Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine - Volume 10, issue 2

Authors: Bailes, Amy F. | Caldwell, Cailee | Clay, Mike | Tremper, Melissa | Dunning, Kari | Long, Jason

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To explore the effects of neuroprosthesis use on participation, level of community-based walking activity, safety and satisfaction in children with hemiplegic CP. METHODS: Eleven children (mean 9 years 11 months) with hemiplegic CP Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I and II participated in a 16-week intervention using the Ness L300 neuroprosthesis. Outcome measures included satisfaction and performance with self-selected participation goals (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)), level of community-based walking activity (Step Watch Activity Monitor (SAM)), trip and fall frequency (caregiver report) and a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Significant (p < …0.001) improvements in performance and satisfaction with self-selected participation goals (COPM) were demonstrated. No significant changes were noted in SAM values. A significant (p = 0.01) decrease in trips was demonstrated from baseline to post. Satisfaction with the device was high. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that daily neuroprosthesis use may improve performance and satisfaction with participation goals and reduce trips. No changes in community-based walking activity were noted. Further study is needed to examine response based on GMFCS levels, across geographical regions and between FES neuroprosthesis and a control group. Show more

Keywords: Hemiplegia, cerebral palsy, participation, activity, neuroprosthesis, functional electrical stimulation

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170434

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 71-79, 2017

Authors: Hessels, Amanda J. | Agarwal, Mansi | Saiman, Lisa | Larson, Elaine L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the reliability, feasibility and utility of a modified patient safety survey for use in pediatric long term care (pLTC) settings and describe patient safety culture in a sample of providers from pLTC facilities. METHODS: A survey was adapted from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture (PSC-pLTC) and administered to a convenience sample of providers who work in pLTC during an educational workshop in November 2015. RESULTS: Forty-nine respondents from 32 facilities across all 4 U.S. census regions completed the …survey. The adapted survey demonstrated excellent face validity, usability, feasibility and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.94). Highest ratings were given to overall perceptions of safety, feedback and incident communication, supervisors’ expectations and actions and management support. Lower ratings were given to dimensions of teamwork, communication, handoffs and transitions, with the lowest ratings given to staffing and organizational learning. Ratings were associated with population and geographic region served. CONCLUSION: This survey to measure patient safety culture adapted for pLTC demonstrated components of reliability and validity, was useable and group discussants were eager for such a measure. Show more

Keywords: Safety culture, long-term care, pediatrics, patient safety, children with medical complexity, measurement, organizational learning

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170432

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 81-87, 2017

Authors: Lind, Meredith | Lopez, Joseph J. | Merrill, Tyler | Cooper, Jennifer | Jatana, Kris R. | Justice, Leslie | Splaingard, Mark

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To determine if medical or functional factors influence the ability of a pediatric patient with a tracheostomy to tolerate decannulation. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of patients at a tertiary Children’s Hospital undergoing evaluation with capped tracheostomy polysomnogram (cPSG) for possible tracheostomy decannulation. Charts were reviewed for demographic information, functional status, cPSG characteristics, and success or failure of decannulation. Statistical analysis was performed to determine which patient factors were predictive of successful decannulation. RESULTS: A total of 139 sleep studies were analyzed in 104 unique children followed for at least 1 year after a …cPSG was performed to determine readiness for decannulation. At 1 year after most recent PSG, 79.8% of children were decannulated. There was no significant association between any single comorbid condition and the ability to decannulate. There was no association between individual or total functional status score and successful decannulation. Patients with at least 3 comorbid conditions investigated and a total functional score less than 7 were less likely to be decannulated successfully than other patients (71% vs. 93%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Functional status and comorbid conditions do not independently predict successful decannulation. Regular multi-disciplinary team reevaluation is indicated in patients with lower functional status, as removal of tracheostomy tube may be successfully accomplished. Show more

Keywords: Functional status, pediatric tracheotomy, pediatric tracheostomy, decannulation

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170437

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 89-94, 2017

Authors: van den Engel-Hoek, Lenie | Harding, Celia | van Gerven, Marjo | Cockerill, Helen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Children with neurological disabilities frequently have problems with feeding and swallowing. Such problems have a significant impact on the health and well-being of these children and their families. The primary aims in the rehabilitation of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders are focused on supporting growth, nutrition and hydration, the development of feeding activities, and ensuring safe swallowing with the aim of preventing choking and aspiration pneumonia. Pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders can be divided into four groups: transient, developmental, chronic or progressive. This article provides an overview of the available literature about the rehabilitation of feeding and swallowing …disorders in infants and children. Principles of motor control, motor learning and neuroplasticity are discussed for the four groups of children with feeding and swallowing disorders. Show more

Keywords: Pediatric, rehabilitation, feeding and swallowing, dysphagia

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170435

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 95-105, 2017

Authors: Gosa, Memorie M. | Carden, Hillary T. | Jacks, Courtney C. | Threadgill, Amy Y. | Sidlovsky, Tara C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: A rise in pediatric patients with swallowing and feeding problems has resulted in increased interest in multidisciplinary treatments to address these issues. This evidence based systematic review (EBSR) examined the published evidence for the use of common strategies used by clinicians across disciplines to treat pediatric swallowing and feeding problems. METHODS: A systematic search of 10 electronic databases was completed to identify relevant, peer reviewed literature published in English prior to December 2015 reporting original data that addressed at least one of the five identified clinical questions. RESULTS: Sixty-one studies of varying …methodological quality were included. The majority of the included studies (60/61) focused on the use of behavioral therapies to remediate swallowing and feeding disorders in children and reported mixed findings across all of the targeted outcomes. CONCLUSION: There is insufficient quantity of evidence to determine the effects of oral motor, sensory, and pharmaceutical therapies on functional feeding outcomes in pediatric populations. A larger body of phase 1 evidence is available that establishes the efficacy of behavioral strategies to treat some swallowing and feeding difficulties in small cohort and single subject studies. This analysis identified limited high quality (phase 4) research articles that establish the efficacy and benefit of joint nutrition and behavior intervention programs and systematic desensitization and operant conditioning behavioral therapy approaches to improve functional feeding and swallowing outcomes in children. Show more

Keywords: Pediatrics, dysphagia, feeding disorders, treatment, evidence based systematic review

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170436

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 107-136, 2017

Authors: Workinger, Marilyn Seif | Kent, Raymond D. | Meilahn, Jill R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Botulinum toxin A (Btx-A) injections are used to treat limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) resulting in improved gross and fine motor control. This treatment has also been reported to have additional functional effects, but the effect of treatment on speech has not been reported. This report presents results of longitudinal speech evaluation of two children with CP given injections of Btx-A for treatment of limb spasticity. Speech evaluations were accomplished at baseline (date of injections) and 4- and 10-weeks post-injections. Improvements in production of consonants, loudness control, and syllables produced per breath were found. Parental survey also …suggested improvements in subjects’ speech production and willingness to speak outside the testing situation. Future larger studies are warranted to assess the nature of the changes observed related to Btx-A. Show more

Keywords: Cerebral palsy/complications, cerebral palsy/drug therapy, muscle spasticity/drug therapy, speech, treatment outcome

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170433

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 137-143, 2017

Authors: Kassee, Caroline | Hunt, Carolyn | Holmes, Michael W.R. | Lloyd, Meghann

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This pilot study compared a Nintendo Wii intervention to single-joint resistance training for the upper limb in children ages 7 to 12 with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Children were randomized to Wii training (n = 3), or resistance training (n = 3) and trained at home for 6 weeks. Pre, post and 4-week follow-up measures were collected. Outcome measures were the Melbourne Assessment (MA2), and ABILHAND-Kids, and grip strength. Compliance, motivation and feasibility of each intervention was explored using daily logbook responses and questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used. Three …children improved in the MA2, two of which were in the Wii training group. Improvements in the ABILHAND-Kids were minimal for all participants. Grip strength improvements were observed in 3 participants, two of which were in the resistance training group. The Wii training group reported higher compliance and more consistently positive responses to motivation and feasibility questions. Therefore, Wii training may be an effective home-based rehabilitation strategy, and is worth exploring in a larger trial. Implications of Wii training in the context of motivation theory are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Hemiplegia, cerebral palsy, rehabilitation, virtual reality, exergaming, paediatric rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, active video games, motivation theory

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170439

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 145-154, 2017

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170440

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 155-, 2017

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-170441

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 157-, 2017