Pediatric Physical Therapy

Describing Physical Therapy Services Delivered to Children With Autism in the Outpatient Medical Setting
Bailes AF, Donovan J, Weisshaar R, Austing E, Kreimer J and Strenk ML
To describe physical therapy dose (frequency, intensity, time, type) delivered to individuals with autism at an outpatient pediatric medical center in 1 year.
Commentary on "Variation in Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice in the US: Results From a National Survey"
Flowers M, Stamp B and McMinn S
Commentary on "A Qualitative Analysis of the Implementation of an Intensive Pediatric Model of Physical Therapy"
Rubsam MC, Rodriguez L and Schmidt JAG
Commentary on "Parent-Reported Container Use Relates to Infants' Motor Development"
Chen Y and Smelser N
Commentary on "Standardized Pediatric Outcome Measures in Physical Therapy: A Comparative Analysis of Educational and Clinical Practices"
Dole RL and Bradbury J
Commentary on "Tummy Time Tracking: Concurrent-Validity of Wearable Sensors in Home Settings for Term and Preterm Infants"
Orlando JM, Skorup JC and Dunn SR
Breech Birth Presentation and Intrauterine Constraint Factors and Their Association With Congenital Muscular Torticollis Severity
Bercik D, Zreny M and Liu W
Intrauterine constraint factors such as multiparity and breech presentation at birth have been associated with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). The literature lacks evidence linking these factors to CMT severity. The purpose of this study is to determine how birth weight, length, presentation, sex, and delivery factors associate with CMT severity. A secondary purpose is to correlate severity with CMT direction and age at physical therapy evaluation.
Gratitude!
Fetters L
Commentary on "Validity and Reliability of Arch Height Index Measurement in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy"
Jezequel J and Tay J
Platform Presentations Annual Conference 2025 Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
Posters Annual Conference 2025 Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
Residency and Fellowship Platform Presentations Annual Conference 2025 Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
Abstracts of Poster Presentations for the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference 2025: Pediatric Residents
The Clinical Impact of Electrical Stimulation on Abnormal Tone During Gait for Individuals With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report
Joseph C and Greve K
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that often presents with altered muscle tone affecting function. The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to manage the impact of muscle tone during gait in 2 children with CP.
Lower Limb Training Threshold Dose and Motor Learning Strategy Reporting in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Haddon M, Sudati IP, Kenworthy-Groen J, Pool D, O'Connor L, Ware R, Lee C, Dolling K and Sakzewski L
This systematic review investigated the threshold dose of active lower limb training required to improve outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to evaluate the reporting of motor learning strategies.
Commentary on "Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Implementing and Sustaining Pediatric Intensive Physical Therapy Programs: A Survey Study"
Pessóta Sudati I, de Campos Carreira AK and de Campos AC
Commentary on "The Effects of Physical Therapy-Directed Early Mobilization in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"
Hedden K and Arps K
Commentary on "Aquatic Therapy Protocols on Gait of Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial"
Güeita-Rodríguez J and Lambeck J
Commentary on "Task-specific Training to Improve Sitting in A Child With Severe Postural Impairments: A Single-Subject Design"
Saavedra S, Ahrns R, Berning K and Berning D
Functional and Neurophysiological Changes After Activities-Based Locomotor Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Case Series
Flores MB, Ardolino EM, Ugale CB and Smith CM
The purpose of this case series was to explore the feasibility and impact of a 3-week activities-based locomotor training (AB-LT) program on functional activities and neurophysiological adaptations in 5 children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Where's the Evidence? Challenging Therapists to Stop Legitimizing Dynamic Movement Intervention and Cuevas Medek Exercises
Paleg G, Pool D, Hidalgo-Robles Á, Frumberg D, Livingstone R and Damiano D
Dynamic 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 nonevidence-based methods.