scholarly journals Perspectives on tactile intervention for children with cerebral palsy: a framework to guide clinical reasoning and future research

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (15) ◽  
pp. 1849-1854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan L. Auld ◽  
Leanne M. Johnston
1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 278-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise T. Reid

The effects of a hand positioning device (HPD) on the quality of upper-extremity movement of five children with cerebral palsy were examined in this pilot study. Hand position was monitored during a reaching task using a single-point, 3°-of-freedom, three-dimensional tracker device. Three-dimensional path length, average velocity, movement time, response time, and the number of accelerations and decelerations (movement units) were measured. Operational definitions for each of these variables were developed for this study. Each subject performed 15 reaching trials at a pretest and posttest. A 6-week intervention period followed the pretest where each subject wore the HPD for 1 hour daily for functional activities. Group results showed no significant differences for any of the variables being measured. However, individual data analysis revealed that the HPD has the potential for modifying the quality of reaching motions in some children with cerebral palsy. The nature of the changes observed among these five subjects is discussed, as well as suggestions for future research studies. Finally, this initial study shows that the tracker is a sensitive method for recording qualitative changes in the upper-extremity motion of children with cerebral palsy in occupational therapy research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Kent ◽  
Ian Cleland ◽  
Catherine Saunders ◽  
Andrew Ennis ◽  
Laura Finney ◽  
...  

Objectives: To describe and critique a systematic multidisciplinary approach to user engagement, and selection and evaluation of sensor technologies for development of a sensor-based Digital Toolkit for assessment of movement in children with cerebral palsy (CP).Methods: A sequential process was employed comprising three steps: Step 1: define user requirements, by identifying domains of interest; Step 2: map domains of interest to potential sensor technologies; and Step 3: evaluate and select appropriate sensors to be incorporated into the Digital Toolkit. The process employed a combination of principles from frameworks based in either healthcare or technology design.Results: A broad range of domains were ranked as important by clinicians, patients and families, and industry users. These directly informed the device selection and evaluation process that resulted in three sensor-based technologies being agreed for inclusion in the Digital Toolkit, for use in a future research study.Conclusion: This report demonstrates a systematic approach to user engagement and device selection and evaluation during the development of a sensor-based solution to a healthcare problem. It also provides a narrative on the benefits of employing a multidisciplinary approach throughout the process. This work uses previous frameworks for evaluating sensor technologies and expands on the methods used for user engagement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 238-254
Author(s):  
Tara O'Neill ◽  
Krista M. Wilkinson

Purpose To ensure long-term adoption and use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies, they must be designed to support children to participate within everyday activities and routines that are prioritized by families. The aim of this study was to gain parent perspectives on how AAC technologies were integrated into everyday life. Method Nine parents of children with cerebral palsy who used AAC technologies participated in semistructured interviews to provide their perspectives on how AAC technologies were integrated into the functional contexts of everyday life. Results Five major themes emerged from the discussions: (a) integrating AAC into life, (b) AAC technologies, (c) child needs and skills, (d) parent responsibilities and priorities, and (e) AAC process and decision making. Children were able to use AAC technologies within a variety of everyday contexts with various partners; however, challenges included access to technologies within care routines and outdoor activities as well as partners who lacked knowledge regarding operational competencies and effective interaction strategies. To integrate AAC technologies into life, parents prioritized technology features including ease of programming, improved physical design, features to enhance efficiency and ease of access, and availability of multiple functions and features (e.g., games and leisure activities, environmental controls). Conclusion AAC manufacturers and mainstream technology developers should work to ensure that technologies are responsive to the supports, limitations, and ideal features identified by parents. Future research should seek input from a larger group of stakeholders and use longitudinal methods to examine perceptions of AAC technologies over time. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11625543


2021 ◽  
pp. 001440292098646
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Dieleman ◽  
Bart Soenens ◽  
Peter Prinzie ◽  
Lana De Clercq ◽  
Sarah S. W. De Pauw

Because parents of children with cerebral palsy encounter many challenges, the quality of their parenting varies substantially across time. To understand how and why their parenting behaviors change across time, we examined the contributions of child behavior and parents’ psychological needs to explanations of yearly variation in responsive, autonomy-supportive, and psychologically controlling parenting. We also explored whether parents’ motivation to take care of their child explained why some parents engage in better-quality parenting than others. Parents ( N = 117) of children with cerebral palsy ( Mage = 10.98 years) participated in a three-wave longitudinal study. Multilevel analyses indicated that yearly variations in parents’ need satisfaction and frustration related to yearly fluctuations in, respectively, autonomy-supportive and psychologically controlling parenting. Child behaviors had few unique effects on parenting. Parents’ autonomous motivation was associated with better overall quality of parenting. We discuss implications for practice and directions for future research.


2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen McConnell ◽  
Daniel Topley ◽  
Jason McKeown ◽  
Claire Kerr

Abstract Background Research suggests electrical Vestibular Nerve Stimulation (VeNS) may improve balance for people with neurological impairments. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a VeNS headset protocol in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Children aged 5–18 years with ambulant CP, their parents, and healthcare professionals were recruited via social media. Children completed a battery of balance tests and wore a sham VeNS headset one hour per day for four weeks. Perspectives on the balance tests and headset were ascertained from children, parents and healthcare professionals using semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analysed thematically. Results Two families and four healthcare professionals participated. Balance outcome measures were fully completed and deemed acceptable. Adherence with wearing the headset was 89–100% but discomfort with self-adhesive electrodes was reported. Four themes emerged from interview data: headset issues, perceptions about VeNS, the importance of balance, and modifications for future study. Conclusions Although the VeNS headset had high acceptability, the volunteer sample was small, potentially suggesting limited interest in VeNS as a treatment for children with CP, or reluctance to trial a ‘non-active’ headset. Recruitment via clinicians known to the family and use of an ‘active’ headset may increase participation in future research.


2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doreen J Bartlett ◽  
Robert J Palisano

Abstract Background and Purpose. Evidence supporting factors predicting motor change for children with cerebral palsy is minimal. A consensus exercise using focus groups and survey methods was conducted to identify factors perceived to affect the acquisition of basic motor abilities among children with cerebral palsy from the time of diagnosis to 7 years of age. Subjects. Fifty-seven physical therapists participated in one of 12 focus groups, and 60 physical therapists participated in a follow-up questionnaire survey via mail. Methods. The nominal group technique was used to conduct the focus groups. Results. Participants reached consensus about 12 factors in 4 constructs, which we called: (1) primary impairments (muscle tone/movement patterns, distribution of involvement, balance, and sensory impairment), (2) secondary impairments (range of motion/joint alignment, force production, health, and endurance), (3) personality characteristics (motivation), and (4) family factors (support to child, family expectations, and support to family). Discussion and Conclusion. The recognition of potential determinants of motor change could assist in the clinical reasoning that physical therapists use when planning interventions for children with cerebral palsy. Participants identified a set of variables, some of which are found in the literature, that can provide foundation knowledge for decision making and research on factors that bring about change in motor ability among children with cerebral palsy.


2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guro Andersen ◽  
Tone R. Mjøen ◽  
Torstein Vik

Abstract This study describes the prevalence of speech problems and the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Norway. Information on the communicative abilities of 564 children with CP born 1996–2003, recorded in the Norwegian CP Registry, was collected. A total of 270 children (48%) had normal speech, 90 (16%) had slightly indistinct speech, 52 (9%) had indistinct speech, 35 (6%) had very indistinct speech, 110 children (19%) had no speech, and 7 (1%) were unknown. Speech problems were most common in children with dyskinetic CP (92 %), in children with the most severe gross motor function impairments and among children being totally dependent on assistance in feeding or tube-fed children. A higher proportion of children born at term had speech problems when compared with children born before 32 weeks of gestational age 32 (p > 0.001). Among the 197 children with speech problems only, 106 (54%) used AAC in some form. Approximately 20% of children had no verbal speech, whereas ~15% had significant speech problems. Among children with either significant speech problems or no speech, only 54% used AAC in any form.


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