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Li B, Arcemont S, Lobo MA. Identification of Users' Needs for Pediatric Upper Extremity Exoskeletons. Pediatr Phys Ther 2024; 36:329-336. [PMID: 38869475 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000001109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Identify users' needs for pediatric upper extremity (UE) exoskeletons and how users would like exoskeletons to serve their needs. METHODS Qualitative study design with semi-structured interviews performed with families who are English-speaking with a child aged 3 to 16 years with a chronic need for UE assistance to perform activities. Content analysis was conducted for the responses. RESULTS Twenty-two parents and 12 children among 21 families participated. Families identified key personal care, function and mobility, manual interaction, academic, recreational, and social activities they would like devices to support. Families rated the importance of a variety of design factors. Families using UE wearable assistive devices noted that they better met their functional needs relative to other needs. Families provided design suggestions for future exoskeletons, including preferences for attachment mechanisms, fasteners, and control systems. CONCLUSIONS This study provides important information to guide the prescription and design of UE exoskeletons for pediatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Li
- Department of Physical Therapy and Biomechanics & Movement Science Program (Li and Lobo), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware; Exercise Science Program, University of Delaware (Arcemont), Newark, Delaware
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Li B, Cunha AB, Lobo MA. Effectiveness and Users' Perceptions of Upper Extremity Exoskeletons and Robot-Assisted Devices in Children with Physical Disabilities: Systematic Review. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr 2023; 44:336-379. [PMID: 37635151 DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2023.2248241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM Systematically determine the effectiveness and users' perceptions of upper extremity (UE) exoskeletons and robot-assisted devices for pediatric rehabilitation. METHODS PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies with "exoskeletons"/"robot-assisted devices", children with disabilities, effectiveness data, and English publication. Intervention effectiveness outcomes were classified within components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY). Secondary data (users' perceptions; implementation setting) were extracted. Risk of bias and methodological quality were assessed. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS Seventy-two articles were included. Most evaluated body structure and function and activity outcomes with less emphasis on participation. Most effects across all ICF-CY levels were positive. Devices were primarily evaluated in clinical or laboratory rather than natural environments. Perceptions about device effectiveness were mostly positive, while those about expression, accessibility, and esthetics were mostly negative. A need for increased rigor in research study design was detected. CONCLUSIONS Across populations, devices, settings, interventions, and dosing schedules, UE exoskeletons and robot-assisted devices may improve function, activity, and perhaps participation for children with physical disabilities. Future work should transition devices into natural environments, design devices and implementation strategies to address users' negative perceptions, and increase research rigor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Li
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Andrea B Cunha
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Munroe Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michele A Lobo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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Koziol NA, Kretch KS, Harbourne RT, Lobo MA, McCoy SW, Molinini R, Hsu LY, Babik I, Cunha AB, Willett SL, Bovaird JA, Dusing SC. START-Play Physical Therapy Intervention Indirectly Impacts Cognition Through Changes in Early Motor-Based Problem-Solving Skills. Pediatr Phys Ther 2023:00001577-990000000-00051. [PMID: 37071882 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000001016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study tested whether the Sitting Together and Reaching to Play (START-Play) physical therapy intervention indirectly impacts cognition through changes in perceptual-motor skills in infants with motor delays. METHODS Participants were 50 infants with motor delays randomly assigned to START-Play plus Usual Care Early Intervention (UC-EI) or UC-EI only. Infants' perceptual-motor and cognitive skills were assessed at baseline and 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months post-baseline. RESULTS Short-term changes in sitting, fine motor skills, and motor-based problem-solving, but not reaching, predicted long-term changes in cognition. START-Play indirectly impacted cognition through motor-based problem-solving but not sitting, reaching, or fine motor skills. CONCLUSIONS This study provided preliminary evidence that early physical therapy interventions that blend activities across developmental domains and are supported by an enriched social context can place infants on more optimal developmental trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Koziol
- Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools (Dr Koziol), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska; Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy (Drs Kretch and Dusing), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Physical Therapy Department (Dr Harbourne), Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Biomechanics and Movement Science Program and Physical Therapy Department (Dr Lobo), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (Drs McCoy and Hsu), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Rehabilitation and Movement Science (Ms Molinini), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; Department of Psychological Science (Dr Babik), Boise State University, Boise, Idaho; University of Nebraska Medical Center (Dr Cunha), University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska; Munroe Meyer Institute (Dr Willett), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Department of Educational Psychology (Dr Bovaird), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Babik I, B Cunha A, Choi D, Koziol NA, T Harbourne R, C Dusing S, W McCoy S, A Bovaird J, L Willett S, Lobo MA. The Effect of START-Play Intervention on Reaching-Related Exploratory Behaviors in Children with Neuromotor Delays: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr 2022; 43:321-337. [PMID: 36221306 DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2022.2131501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Children with neuromotor delays are at risk for reaching and object exploration impairments, which may negatively affect their cognitive development and daily activity performance. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Sitting Together And Reaching To Play (START-Play) intervention on reaching-related exploratory behaviors in children with neuromotor delays. METHODS In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 112 children (Mean = 10.80, SD = 2.59 months old at baseline) with motor delays were randomly assigned to receive START-Play intervention or usual care-early intervention. Performance for ten reaching-related exploratory behaviors was assessed at baseline and 1.5, 3, 6, 12 months post-baseline. Piecewise linear mixed-effects modeling was used to evaluate short- and long-term effects of the intervention. RESULTS Benefits of START-Play were observed for children with significant motor delays, but not for those with mild delays. START-Play was especially beneficial for children with significant motor delays who demonstrated early mastery in the reaching assessment (i.e., object contact ≥65% of the time within 3 months after baseline); these children showed greater improvements in manual, visual, and multimodal exploration, as well as intensity of exploration across time. CONCLUSIONS START-Play advanced the performance of reaching-related exploratory behaviors in children with significant motor delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Babik
- Department of Psychological Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Andrea B Cunha
- Munroe Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Dongho Choi
- Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Natalie A Koziol
- Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Regina T Harbourne
- Department of Physical Therapy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stacey C Dusing
- Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah W McCoy
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James A Bovaird
- Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Sandra L Willett
- Munroe Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michele A Lobo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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Jensen-Willett S, Cunha A, Lobo MA, Harbourne R, Dusing SC, McCoy SW, Koziol NA, Hsu LY, Marcinowski EC, Babik I, An M, Bovaird JA. The Effect of Early-Life Seizures on Cognitive and Motor Development: A Case Series. Pediatr Phys Ther 2022; 34:425-431. [PMID: 35703307 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000000918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This case series documents developmental changes over time and in response to a novel intervention, Sitting Together and Reaching to Play (START-Play), in children with early-life seizures. METHODS Thirteen children with early-life seizures were included from a subset of participants in the START-Play multisite, randomized controlled trial. Seven received 3 months of twice weekly START-Play intervention; 6 continued with usual care early intervention. Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (Cognitive Composite), Gross Motor Function Measure-66 Item Set, Assessment of Problem-Solving in Play, and reaching assessments were administered at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months postbaseline. Change scores are reported at 3 and 12 months postbaseline. RESULTS Over time, plateau or decline was noted in standardized cognition measures; motor development improved or was stable. Children receiving START-Play showed positive trends in problem-solving (71.4%) and reaching behaviors (57.2%). CONCLUSIONS Interventions such as START-Play that combine motor and cognitive constructs may benefit children with early-life seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Jensen-Willett
- Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Willett), Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Department of Physical Therapy (Drs Cunha and Lobo), Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware; Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Harbourne), Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy (Dr Dusing), University of Southern California, Los Angeles CA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (Drs Westcott-McCoy and Hsu), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools (Drs Koziol and Bovaird), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska; College of Human Science and Education (Dr Marcinowski), Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Department of Psychological Science (Dr Babik), Boise State University, Boise, Idaho; Department of Physical Therapy (Dr An), Kaya University, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
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Babik I, Cunha AB, Lobo MA. A model for using developmental science to create effective early intervention programs and technologies to improve children's developmental outcomes. ADVANCES IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 62:231-268. [PMID: 35249683 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acdb.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Children born with a variety of environmental or medical risk factors may exhibit delays in global development. Very often, such delays are identified at preschool or school age, when children are severely overdue for effective early interventions that can alleviate the delays. This chapter proposes a conceptual model of child development to inform the creation of interventions and rehabilitative technologies that can be provided very early in development, throughout the first year of life, to optimize children's future developmental outcomes. The model suggests that early sensorimotor skills are antecedent and foundational for future motor, cognitive, language, and social development. As an example, this chapter describes how children's early postural control and exploratory movements facilitate the development of future object exploration behaviors that provide enhanced opportunities for learning and advance children's motor, cognitive, language, and social development. An understanding of the developmental pathways in the model can enable the design of effective intervention programs and rehabilitative technologies that target sensorimotor skills in the first year of life with the goal of minimizing or ameliorating the delays that are typically identified at preschool or school age. Specific examples of early interventions and rehabilitative technologies that have effectively advanced children's motor and cognitive development by targeting early sensorimotor skills and behaviors are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Babik
- Department of Psychological Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID, United States
| | - Andrea B Cunha
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Michele A Lobo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States.
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Babik I, Cunha AB, Lobo MA. Assistive and Rehabilitative Effects of the Playskin Lift TM Exoskeletal Garment on Reaching and Object Exploration in Children With Arthrogryposis. Am J Occup Ther 2021; 75:7501205110p1-7501205110p10. [PMID: 33399059 PMCID: PMC7784035 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2020.040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita are often delayed in their development of reaching and object exploration, which can place them at risk for associated delays in motor and cognitive development. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the longitudinal assistive and rehabilitative effects of the Playskin Lift™ (hereinafter Playskin), a novel exoskeletal garment, on reaching and object exploration abilities in children with arthrogryposis. DESIGN Single-case ABA design with a 1-mo baseline, 4-mo intervention, and 1-mo postintervention. SETTING Home environment. PARTICIPANTS Seventeen children with arthrogryposis (ages 6-35 mo at first visit; 5 boys). INTERVENTION Participants used the Playskin daily for 30 to 45 min while participating in structured intervention activities to encourage reaching for objects across play spaces larger than they were typically able to. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Participants were tested biweekly throughout the study with and without the Playskin using a systematic reaching assessment. Coding of reaching and object exploration behavior was performed using OpenSHAPA software; statistical analyses were conducted using Hierarchical Linear and Nonlinear Modeling software. Feasibility of the Playskin for daily home intervention was evaluated with a parent perception questionnaire. RESULTS Positive assistive effects (improved performance when wearing the Playskin within sessions) and rehabilitative effects (improved independent performance after the Playskin intervention) were observed with increased active range of motion, expanded reaching space, improved grasping with the ventral side of the open hand, and greater complexity and multimodality and intensity of object exploration. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The Playskin may be a feasible, effective assistive and rehabilitative device to advance object interaction and learning in young children with arthrogryposis. WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS The novel exoskeletal Playskin garment improves reaching and object exploration in young children with arthrogryposis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Babik
- Iryna Babik, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Psychological Science, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
| | - Andrea Baraldi Cunha
- Andrea Baraldi Cunha, PT, PhD, is Research Associate, Department of Physical Therapy and Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark
| | - Michele A Lobo
- Michele A. Lobo, PT, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark;
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Longo E, De Campos AC, Spinola Barreto A, de Lima Nascimento Coutinho DL, Leite Galvão Coelho M, Corsi C, Souza Monteiro K, Logan SW. Go Zika Go: A Feasibility Protocol of a Modified Ride-on Car Intervention for Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome in Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186875. [PMID: 32967070 PMCID: PMC7558945 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) present severe motor disability and can benefit from early powered mobility. The Go Zika Go project uses modified ride-on toy cars, which may advance the body functions, activities, and participation of children. This paper describes the study protocol aiming to assess the feasibility of a modified ride-on car intervention for children with CZS in Brazil. A mixed-methods design with a multiple 1-week baseline, 3-month intervention, and 1-month follow-up will be implemented. Modified ride-on car training sessions will be conducted three times a week at the participants’ home or in the clinic. The primary outcome will be a narrative description of study feasibility (photovoice method, focus groups, parent feasibility questionnaire and assessment of learning powered mobility). Secondary outcomes will be switch activation, driving sessions journal, social-cognitive interactions, mobility (pediatric evaluation of disability inventory computer adaptive test), goal attainment scaling (GAS), and participation (young children’s participation and environment measure). Go Zika Go is expected to be viable and to improve function, activity, and participation of children with CZS, providing a low-cost, evidence-based rehabilitation option that will be relevant to early child development in a global perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egmar Longo
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences and Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte—Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (UFRN-FACISA), Santa Cruz 59200-000, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-8432912411
| | - Ana Carolina De Campos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil; (A.C.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Amanda Spinola Barreto
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte—Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (UFRN-FACISA), Santa Cruz 59200-000, Brazil; (A.S.B.); (D.L.d.L.N.C.)
| | - Dinara Laiana de Lima Nascimento Coutinho
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte—Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (UFRN-FACISA), Santa Cruz 59200-000, Brazil; (A.S.B.); (D.L.d.L.N.C.)
| | - Monique Leite Galvão Coelho
- Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte—Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (UFRN-FACISA), Santa Cruz 59200-000, Brazil;
| | - Carolina Corsi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil; (A.C.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Karolinne Souza Monteiro
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences and Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte—Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (UFRN-FACISA), Santa Cruz 59200-000, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte—Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (UFRN-FACISA), Santa Cruz 59200-000, Brazil; (A.S.B.); (D.L.d.L.N.C.)
| | - Samuel Wood Logan
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
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Exploring the Unmet Need for Technology to Promote Motor Ability in Children Younger Than 5 Years of Age: A Systematic Review. Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl 2020; 2:100051. [PMID: 33543078 PMCID: PMC7853335 DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2020.100051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To (1) identify types of technology that promote motor ability in children younger than 5 years of age, (2) report on the type of support these devices provide, and (3) evaluate their potential for use in the community (outside of the laboratory or clinic). Data Sources A literature search of PubMed was conducted in February 2019 using specific terms, including child, rehabilitation, movement, and instrumentation. Study Selection The search yielded 451 peer-reviewed articles, which were screened by multiple reviewers. Articles that described the use of devices for the purpose of motor rehabilitation and/or assistance (regardless of device type or body part targeted) in the age range of 0-5 years were eligible for inclusion. Data Extraction In conformity with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, final stage data extraction consisted of full text readings where each article was reviewed twice by 3 independent reviewers. Data Synthesis About half of the devices available (46%) for children younger than 5 years of age are orthotics and corrective casting devices. There are more facilitative (ie, power mobility devices) than inhibitive (ie, casting) technologies being used. Approximately 60% of the devices are designed for use by a single body part. Walking is the most common motor skill addressed. Although most of the devices were used to some degree outside of the laboratory or clinic, most of the devices available are considered investigative and are not available for commercial purchase. Conclusions Many types of pediatric devices to assist movement exist, but the current scope of employed devices is limited. There is a need for developing technology that allows for, if not supports, high-dosage, early, and variable motor practice that can take place in community settings.
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Babik I, Cunha AB, Lobo MA. Play with objects in children with arthrogryposis: Effects of intervention with the Playskin Lift™ exoskeletal garment. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:393-403. [PMID: 31232529 PMCID: PMC10740315 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) often exhibit arm movement impairments that can negatively impact activities of daily living, such as reaching, object exploration, object play, and self-care. This study evaluated the effects of intervention involving the Playskin Lift™ (Playskin) exoskeletal garment on arm function during object play for children with AMC. Seventeen children with AMC (5 males; 6-35 months at the beginning of the study) were tested in their homes biweekly with and without the Playskin throughout a 1-month Baseline, 4-month Intervention, and 1-month Post-Intervention. Within sessions (assistive effects), children contacted and manipulated objects more while wearing the Playskin; they also showed greater intensity, complexity, and variability of behaviors performed during free play, as well as increased play space and reduced number of compensatory arm and trunk flings to facilitate reaching. Across time (rehabilitative effects), children significantly improved their visual-manual coupling as well as their ability to lift objects from a surface and to manipulate objects using one hand; in addition, children exhibited greater multimodality, variability, and intensity of their play behaviors. Current results suggest the Playskin Lift™ may serve as an effective assistive and rehabilitative device to improve play for children with arm movement impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Babik
- Department of Psychological Science, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
| | - Andrea B. Cunha
- Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - Michele A. Lobo
- Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
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Heathcock JC, Lockman JJ. Infant and Child Development: Innovations and Foundations for Rehabilitation. Phys Ther 2019; 99:643-646. [PMID: 31155659 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jill C Heathcock
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Dr Heathcock is a PTJ Editorial Board member
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