Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine
Audio Summaries

Pediatrician reported experiences of transitioning adolescents with disabilities

Mar 20, 2026

This study aimed to explore pediatricians' experiences and practices related to the transition of adolescents with disabilities from pediatric to adult health care. The findings revealed that while many pediatricians engage in essential transition-related activities, they also face significant barriers that hinder their ability to provide comprehensive transition services. The authors emphasize the need to address both practice and systemic challenges to improve the transition process for these patients.

Psychometric Evaluation of Sexual Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Components of the SPARKS Survey for Adults with Spina Bifida

Mar 11, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the internal consistency and construct validity of a newly developed survey measuring sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and self-efficacy in adults with spina bifida. The findings indicated that the self-efficacy scales for partner and provider communication demonstrated excellent reliability and validity, while the SRH knowledge scale showed low internal consistency, suggesting a need for refinement to better assess knowledge variability among individuals.

Coping experiences in child and adolescent rehabilitation through a novel device: A multi-method feasibility study

Mar 3, 2026

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and user experience of Grasp, a digital tool designed to track coping experiences in children and adolescents undergoing rehabilitation. The findings indicated that the device was well-received, with high usage rates and positive feedback on its ease of use and motivational impact, suggesting it may enhance self-efficacy and reflection during rehabilitation activities.

Acute effect of hippotherapy applied on different sitting surfaces in children with special needs

Mar 3, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of hippotherapy on different seating surfaces on sitting balance and walking speed in children with special needs. While no significant improvements in sitting balance were observed across groups, the group using saddles with additional texture materials exhibited increased walking speed compared to the other groups. The authors suggest that variations in saddle texture may enhance the effectiveness of hippotherapy, recommending further research with larger sample sizes to investigate longer-term outcomes.

Effects of diaphragmatic breathing and manual diaphragm relaxation on respiratory muscle strength, chest expansion, pulmonary function, and sitting ability in children with diplegic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

Feb 10, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combining manual diaphragmatic relaxation with diaphragmatic breathing on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, chest expansion, and sitting ability in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. The results indicated that the intervention group experienced significant improvements in respiratory muscle strength and chest mobility compared to the control group, although no significant differences were observed in pulmonary function test parameters or sitting ability. The findings suggest that incorporating these breathing techniques into physiotherapy may enhance rehabilitation outcomes for this population.

Neuropharmacology in pediatric traumatic brain injury

Jan 23, 2026

This review article investigates the pharmacologic agents utilized in managing complications associated with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children, such as paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity and mood disruptions. The authors highlight the reliance on adult literature for evidence supporting these medications and emphasize the need for further research to assess their effectiveness specifically in pediatric populations.

Self-perceived fatigue in relation to activity and participation in adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy living in urban South Africa

Dec 23, 2025

This study investigates self-perceived fatigue and the levels of accomplishment and satisfaction in daily activities among adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy (CP) in urban South Africa, compared to their typically developing peers. The findings reveal that while individuals with CP experience similar levels of fatigue as their peers, they report lower accomplishment and satisfaction scores in their activities. Despite these challenges, participants with CP expressed independence in daily activities and community participation, indicating that fatigue may not directly impact their perceived quality of life.

Convergent validity of physical and neurological examination of subtle signs (PANESS) gaits and stations with performance-based and self-reported balance measures

Dec 23, 2025

The authors aimed to investigate the convergent validity of the Physical and Neurological Examination of Subtle Signs Gaits and Stations (PANESS G/S) in relation to performance-based (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, BOT-2) and self-reported (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, ABC) balance measures in youth, including those with a history of concussion. Their findings indicated that while PANESS G/S correlated with BOT-2 performance, it did not correlate with the ABC, suggesting that PANESS G/S and BOT-2 may assess overlapping constructs of balance, whereas self-reported measures may not reflect balance concerns in typically developing youth.

Rehabilitation needs and healthcare utilization of adults with cerebral palsy: A mixed methods study

Nov 10, 2025

This study investigates the rehabilitation and healthcare needs of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) within a pediatric healthcare setting, aiming to understand the complexity of their care requirements. Through mixed methods, the authors found that adults with CP experience evolving rehabilitation needs, high utilization of various therapies and specialists, and limited transition efforts to adult care. The findings highlight the necessity for comprehensive transition processes to address the ongoing healthcare challenges faced by this population.

Spina bifida as a congenital neurodevelopmental condition: Developing a philosophy of health care transition across the lifespan

Nov 10, 2025

The authors explore the complexities of healthcare transition for individuals with spina bifida (SB) across their lifespan, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by historically underserved populations. They aim to address how a "three-hit" model—encompassing prenatal factors and social determinants—affects health outcomes and emphasize the importance of patient-centered, evidence-based care as individuals transition from pediatric to adult healthcare systems. The paper also highlights the evolving role of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine in disseminating research and best practices related to SB care.