Dr. Alazem began her journey to pediatric rehabilitation, completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Science majoring in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, followed by receiving her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Queen’s University. She went on to complete her medical degree and pediatric residency at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Alazem also had the privilege of completing a clinical fellowship in Pediatric Rehabilitation at the University of Ottawa, one of two programs that offers this unique training in Canada.
Her research interests are in robotic technology for children with physical disabilities, early diagnosis in cerebral palsy as well as establishing sustainable rehabilitation frameworks in northern communities.
Research Projects
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Impacting Children’s Physical and Mental Health through Kinesiology Support in Clinical Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
18/08/2023
Our primary hypothesis is that children with medical conditions and disabilities, aged 8 to 18 years, randomized to receive 24 hours of healthy, active lifestyle support will have more confidence that they can participate in physical activity than those who do not receive support. Our secondary hypothesis is that, in comparison to the wait-list control group, those receiving kinesiology support will manifest a healthier lifestyle reflected in closer compliance to the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines for a healthy lifestyle.
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A randomized, cross-over trial comparing the effect of innovative robotic gait training and functional clinical therapy in children with cerebral palsy; a protocol to test feasibility
17/01/2023
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A randomized, cross-over trial comparing the effect of innovative robotic gait training and functional clinical therapy in children with cerebral palsy: a protocol to test feasibility
17/01/2023
Additional advantages of robotic devices include improved efficiency, with more precise repetition of exercise being possible in an allotted time and efficient patient preparation for therapy. Typically, set up with more traditional gait training approaches can be cumbersome and time-consuming [8]. Although preliminary pediatric and adult data for large tethered robotic training devices such as the Lokomat© appear promising, these devices limit functional use and exploration within a more natural environment. Mobile robotic gait trainers hold greater promise for practice within hospitals, schools and at home as they enable participation and social integration [13] while practicing high quality gait patterns.