 3-point difference between hands on Hand Assessment Infants (HAI). Infants were randomized to Baby-CIMT or Baby-BIM, which comprised 6-9 months of home-based intervention. Daily dose varied from 20 to 40 minutes according to age (total 70-89.2 hours). Primary outcome measure was the HAI after intervention, with secondary outcomes Mini-Assisting Hand Assessment and Bayley III cognition at 24 months of corrected age.Results: In total, 96 infants (51 male, 52 right hemiplegia) born median at 37-weeks of gestation were randomized to Baby-CIMT (n = 46) or Baby-BIM (n = 50) and commenced intervention at a mean 6.5 (SD 1.6) months corrected age. There were no between group differences immediately after intervention on HAI (mean difference MD 0.98 HAI units, 95% CI 0.94-2.91; P = .31). Both groups demonstrated significant clinically important improvements from baseline to after intervention (Baby-BIM MD 3.48, 95% CI 2.09-4.87; Baby-CIMT MD 4.42, 95% CI 3.07-5.77). At 24 months, 64 infants were diagnosed with unilateral cerebral palsy (35 Baby-CIMT, 29 Baby-BIM). Infants who entered the study between 3 and 6 months of corrected age had greater change in HAI Both Hands Sum Score compared with those who entered at ≥6 months of corrected age (MD 7.17, 95% CI 2.93-11.41, P = .001).Conclusions: Baby-CIMT was not superior to Baby-BIM, and both interventions improved hand development. Infants commencing intervention at greater than 6 months corrected age had greater improvements in hand function.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39477009/

Upper Limb Therapy for Infants and Young Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Clinical FrameworkSusan Greaves, Brian HoarePMID: 39598017 PMCID: PMC11594546 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13226873AbstractEarly detection and rehabilitation interventions are essential to optimise motor function in infants and young children with unilateral cerebral palsy. In this paper we report a clinical framework aimed at enhancing upper limb therapy for infants and young children with unilateral cerebral palsy during a sensitive period of brain development. We describe two major therapeutic approaches based on motor learning principles and evidence: constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual therapy. These two therapies have demonstrated efficacy in older children and emerging evidence is available for their application to infants younger than 2 years of age. To provide clinicians with guidance as to when to implement these therapies, we discuss the key consideration when undertaking upper limb therapy programs. In addition, we describe the factors to consider when choosing which approach may be suitable for an individual child and family. Detailed strategies for implementing these therapies in infants and young children of different ability levels are given.Keywords: bimanual therapy; constraint-induced movement therapy; early intervention; unilateral cerebral palsy; upper limb.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39598017/

Experiences of participation in daily life of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy: A scoping reviewStacey L Cleary, Prue E Morgan, Margaret Wallen, Ingrid Honan, Nora Shields, Freya E Munzel, James R Plummer, Cassandra Assaad, Petra Karlsson, Evelyn Culnane, Jacqueline Y Ding, Carlee Holmes, Iain M Dutia, Dinah S Reddihough, Christine ImmsPMID: 39673293DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.16196AbstractAim: To synthesize the experiences of 15- to 34-year-olds with cerebral palsy (CP) as they participate in key life situations of young adulthood.Method: A mixed-methods scoping review was undertaken and six electronic databases searched (January 2001 to August 2023). Participation foci and thematic outcomes were mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Results were integrated using a convergent integrated analysis framework, and data analysis completed through thematic synthesis. Themes were mapped to the family of Participation-Related Constructs.Results: Thirty-eight publications (32 studies; 2759 participants) were included. More participants were male (n = 1435), walked independently (n = 1319), and lived with their families (n = 1171). 'Claiming my adulthood and "doing" life' was the unifying descriptor of participation, conveying the effortful work young people felt necessary to take their places in the adult world. The physical accessibility of the environment was a significant barrier to participation, as were people's negative attitudes or misconceptions about disability. A close-knit 'circle of support', typically family members, formed a supportive foundation during this period.Interpretation: Young people with CP aim to participate fully in adult life, alongside their peers. Improved community accessibility, inclusion, and more supportive health environments would ensure they could live the lives they choose.

To round off 2024 and as an extra special lead-in to a stellar 2025 ahead, we have a holiday special - all about the EACD & IAACD 2025 Conference to be held in Heidelberg Germany!

incredible!The team at the ResearchWorks Podcast are celebrating 200 episodes! With over 4 seasons, invited collaborators with the EACD - European Academy of Childhood-onset Disabilities Conference and the AusACPDM - the Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and Transformative Practice Award Winners for 2024, it has been a stellar journey.

An incredible episode with Director of Research - Professor Ben Jackson from The Kids Research Institute Australia - a masterful lesson in communication skills.Our role as clinicians involves a whole lot of communication and there are evidence based approaches for how we communicate. This is so important because whilst communication skills are often referred to as 'soft skills', they are the key to understanding people. In this week's episode, expect to learn about the role of the Self Determination Theory in motivational regulation, how motivational interviewing can move us along the continuum from from have to, to want to, to love to, if SMART goals the only way to set goals. how to bring people along the journey through some key negotiation skills and why the word "yet" is so powerful.

Motor optimality score-revised (mos-r) and hammersmith infant neurological examination (hine) predict high likelihood of autism at 12 months corrected age in a developmentally vulnerable infant cohort.Dr Carly Luke is a Physiotherapist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, the University of Queensland. Her work across clinical and research settings is focused on delivering care to infants with an increased likelihood of cerebral palsy and other adverse neurodevelopmental and neurodiverse outcomes. She has a strong interest in training and capacity building and has supported the implementation of the CP early detection guidelines across QLD and in low-resource countries as a HINE trainer.  Ms Luke has demonstrated leadership in advocating for change to the model of care and neonatal follow-up for 'high risk' infants in North QLD and continues to support pathways across the state. Her PhD and postdoctoral studies focus on implementing early screening programs for developmentally vulnerable infants across First Nations, regional rural and remote contexts.

The power of Para sport: the effect of performance-focused swimming training on motor function in adolescents with cerebral palsy and high support needs (GMFCS IV) - a single-case experimental design with 30-month follow-up.AbstractObjective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of a performance-focused swimming programme on motor function in previously untrained adolescents with cerebral palsy and high support needs (CPHSN) and to determine whether the motor decline typical of adolescents with CPHSN occurred in these swimmers.Methods: A Multiple-Baseline, Single-Case Experimental Design (MB-SCED) study comprising five phases and a 30-month follow-up was conducted. Participants were two males and one female, all aged 15 years, untrained and with CPHSN. The intervention was a 46-month swimming training programme, focused exclusively on improving performance. Outcomes were swim performance (velocity); training load (rating of perceived exertion min/week; swim distance/week) and Gross Motor Function Measure-66-Item Set (GMFM-66). MB-SCED data were analysed using interrupted time-series simulation analysis. Motor function over 46 months was modelled (generalised additive model) using GMFM-66 scores and compared with a model of predicted motor decline.Results: Improvements in GMFM-66 scores in response to training were significant (p

Effectiveness of postural interventions in cerebral palsy: umbrella systematic review.Monica Toohey , Remy Blatch-Williams , Kristian Budini , Astrid Ferreira , Alexandra Griffin , Ashleigh Hines , Michelle Jackman , Karin Lind , Jill Massey , Maria Mc Namara , Jenna Mitchell , Catherine Morgan , Esther Norfolk , Madison CB. Paton , Daniel Polyblank , Sarah Reedman , Iona NovakDiscussionThe objective of this umbrella systematic review was to summarize and evaluate the evidence for postural management interventions in cerebral palsy published since Gough's 2009 paper. We have expanded the scope of the review from passive continuous postural management to include active postural control interventions. Many interventions show positive effects on postural outcomes including range of motion, spasticity, pain, hip migration, gross motor function, hand function, gait parameters,ConclusionIn conclusion, our umbrella systematic review evaluated the evidence for postural control and postural management interventions in CP, since Gough's seminal 2009 paper. Despite numerous interventions showing positive effects on various postural outcomes, such as range of motion, spasticity, and gross motor function, the overall quality of evidence remains low to very low, limiting the certainty of conclusions and recommendations. The lack of certainty and population heterogeneity poseshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1751722224000805