Actualités scientifiques

Liens Université McGill (english)

Newsletters

Cerebral Palsy: Strong Bones, Healthy Kids

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are at increased risk of fracturing their bones. This newsletter explains how to prevent fractures and promote strong bones in children with CP.

Current state of stem cell treatments for cerebral palsy: A guide for patients, families and service providers

A substantial growth in stem cell research shows promising results for Cerebral Palsy.

Standardizing chronic pain assessment: Using a toolbox in a pediatric rehabilitation setting

Cerebral palsy is a complex physical disability and can affect the whole body, creating many potential sources for pain and can often result in painful associated conditions. For children with cerebral palsy, expressing a pain sensation accurately can be challenging. Without proper assessment, pain cannot be managed, impacting a child’s participation in everyday activities.

Non-invasive brain stimulation in cerebral palsy

This newsletter explains non-invasive brain stimulation, its use in treatment and evaluation as well as its safety for children with cerebral palsy.

“If I knew then what I know now”: Parents’ reflections on raising a child with cerebral palsy

In 2007, information collected from parents during inter- views as part of the Adolescent Study of Quality of Life, Mobility and Exercise conducted through CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research showed a general theme of “If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently.”

A Good Night’s Sleep for Children with Disabilities

A good night’s sleep for children with disabilities can be challenging for children and parents alike. The right strategy can improve sleep for better nights and better days.

CIMT and the Power of HABIT

Dr. Andrew Gordon from Columbia University explains how Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Training (HABIT) can work together to improve motor skills for children with cerebral palsy.

A cause for cerebral palsy: Could it be in our genes?

Dr. Michael Shevell from McGill University provides insight into causes for cerebral palsy, while highlighting its’ complexity. New technologies are allowing researchers to gain new insights, with the near-future implications for prevention, therapy and interventions.

Growing up with cerebral palsy: Planning transition into adulthood

Cerebral palsy is complex, and consequently so is the development of the disorder. Making informed decisions about young adult health care options while finding the right sources of support can make all the difference.

Magnesium Sulfate Protects Infants from Cerebral Palsy

Experts discuss current research, possible implications and controversy surrounding the use of magnesium sulfate to protect infants from cerebral palsy.

Articles

Is there a relationship between the level of physical activity and walking ability in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy?

The main aim of these studies was to determine if the level of physical activity is related to walking ability in individuals with mild cerebral palsy (who are able to walk without support).

What are the factors that adolescents with cerebral palsy perceive as important for their quality of life?

Twelve adolescents were interviewed individually and asked to give their opinion on the extent to which factors such as their personality, features of cerebral palsy, family, friends, school and community made a difference in their satisfaction with life.

Are children with cerebral palsy perceived by peers as having more social adjustment problems than typically developing children?

The aim of this study was to describe the social experience of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in mainstream classes in Canada and compare it with that of their classmates without a disability.

CP Canada Network Infographic

An infographic on the importance of accessible information for adults and families of children with Cerebral Palsy.

Which assessments, interventions, and best practices are actually used by occupational therapists and physical therapists in the management of cerebral palsy?

This study describes occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) practices for young children with CP in Quebec, Canada. This is an important issue as cerebral palsy (CP) constitutes a substantial portion of pediatric rehabilitation.

What factors influence the quality of life of school age children with cerebral palsy?

This study described the quality of life of school-age children (6-12 years of age) with cerebral palsy. Parents responded for the children, providing their perspectives on how they believe their children perceives their quality of life.

What are the factors influencing participation in leisure activities in school-aged children with cerebral palsy?

This study examined the level of involvement in leisure activities for children 6-12 years of age with cerebral palsy (CP). The Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment was the evaluation tool used and was carried out in children who were able to actively participate in completing this measure. Results showed that children with CP are actively involved in a wide range of leisure activities, although they were less likely to participate in social and active physical activities, when compared to typically developing peers.

Do children with cerebral palsy and their parents agree in their ratings of the child’s quality of life?

Quality of life is defined as an individual’s personal perception of their well-being and general satisfaction with life. This study found that a parent’s view of their child’s quality of life is similar to the child’s own perceptions of their quality of life. However, disparities exist, therefore children themselves should complete quality of life questionnaires whenever feasible, so as to gain their own perspectives.

Communication is key: Are parents happy with the way a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is announced?

Good communication is a key part of healthcare. In this study, researchers were interested in understanding whether parents were satisfied with the way a diagnosis of cerebral palsy was communicated to them, and what factors related to that satisfaction.

How sleep affects children with cerebral palsy

Sleep disorders can have a negative effect on children’s behavior and school performance. This article explores different types of sleep problems impacting children with cerebral palsy and their families.

Cerebral palsy: Measurement and classification systems

Classification systems are an important part of care. They help physicians assess needs. Determining subtype of Cerebral Palsy allows physicians to assess pathogenesis, type of motor impairment and burden of comorbidity associated with cerebral palsy. Alternatively, GMFCS allows physicians to measure the severity of motor impairment and helps inform the progress of treatment and rehabilitation.

Is horseback riding an effective therapy for children with cerebral palsy?

The use of horseback riding can be an effective means of intervention for children with cerebral palsy and a useful addition to, or variation upon, regular therapy.

Potential markers for cerebral arteriopathy may be useful for treating stroke in children

Magnetic resonance angiogram to examine vessel wall thickening may serve as a useful marker.

The Cerebral Palsy Demonstration Project (CPDP) aims to further the understanding of cerebral palsy through a national registry of affected children and a collaborative research platform across Canada

The CP registry gives a comprehensive epidemiologic profile of CP in Canada, including the type, etiology, and comorbidities of particular cases.

Understanding behavioural problems and parental stress in children with cerebral palsy

Behavioural problems are more common in children with cerebral palsy but are rarely addressed in the clinical setting.

Possible ways to help with feeding issue in children with cerebral palsy

Doctors should be sure to ask about feeding issues in order to assess whether caloric supplementation and/or a feeding intervention is necessary.

Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy

Recent studies suggest methods to detect cerebral palsy in infants and young children early. Many children with CP are not born early and did not have a high-risk delivery. A different strategy is needed for these children so that we can diagnose CP early.

Policies/Quebec

This page provides a list of public policies supporting participation in leisure for children with disabilities in Quebec. On this page, click ‘Quebec’ for the list of policies specific to the province of Quebec. For the purpose of this initiative, “policy” is used in the sense of guiding principles generally issued by governments, whereas “program” is used for the kinds of initiatives in which individuals can participate.