The ResearchWorks Podcast

From Childhood to Adulthood: Lifespan insights into health and health service needs in cerebral palsyKeynote session: Oceania Academy Of Cerebral Palsy And Other Childhood-onset Disabilities

We catch up with Professor Hércules Ribeiro Leite - to discuss his 2024 top-cited DMCN article!What are the barriers and facilitators to participation of people with Down syndrome? A scoping reviewDeisiane Oliveira Souto, Marina Oliveira de Sousa, Rafaela Guimarães Ferreira, Ana Claudia Brandão, Pedro Brandão Carrera, Hércules Ribeiro LeiteFree articleAbstractAim: To determine the barriers and facilitators of active community participation of children, adolescents, and adults with Down syndrome.Method: Searches were completed in five electronic databases to identify original studies about participation of children, adolescents (ages < 18 years), and adults (ages 18-59 years) with Down syndrome. Barriers and facilitators to participation were categorized into four factors: personal, social, environmental, and policy and programme. Findings were analysed and validated by a young adult with Down syndrome and a family member, using the public and patient involvement strategy.Results: Fourteen studies were included: eight with children and adolescents and six with adults. Of the 14 studies, 10 were qualitative and four quantitative. Most studies (n = 9) investigated participation in physical activities, while only a few examined participation in community/social activities (n = 3), daily activities (n = 2), and leisure activities (n = 1). The most commonly cited barriers and facilitators were the availability of programmes and specialized professionals, transportation, as well as attitudes and behaviours. Physical and psychological characteristics of people with Down syndrome and facilities were also frequently mentioned as barriers. On the other hand, the desire to stay active and personal interest in the activity were among the most frequently reported facilitators.Interpretation: The participation of people with Down syndrome is mainly influenced by physical or psychological factors, the support and attitudes of parents/caregivers, and the availability of specialized programmes. Given the scarcity of research investigating the participation of people with Down syndrome in community activities, daily activities, and leisure, especially in adults, more studies are still needed.

Longitudinal decline in upper-limb range of motion in adults with cerebral palsyErika Cloodt, Jenny Hedberg-Graff, Anna Lindgren, Marianne Arner, Evgenia Manousaki, Katina Pettersson, Elisabet Rodby-BousquetAbstractAim: To analyse longitudinal changes in passive range of motion (ROM) in the upper limb in adults with cerebral palsy (CP).Method: Passive ROM for shoulder abduction and flexion, supination, and elbow and wrist extension was analysed in a longitudinal cohort of adults aged 16 to 76 years from the Swedish CP registry. Individual ROM trajectories and mean ROM curves were calculated using the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). A mixed-effects model was used to examine changes over 3 to 13 years 7 months.Results: In total, 1395 adults with CP were analysed (769 males, 626 females; median age 26 years). A continuous decline in shoulder ROM, supination, and wrist extension was observed across all MACS levels. Decline rates differed between MACS levels for shoulder flexion, elbow extension, and wrist extension, with steeper declines at higher MACS levels (levels IV and V). Adults classified in lower MACS levels (I and II) had greater initial ROM and slower declines compared to adults classified in higher MACS levels.Interpretation: Upper-limb ROM continuously declined in adults with CP, particularly at higher MACS levels. The varied decline rates highlight the need for tailored interventions and systematic follow-up to maintain ROM and functional ability, especially among individuals at higher risk.

EACD 2026 - Galway, Ireland. "‘Mol an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Siad’​ - Encourage the young and they will flourish​".We catch up with Dr Hazel Killeen President, EACD Annual Congress 2026 Lecturer in Occupational Therapy College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway and Dr Rory O'Sullivan Scientific Chair, EACD Annual Congress 2026 Head of Strategy & Innovation, Central Remedial Clinic.It was an honour to sit down with the organisers of this years European congress and discuss the upcoming conference and encourage you to visit Galway this June (2026). It will be an incredible conference and the ResearchWorks team will also be there to interview keynotes and other incredible speakers from across the globe!There is still time to register, so visit the link below for more information.https://www.eacd2026.com/

Join Dayna and Marissa on an extended episode back, after the Oceania Conference 2026, with the one and only Dr Brian Hoare. A candid conversation about: More isn’t always better: getting smarter about therapy dosage in children with cerebral palsy.Join us for a wonderful look at why it isn't just about doing more - dosage is far more complex than that and we - as therapists and researchers - need to get smarter about this, especially for children with cerebral palsy.

A brilliant conference that has come to a close but we are excited about the implications both for the future and what we can implement into clinical practice today.Dayna and Marissa walk through some of their favourite moments, interviews and the conference. Also... who doesn't like a good acronym? 😉  #REACHR.E.A.C.H.R - Research Priorities & Resource Allocation E - Early Detection & Experiences A - Assessments & Advocacy C - Collaborations & Careers H - HopeA series of interviews and discussions with leading researchers, clinicians and advocates - live from Oceania Conference 2026, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

We catch up with Dr Joline Brandenburg!An incredible conversation, all about: Developmental Neuromotor Disorders have altered Motor Neuron Morphology and Survival.A continuing series of interviews from Oceania Conference 2026 - live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

We have the opportunity to speak to the wonderful Dr Alison Salt and Dr Nofar Ben Itzhak - fellow Perth-ians, but meeting across the other side of our continent! We get to speak with them both about the European Cerebral Visual Impairment Clinical Practice Guidelines.A continuing series from Oceania Conference 2026, live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!

We catch up with friend of the show, Dr Theresa Sukal-Moulton!It's our pleasure to speak with her about: Selective motor control changes from term age to 3 months of age in infants both with and without cerebral palsy.A continuing series from Oceania Conference 2026, live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

It's always a privilege to speak with Monica - we have the chance to talk to her about: Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination findings in infants with hemiplegic cerebral palsy from 3 to 24 months.A continuing series from Oceania Conference 2026 - live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!

We catch up with an old friend - Dr Iain Dutia to discuss all things fatigue.Understanding cognitive fatigue in people with cerebral palsyA continuing series from Oceania Conference 2026 - live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

It's our pleasure to have Anne McNee on the pod - discussing: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Serial Casting for Idiopathic Toe Walking in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.A continuing series from Oceania Conference 2026 - live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

We catch up with Dr Fiona Russo! We're discussing her paper: Four Layers Deep: Co-Designing a Community-Led Online Navigation Program for Families of Young Children with Cerebral Palsy.A continuing series from Oceania Conference 2026 - live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

Validation and Responsiveness of activity limitation testing in framerunning for children and young people with CP.We catch up with friend of the show Dr Reedman and Healthy Strides' Sam King!Validation and Responsiveness of activity limitation testing in framerunning for children and young people with CP.

We catch up with Rachel Byrne - Executive Director at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. We have the chance to discuss the topic of Scaling Australian clinical breakthroughs into a global CP roadmap.From Australian Advances to a Global Roadmap for Cerebral PalsyA continuing series from the Oceania 2026 Conference, live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

We finish off Day 1 of the conference with the dynamic duo of Dr Johan Jarl and Assoc. Professor Ann Alriksson-Schmidt!We have the privilege to talk Dr Jarl and Dr Alriksson-Schmidt about the educational outcomes of adolescents with spina bifida in Sweden.A continuing series of interviews from Oceania Conference 2026, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

We catch up with the brilliant Dr Postol to talk about her paper: "Stepping Forward" with overground exoskeletons and "More than Movement" with walking frames.A continuing series from Oceania Conference 2026, live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!

We catch up with Sophia Gribbon from the Healthy Strides Foundation.Kindy Moves - the experience of early, intensive, group based locomotor training (from the parents perspective).A continuing series, live from Oceania Conference 2026, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

We continue our Oceania Conference series (2026) with an interview with John Coughlan.Working with families, professionals, and the World Health Assembly

We catch up with friend of the show, Dr Carly Luke!Early identification of Australian First Nations infants at high risk of neurodevelopmental disability or neurodiverse outcomes by 12 months of age.A continuing series from Oceania Conference 2026 - live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!

We catch up with ResearchWorks own Marissa Smith!Today we discuss the topic of evidence based guideline implementation. Real-World Application of Evidence-Based Guidelines in Paediatric Neurodisability.A continuing series from Oceania Conference 2026 - live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia! NB. This episode was pre-recorded at the ResearchWorks studio prior to the conference.

We catch up with Dr Lynne McKinlay - to talk about Hope!Hope can reduce burnout (and what you can do to become more hopeful)A continuing series from Oceania 2026 Conference, live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!

We catch up with Meredith Smith to talk pain assessments!Pain Assessment in children with in CP: PhD PlatformA continuing series from Oceania 2026 Conference - live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!

We catch up with one of our favourites, Dr Michelle Jackman!We get to discuss her paper: Early conversations about cerebral palsy: A message from families to health professionalsAll a part of our Oceania 2026 Conference series from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!

We catch up with the extraordinary Dr Tim Scott!With Dr Scott, we discuss his presentation: In their Habitat: 3D Visualisation Clinic for remote assessment in the community of our intervention in children with cerebral palsy.All a part of our Oceania 2026 Conference series from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!

We catch up with the incredible Professor Stacey Dusing!We have the opportunity to sit down with Professor Dusing and discuss her work integrating new technologies and "BabyG" tools into CP interventions.All a part of our Oceania 2026 Conference series from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!

It's officially Day 1 of the Oceania 2026 Conference - live from Hobart Tasmania, Australia!We catch up with Dr Hayley Smithers Sheedy and Chrissie Macdonald to discuss their paper: Cerebral palsy: temporal trends in birth prevalence in Australia (1995-2018) and epidemiology of people with CP GMFCS IV and V

We're at the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (Oceania Academy) Conference, 2026 - coming to you live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!We catch up with Kirstin Pascoe - Digital Project Manager, CP Movetime | School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth Australia.NB. This episode was pre-recorded at the ResearchWorks studio prior to the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Conference.

We're at the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (Oceania Academy) Conference, 2026 - coming to you live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia! We catch up with the wonderful Professor Sarah McIntyre - who has the privilege of presenting the Dinah Reddihough Oration at this year's Oceania Conference.

We're at the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (Oceania Academy) Conference, 2026 - coming to you live from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia!We catch up with friend of the show, Professor Cathy Morgan, to discuss: Accuracy of Early Markers to Predict Motor Severity, Type and Topography of Cerebral Palsy in Infants: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Feeling like you can't do anything because you don't know where to start’—Parents' Perspectives of Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Early Detection for Children at Risk of Cerebral PalsyAbstractBackground: Early detection of cerebral palsy (CP) risk is possible from 12 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA) using standardised assessments; however, up to half of children at risk are not referred early, missing out on early intervention. We investigated the barriers and facilitators to accessing early intervention from the perspective of parents of children who did not receive services by 6 months CGA.Methods: Parents of children with CP were invited to participate in qualitative semistructured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and develop themes.Results: Eight mothers of children who did not receive standardised screening participated in interviews, from which three themes, 'responding to delays', 'systemic barriers' and 'complexities of diagnosis', were developed from the data.Conclusions: Parents require more support to access and engage in early detection services; health system processes are difficult to navigate, and health professionals require education and training to recognise risk factors for CP in all health settings and refer promptly. Improving system processes, education and training and partnering early with parents to improve their experience when interacting with the health system may increase early engagement and optimise long-term outcomes for children at risk of CP and their families.Keywords: cerebral palsy; diagnosis; mothers; paediatrics; qualitative.Child: care, health and development (Open Access)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40435382/

Another Pre Season 6 episode - we catch up with the team from Oceania 2026! Oceania Academy Biennial Conference will be held in Hobart, Tasmania, 4-7 March 2026.Keynote Speakers:John Coughlan: Secretary General of the International Cerebral Palsy Society and Cerebral Palsy Europe, and the parent of a young adult with cerebral palsy. Melissa McCradden is the Artificial Intelligence Director and Deputy Research Director with the Women's and Children's Health Network, and a Deputy Director and The Hospital Research Foundation Group Fellow at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning at the University of Adelaide.   Dr Lynne McKinlay is a medical leader at Sunshine Coast Health with responsibility for patient safety and clinical governance. Riley Saban is an Australian disability advocate, entrepreneur, and international keynote speaker whose work centres on inclusive design, assistive technology, and systemic reform.  Dr Jennifer Ryan is Director of Cerebral Palsy Lifespan Health and Well-being (CP-Life) Research Centre and an Associate Professor in the School of Physiotherapy at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Scientia Professor Julian Trollor AM FAHMS, NHMRC Leadership Fellow, Director of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health at UNSW Sydney. Dr Ilisapeci Tuibeqa  and Professor Susan Woolfenden: Presidential Address Adj Prof Sarah McIntyre: Dinah Reddihough OrationThe ResearchWorks team including Dayna, Ash and Ed will be on site to provide live interviews with Keynote speakers and other incredible researchers.If you haven't registered yet - there is still time to register, book your accommodation for Hobart (a wonderful location in Australia) and join in-person and there is also a hybrid option for those unable to travel.https://www.oceaniaacademy.org/conference-2If you are attending, be sure to pop by the ResearchWorks booth and say hello! We'd love to meet you and we can't wait to bring you exclusive interviews with some of the finest researchers on the planet!Be sure to check out the ResearchWorks Academy at www.researchworks.academy (its FREE to register). From AI and Machine Learning based tools, to Gait analysis tools, to report templates, decision trees, custom calculators for GMFMER/ENE and Goal Attainment Scale, Gesture and Switch based video games and other multimedia, it's a one-stop-shop for tools to implement research into clinical practice! 

The ResearchWorks Academy is a completely FREE online hub - with resources for clinicians and researchers. Visit www.researchworks.academyfor a video guide to this week's special episode, be sure to visit our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XCdovk0ZZUFrom using AI with curated articles, to classification tools, outcome measures, machine learning based 2D gait analysis, augmented reality video games, GMFMER and ENE calculator as well as a goal attainment scale calculator, AI driven report templates and other multimedia - it's been designed as a one stop shop for evidence based practice.Updates are provided every month and it's all accessible via the web (desktop or mobile) for FREE! In addition, we will have a range of micro-credentialing courses (paid and free) by world renowned researchers, lecturers and speakers!If you have any queries or suggestions, be sure to get in contact with the ResearchWorks Academy team - and we'll see how we can assist you to implement the latest in evidence and research into your clinical practice!www.researchworks.academy

It's our final regular season episode of 2025!We hope you've enjoyed Season 5 of the ResearchWorks Podcast. From EACD to AACPDM, the conference video and interview series, our DMI and CME special, to the launch of the ResearchWorks Academy - 2025 has been the biggest year yet for the pod!In 2026, we plan to bring you even more of the latest research from conferences from across the globe, with our partnerships with EACD, AACPDM and AusACPDM (now known as the OCEANIA Academy). We are working with international partners across the globe to bring you the very latest breakthroughs in research and evidence.The ResearchWorks Academy will continue to be free and open access and soon with a premium range of micro credentialing courses from renowned lecturers, teachers, researchers and academics - providing the very latest in research and evidence in a practical format to enhance your practice.Enjoy our look back at 2025 and we wish all of our listeners (and viewers!) happy holidays over the festive breaks and we look forward to a bigger and better 2026 ahead!www.researchworks.academy

Taking a strengths-based approach to developmental disability: the F-words for child developmentBMJ Paediatrics Open - Dr Olaf Kraus de Camargo“When challenges exist, children and families may benefit from supports that are tailored to their individual strengths and support needs, irrespective of whether or not a child has one or more diagnosed condition(s).”Strengths-based and client-centred approaches in the field of childhood disability have been proposed in healthcare for decades, but in many places in the world, our service structures and therapeutic endeavours still are directed at fixing/compensating deficits in a prescriptive way. In the field of child developmental (disability) services, we have recently seen the publication of Canadian and Australian policies and frameworks that explicitly endorse this strengths-based approach, recommending in particular the use of the F-words for Child Development first published by CanChild scientists Peter Rosenbaum and Jan Willem Gorter in 2012.This commentary reflects on how strength-based approaches and client-centred care, developed over the last 50 years, have culminated in a paradigm shift in how we define and promote ‘health’.https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/9/1/e003418

A shorter than usual episode about the future of the pod - 2026 and beyond. We will be continuing our support of the Oceania (formerly AusACPDM) conference, the EACD conference and the AACPDM conference in 2026 with in-person, on-site, live broadcasts from Australia, Europe and the Americas!2025 has also seen the team behind the pod launch the ResearchWorks Academy - an entirely FREE online portal for clinicians and researchers, designed to be a one-stop site for all your clinical application needs. You can register today for full access.From AI and ML driven toolsets, to reports, templates, flowcharts, decision trees, outcome measures and more - we are aiming to empower clinicians across the globe with the tools needed to implement evidence based practices. Let us know if you have any suggestions for the site and how we can continue to develop the resources available.On demand courses will also soon launch - we are working with international partners from across the ResearchWorks network to provide the very latest information, courses and educational tools too, so stay tuned!Visit www.researchworks.academy

In 2024, a landmark review of the School Education Act 1999 was undertaken in Western Australia. Why? Because our education laws — drafted over 25 years ago — haven’t kept pace with modern understandings of disability, inclusion, or the rights of children and families.This review, driven by an expert panel with deep experience in education, disability, and human rights, was driven by one clear question: Does our law support every child to access and thrive in school — or are there too many barriers to access and inclusion for students with disability?What followed was an in-depth consultation with families, clinicians, educators, and young people with lived experience, resulting in 15 recommendations that aim to remove barriers — from enrollment gatekeeping, to inconsistent support, to exclusionary discipline, replacing them with legal obligations for inclusion, voice, and access.For allied health clinicians, this matters. Because so often, we’re working with children whose ability to engage in school is shaped by systems, not just skills. Today, we unpack what this report means — and what could change if we get this right.

Early mobility and crawling: beliefs and practices of Pediatric Physical Therapists in the United States.Kari S Kretch Stacey C Dusing, Regina T Harbourne, Lin-Ya Hsu, Barbara A Sargent, Sandra L WillettPMID: 38127897PMCID: PMC10873088DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000001063AbstractPurpose: To characterize beliefs of pediatric physical therapists (PTs) in the United States regarding the role of crawling in infant development and clinical practice.Methods: Pediatric PTs reported their beliefs about early mobility and crawling, clinical approaches related to early mobility and crawling, and agreement with the removal of crawling from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s updated developmental milestone checklists in an online survey. Analyses examined associations between information sources and beliefs, between beliefs and clinical approaches, and between beliefs and CDC update opinions.Results: Most participants believed that crawling was important (92%) and linked to a variety of positive developmental outcomes (71%-99%) and disagreed with its removal from the CDC checklists (79%). Beliefs were linked with clinical approaches focused on promoting crawling and discouraging other forms of mobility.Conclusions: Further research is needed to determine whether pediatric PTs' beliefs and clinical practices are supported by evidence.

AACPDM special: Effects of Power Training combined with interval treadmill training on walking capacity versus performance in real world settings in youth with cerebral palsy.This paper is a contender for the AACPDM’s highest abstract honour - the Gayle G Arnold Award - to be presented at The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) Conference - the 79th Annual Meeting!“Celebrating Resilience” October 15-18, 2025, to be held in New Orleans, LA.

Where’s the Evidence? Challenging Therapists to Stop Legitimizing Dynamic Movement Intervention and Cuevas Medek Exercises.Paleg, Ginny PT, MPT, DScPT; Pool, Dayna PT, PhD; Hidalgo-Robles, Álvaro PT, MSc; Frumberg, David MD; Livingstone, Roslyn OT, MSc(RS); Damiano, Diane PT, PhDOpen Access!https://journals.lww.com/pedpt/fulltext/9900/where_s_the_evidence__challenging_therapists_to.204.aspxDynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) and Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) are promoted as innovative neurorehabilitation methods for children with neurological disabilities, yet both rely on outdated reflex-hierarchical models rather than contemporary motor learning principles. A review of the literature reveals that CME, despite 5 decades of use, is supported only by a few case reports and 2 small, biased comparative studies. DMI, introduced in 2021, has no published empirical evidence beyond a single conference abstract. Thus, both interventions remain at Sackett Level 5—no evidence.The ethical implications are substantial. Families often pay thousands for intensive, noncovered therapies that may displace meaningful participation in education and social life. Therapists have a professional responsibility to avoid legitimizing unproven practices and to prioritize interventions supported by robust evidence. Pediatric rehabilitation should shift toward child-led, functional, and task-specific approaches grounded in modern motor learning science, with professional bodies and insurers withholding endorsement of non evidence-based methods.

Six-minute walk test reference values in ambulatory children with myelomeningoceleKarina A Zapata, Rosa H Cooksey, Daralyn K Fulton, Hayley B Shelton, Chan-Hee Jo, Richard C AdamsAffiliations ExpandPMID: 40556501DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.16397AbstractAim: To determine the baseline pediatric reference values of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (6MWD) across spina bifida functional lesion levels, the associations between the 6MWD and the distances of the 1-minute and 2-minute walk tests, and assess the impact of social determinants on the 6MWD.Method: This prospective cohort study collected the 6MWD of 145 ambulatory children (72 male, 73 female; mean age = 11 years 2 months [range: 6 years 0 months-17 years 11 months]) with mid-lumbar-level (n = 59), low-lumbar-level (n = 28), and sacral-level (n = 58) myelomeningocele at a pediatric hospital. Proxies of social determinants included insurance type and Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Pairwise comparisons evaluated the 6MWD according to lesion level and myelomeningocele functional classification (MMFC) group.Results: The mean 6MWD was shorter for myelomeningocele at the mid-lumbar versus low-lumbar versus sacral lesion levels (p < 0.001), and MMFC2 versus MMFC3 versus MMFC4 (p < 0.001). The mean 1-minute and 2-minute walking distances were strongly associated with the 6MWD. Children with public insurance and a high ADI walked significantly fewer meters than children with private insurance (p = 0.023) and a low ADI (p = 0.048).Interpretation: Children with higher anatomical functional lesion levels walked shorter distances than those with lower levels and according to MMFC group. The 1-minute and 2-minute walk tests are adequate substitutes for the 6MWT. Lower socioeconomic status affecting decreased walking capacity merits interventions to maximize opportunities for activity.

Trajectories of Fidgety Movements in Infants with and without medical complexity.This paper is a finalist for AACPDM’s highest honour - the Gayle G Arnold award, chosen and highlighted by the scientific review committee for it’s high quality.We look ahead at The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) Conference - the 79th Annual Meeting!“Celebrating Resilience” October 15-18, 2025, to be held in New Orleans, LA. 

Continuing our AACPDM 2025 Preview series!Effect of high-frequency, low magnitude vibration on physical activity and physical function in children with cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trialThis paper is a contender for the AACPDM’s highest abstract honour - the Gayle G Arnold Award!There is still time to register for the conference in beautiful New Orleans - Visit https://www.aacpdm.org/events/2025 for all the details!

The effect of immediate weightbearing after planovalgus foot reconstruction in ambulatory children with cerebral palsyBackground and Objective(s)Planovalgus (PV) is a common foot deformity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Orthopedic surgery is widely established as an effective treatment for deformity correction though there is clinical variation in post-op therapy protocols. Immediate weightbearing (WB) after PV foot correction could accelerate recovery but concern for post-op complications causes reluctance. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of complications after PV foot surgery in children with early WB vs. non-WB (NWB).Study Participants & Setting135 ambulatory children with CP (GMFCS I (12%), II (58%), III (30%)) met inclusion criteria and were included from a children’s hospital setting and assessed in the gait laboratory.Materials/MethodsThis IRB-approved retrospective cohort study included ambulatory children (GMFCS I-III) with CP and PV foot deformity who underwent reconstructive surgery and pre (within 18 months) and post-op (1-3 years) gait analyses. Complications were defined in three timeframes: (1) short-term, within 6 months of surgery, by radiograph review for nonunion, hardware failure, or infection requiring return to surgery, (2) mid-term, at 1-3 years, by pedobarographic assessment, and (3) long-term, > 3 years, by recurrence requiring surgical revision. Fisher exact tests compared the prevalence of complications between immediate WB and NWB groups. Regression analysis evaluated the relationship between complications and child, surgical, and post-operative factors.Results140 surgical events were completed on 224 feet at age 12.7 ± 2.8 years. Following surgery, 84% of children followed an immediate WB protocol, and 16% were NWB for the first six weeks. The prevalence of short-term complications between the WB and NWB groups was no different (nonunion/hardware failure/infection, WB 3%/1%/0%; NWB, 0%/3%/0%; p>0.9). There were no between group differences in mid-term correction status (under- corrected/corrected/over-corrected, WB 31%/45%/24%; NWB, 32%/54%/14%; p>0.9). The prevalence of long-term recurrence necessitating surgery was not significantly different (WB/NWB, 3%/11%; 8.5±2.8 years post-op; p>0.9). Regression analysis demonstrated WB status was not a significant predictor of correction status or long-term recurrence requiring revision (p>0.05).Conclusions/SignificanceComplication rates were very low after planovalgus foot correction surgery in ambulatory children with CP. There were no significant differences in complications, clinical outcomes, or need for surgical revision between groups who followed immediate WB vs. NWB post-op protocols. Immediate WB after PV foot correction surgery presented no increased risks compared to NWB and should be encouraged in children with CP. Early WB, standing, and walking may prevent disuse muscle weakness and promote faster recovery of gross motor mobility, enhancing patient care. Future studies should examine the impact of early WB on recovery time and long-term functional outcomes.

Mobility device use in children with cerebral palsyElizabeth Maus, Ben Reader, Jill C HeathcockAbstractAims: To quantify the number and types of mobility devices used by children with cerebral palsy (CP) and explore the relationships between Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) level, age, insurance, income, and number and types of devices.Method: This was a secondary analysis of a cohort from a larger randomized controlled trial. Data from 89 children with CP (56.2% male and 43.8% female; mean = 4 years 11 months; SD = 2 years 0 months; range 2 years 0 months-8 years 10 months) were collected from electronic medical records, parent-completed medical history questionnaires, and the Hollingshead Four-Factor Index. The analysis included quasi-Poisson and logistical regressions.Results: Most children had Medicaid insurance (83.2%). All income and GMFCS levels were represented. The most common mobility devices were lower-extremity orthoses (75.3%). The number of devices used increased by 8.2% for each 1-year increase in age. Children classified in GMFCS level V used 5.1, 2.9, and 1.6 times more mobility devices than children classified in GMFCS levels I, II, and III respectively. GMFCS level also predicted the use of wheelchairs, bath chairs, and standers. Income and insurance were not significant.Interpretation: Children used more devices as age and GMFCS level increased. Device access is an important public health initiative.

Brain lesion extent, growth, and body composition in children with cerebral palsyStina Oftedal, Simona Fiori, Kristie L Bell, Katherine A Benfer, Leanne Sakzewski, Robert S Ware, Peter S W Davies, Roslyn N BoydPMID: 40745624DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.16427AbstractAim: To investigate the relationship between growth, body composition, and the extent of brain lesion measured using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).Method: This prospective population-based cohort study recorded 359 assessments from 124 children with CP aged 18 months to 13 years (38% female, Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I = 50, II = 24, III = 17, IV = 12, and V = 21). A neurologist assessed the extent of the brain lesion using a validated semi-quantitative scale (global, basal ganglia/brainstem, hemispheric and corpus callosum scores). Height (HTZ), weight (WTZ), and head circumference (HDZ) z-scores were calculated. The Fat Mass Index (FMI) and Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI) were determined using a deuterium dilution technique, bioelectrical impedance or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and height. Data were analysed using mixed-effects linear regression.Results: Greater global (β = -0.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.07 to -0.02), basal ganglia/brainstem (β = -0.06, 95% CI = -0.11 to -0.02), corpus callosum (β = -0.27, 95% CI = -0.27 to -0.12), and hemispheric (β = -0.08, 95% CI = -0.12 to -0.04) scores were associated with lower HTZ. Greater global (β = -0.03,95% CI = -0.06 to -0.01) and corpus callosum (β = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.40 to -0.06) scores were associated with lower WTZ. A greater hemispheric score (β = -0.06, 95% CI = -0.119 to -0.001) was associated with lower HDZ. Semi-quantitative MRI scores were not associated with FMI or FFMI.Interpretation: Greater extent of the brain lesion was significantly associated with lower HDZ, HTZ, and WTZ but not body composition in children with CP aged 18 months to 13 years.Keywords: Body composition; Brain imaging; Brain lesion; Cerebral palsy; Growth.

Our preview of the upcoming AACPDM Conference in New Orleans USA.We look ahead at The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) Conference - the 79th Annual Meeting!“Celebrating Resilience” October 15-18, 2025, to be held in New Orleans, LA. We catch up with AACPDM First Vice President Dr Theresa Sukal-Moulton and Scientific Program Committee Co-Chair Dr Paige Church.You can still register at the link below!https://www.aacpdm.org/events/2025

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 Shrader!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!