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Poleur M, Markati T, Servais L. The use of digital outcome measures in clinical trials in rare neurological diseases: a systematic literature review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:224. [PMID: 37533072 PMCID: PMC10398976 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02813-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing drugs for rare diseases is challenging, and the precision and objectivity of outcome measures is critical to this process. In recent years, a number of technologies have increasingly been used for remote monitoring of patient health. We report a systematic literature review that aims to summarize the current state of progress with regard to the use of digital outcome measures for real-life motor function assessment of patients with rare neurological diseases. Our search of published literature identified 3826 records, of which 139 were included across 27 different diseases. This review shows that use of digital outcome measures for motor function outside a clinical setting is feasible and employed in a broad range of diseases, although we found few outcome measures that have been robustly validated and adopted as endpoints in clinical trials. Future research should focus on validation of devices, variables, and algorithms to allow for regulatory qualification and widespread adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Poleur
- Department of Neurology, Liege University Hospital Center, Liège, Belgium.
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Division of Paediatrics University, Hospital University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Centre Hospitalier Régional de la Citadelle, Boulevard du 12eme de Ligne 1, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Theodora Markati
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Division of Paediatrics University, Hospital University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Lotan M, Downs J, Stahlhut M, Romano A. Evaluation Tools Developed for Rett Syndrome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13101708. [PMID: 37238191 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a complex neurodevelopmental X-linked disorder associated with severe functional impairments and multiple comorbidities. There is wide variation in the clinical presentation, and because of its unique characteristics, several evaluation tools of clinical severity, behavior, and functional motor abilities have been proposed specifically for it. This opinion paper aims to present up-to date evaluation tools which have specifically been adapted for individuals with RTT often used by the authors in their clinical and research practice and to provide the reader with essential considerations and suggestions regarding their use. Due to the rarity of Rett syndrome, we found it important to present these scales in order to improve and professionalize their clinical work. The current article will review the following evaluation tools: (a) the Rett Assessment Rating Scale; (b) the Rett Syndrome Gross Motor Scale; (c) the Rett Syndrome Functional Scale; (d) the Functional Mobility Scale-Rett Syndrome; (e) the Two-Minute Walking Test modified for Rett syndrome; (f) the Rett Syndrome Hand Function Scale; (g) the StepWatch Activity Monitor; (h) the activPALTM; (i) the Modified Bouchard Activity Record; (j) the Rett Syndrome Behavioral Questionnaire; and (k) the Rett Syndrome Fear of Movement Scale. The authors recommend that service providers consider evaluation tools validated for RTT for evaluation and monitoring to guide their clinical recommendations and management. In this article, the authors suggest factors that should be considered when using these evaluation tools to assist in interpreting scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
- Israeli Rett Syndrome National Evaluation Team, Ramat Gan 5211401, Israel
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Michelle Stahlhut
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Rett Syndrome, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alberto Romano
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
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Downs J, Blackmore AM, Wong K, Buckley N, Lotan M, Elefant C, Leonard H, Stahlhut M. Can telehealth increase physical activity in individuals with Rett syndrome? A multicentre randomized controlled trial. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023; 65:489-497. [PMID: 36284370 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effects of a physical activity programme on sedentary behaviour and physical activity in ambulant individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT). METHOD In this multicentre randomized waitlist-controlled trial, we recruited 43 ambulatory individuals with RTT in Australia and Denmark. Adequate baseline data were obtained from 38 participants (mean age 20 years, range 6-41, SD 10 years 6 months, one male). All completed the trial. Participants received 12 weeks of usual care (n = 19) or a goal-based, telehealth-supported programme in which activities occurred in their familiar environments (n = 19). Sedentary time and daily steps were assessed at baseline, post-test, and 12-week follow-up. The data analyst was blinded to group allocation. RESULTS Sedentary time decreased in the intervention group by 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] -6.0 to 0.6) and increased in the control group by 1.3% (95% CI -4.8 to 7.4). Intervention and control groups increased the number of their steps per day by 264.7 (95% CI -72.2 to 601.5) and 104.8 (95% CI -178.1 to 387.7) respectively. No significant differences were found on any outcomes at post-test. There were three minor adverse events. INTERPRETATION A goal-based telehealth intervention seemed to produce small improvements in physical activity for individuals with RTT. Families require more support to increase these individuals' extremely low physical activity levels. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS A telehealth-supported intervention may produce small changes in physical activity in Rett syndrome (RTT). Increasing physical activity in individuals with RTT is challenging for caregivers. Families require substantial out-of-home support to increase their children's activity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - A Marie Blackmore
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kingsley Wong
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas Buckley
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Rett Syndrome National Clinic, Sheba Hospital, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Cochavit Elefant
- School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michelle Stahlhut
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Rett Syndrome, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Buckley N, Stahlhut M, Elefant C, Leonard H, Lotan M, Downs J. Parent and therapist perspectives on "uptime" activities and participation in Rett syndrome. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 44:7420-7427. [PMID: 34689665 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1992026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with a disability may spend more time sitting and lying ("downtime") and less time standing and walking ("uptime"). Caregivers and therapists supporting individuals with Rett syndrome were surveyed, aiming to gather insights on how to support participation in "uptime" activities. METHOD An anonymous online survey including open ended questions about the enablers and barriers to "uptime" was administered to parent/caregivers and therapists/health professionals in an international sample. Responses were coded to the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) framework identifying barriers, enablers, and strategies for increasing uptime activities. RESULTS Parents (N = 115) and therapists (N = 49) completed the survey. Barriers and enablers to "uptime" were identified for all ICF domains and additional data coded to enabling access to the physical environment. Strategies to promote "uptime" activities and participation particularly related to the individual's physical capacity and personal factors as well as social and physical environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS Findings can inform the design of interventions aiming to increase "uptime" in individuals with Rett syndrome. Strategies should create individualised support by considering how to build fitness using activities that are motivating, at the same time creating opportunities for social interactions within a range of environments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION"Uptime" participation comprised a dynamic interaction of "doing" the standing or walking activity, with a sense of self-engagement with the activities and interaction with others.Strategies to promote "uptime" participation should consider how to create support for person-related attributes, including building physical capacity for a greater volume of "uptime" in activities that are enjoyable and motivating.Strategies to promote "uptime participation should also include creating a supportive environment, comprising opportunities for social interaction within a range of environments".
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Buckley
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Michelle Stahlhut
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Rett Syndrome, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Meir Lotan
- Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Israeli Rett syndrome National evaluation team
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Romero-Galisteo RP, González-Sánchez M, Costa L, Brandão R, Ramalhete C, Leão C, Jacobsohn L. Outcome measurement instruments in Rett syndrome: A systematic review. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 39:79-87. [PMID: 35717810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.06.003] [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] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to identify and characterize outcome measures for objective and subjective assessment in persons with Rett syndrome (RS). METHODS A systematic review was conducted consulting the EBSCO, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scielo, MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases for published studies describing the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and other outcome measures in persons with RS. Validation studies and observational studies were included. The PROMs were first described, and then the measurement properties were evaluated using predefined criteria according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). The outcome measures were then grouped according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to establish a relationship between outcome measures and ICF domains. RESULTS Twenty out of 2327 articles were appraised, and seventeen different outcome measures were identified and described. Ten outcome measures corresponded to evaluation questionnaires, while the remaining seven assessed functional outcomes: walking distance, physical activity level and ability to interact visually. A relation between these outcome measures that assess RS and the ICF allows understanding that most of the instruments (fifteen) include the assessment of activity limitations. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study seem to be promising for their use by clinicians and researchers, although they have methodological limitations. The accuracy and quality of these individual outcome measures should continue to be assessed in an attempt to gather a consensus on the best tools used in RS.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Romero-Galisteo
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Málaga, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - M González-Sánchez
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Málaga, Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
| | - L Costa
- Escola Superior de Saúde Atlantica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - R Brandão
- Escola Superior de Saúde Atlantica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - C Ramalhete
- Atlântica- Instituto Universitário, Oeiras, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - C Leão
- Escola Superior de Saúde Atlantica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - L Jacobsohn
- Escola Superior de Saúde Atlantica, Oeiras, Portugal
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Intensive Postural and Motor Activity Program Reduces Scoliosis Progression in People with Rett Syndrome. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030559. [PMID: 35160011 PMCID: PMC8837095 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A scoliosis prevalence of 94% was reported in the population with Rett syndrome (RTT), with an annual progression rate of 14 to 21° Cobb which may result in pain, loss of sitting balance, deterioration of motor skills, and lung disfunction. This paper describes the efficacy of an intensive conservative individualized physical and postural activity program in preventing scoliosis curvature progression in patients with RTT. Methods: Twenty subjects diagnosed with RTT and scoliosis were recruited, and an individualized intensive daily physical activity program was developed for each participant. Each program was conducted for six months by participants’ primary caregivers in their daily living environment. Fortnightly remote supervision of the program implementation was provided by an expert therapist. Pre- and post-intervention radiographs and motor functioning were analyzed. Results: An averaged progression of +1.7° ± 8.7° Cobb, over one year (12.3 ± 3.5 months) was observed in our group, together with motor function improvements. A relation between curve progression and motor skill improvement was observed. Conclusions: The intervention prevented scoliosis progression in our group. The achievement of functional motor improvements could enable better body segment control and muscle balancing, with a protective effect on scoliosis progression. The intervention was effective for individuals with RTT across various ages and severity levels. Individual characteristics of each participant and the details of their activity program are described.
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Downs J, Lotan M, Elefant C, Leonard H, Wong K, Buckley N, Stahlhut M. Implementing telehealth support to increase physical activity in girls and women with Rett syndrome -ActivRett: protocol for a waitlist randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e042446. [PMID: 33376177 PMCID: PMC7778785 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) experience impaired gross motor skills, limiting their capacity to engage in physical activities and participation in activities. There is limited evidence of the effectiveness of supported physical activity interventions. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a telehealth-delivered physical activity programme on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and quality of life in RTT. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a multicentre study, conducted in Australia, Denmark and Israel. It is a randomised waitlist-controlled trial comparing an intervention to support physical activity with usual care. Participants are children and adults with RTT, recruited from the Australian Rett Syndrome Database, the Danish Center for Rett Syndrome and the Rett Syndrome Association of Israel. The intervention duration is 12 weeks, including fortnightly telephone contact to plan, monitor and develop individual activity programmes. Outcomes are measured at baseline, at 13 weeks and then at 25 weeks. The primary outcomes are sedentary behaviour assessed with an activPAL accelerometer and the number of daily steps measured with a StepWatch Activity Monitor. Secondary outcomes include sleep, behaviour and quality of life. Caregiver experiences will be assessed immediately after the intervention using a satisfaction questionnaire. Group differences for each outcome will be evaluated with analysis of covariance, adjusting for baseline values on an intention-to-treat basis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been obtained in Western Australia from the Child and Adolescent Health Services (RGS3371), in Denmark from the Capital Region Ethics Committee (H-19040514) and in Israel from the Ariel University Institutional Review Board (AU-HEA-ML-20190331). Manuscripts on the development of the intervention from pilot work and the results of the intervention will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals. Results will be presented at conferences and consumer forums. We will develop an online resource documenting the physical activity programme and available supporting evidence. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04167059; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Cochavit Elefant
- School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kingsley Wong
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas Buckley
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michelle Stahlhut
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Rett Syndrome, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Romano A, Caprì T, Semino M, Bizzego I, Di Rosa G, Fabio RA. Gross Motor, Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Disorder Evaluation Tools for Rett Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Dev Neurorehabil 2020; 23:485-501. [PMID: 31668104 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1680761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, much attention has been paid to motor impairment of persons with Rett Syndrome (RTT), with increasing literature aimed to describe gross motor functioning and musculoskeletal disorders of the RTT population. The aim of this systematic review is to describe clinical evaluation tools used in the last decade to assess motor functioning and musculoskeletal abnormalities of patients with RTT. Thirty-four studies were reviewed and 20 tools were presented. Results showed that only two tools were used to measure functional change after rehabilitative or therapeutic interventions. This review underlies the lack of adequate evaluation tools to assess musculoskeletal abnormalities and deformities in RTT population. The absence of these assessments could be due to a statistical difficulty as it is challenging to build an evaluation tool that can score the entities of the abnormalities related to the amount of disability they cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Romano
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab) , Rome, Italy
| | - Tindara Caprì
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina , Via Bivona, Messina, Italy
| | - Martina Semino
- Centro AIRETT Ricerca e Innovazione (CARI), Research and Innovation Airett Center , Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bizzego
- Centro AIRETT Ricerca e Innovazione (CARI), Research and Innovation Airett Center , Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, G. Martino Hospital, University of Messina , Messina, Italy
| | - Rosa Angela Fabio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina , Via Bivona, Messina, Italy
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Stahlhut M, Downs J, Wong K, Bisgaard AM, Nordmark E. Feasibility and Effectiveness of an Individualized 12-Week "Uptime" Participation (U-PART) Intervention in Girls and Women With Rett Syndrome. Phys Ther 2020; 100:168-179. [PMID: 31584667 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Girls and women with Rett Syndrome (RTT) have low levels of daily physical activity and high levels of sedentary time. Reducing sedentary time and enhancing "uptime" activities, such as standing and walking, could be an important focus for interventions to address long-term health and quality of life in RTT. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and health-related effects of an individualized 12-week uptime participation (U-PART) intervention in girls and women with RTT. DESIGN The study used a single-group pretest-posttest design with 4 assessments (2 baseline, postintervention, and follow-up). METHODS A participation-based intervention employing a whole-day approach was used. During a 12-week intervention period, individualized programs focused on participation in enjoyable uptime activities in home, school/day center, and community settings. Feasibility was assessed with a study-specific questionnaire. Primary outcome measures were sedentary time and daily step count. Secondary outcomes were gross motor skills, walking capacity, quality of life, and goal attainment scaling. RESULTS Fourteen girls and women who were 5 to 48 years old and had RTT participated. The U-PART intervention was perceived as feasible by caregivers. Similar scores were observed at baseline assessments in all outcomes. Positive effects with small to medium effect sizes (0.27-0.54) were seen in sedentary time (- 4%), daily step count (+ 689 steps/d), walking capacity (+ 18.8 m), quality of life (+ 2.75 points), and goal attainment scaling after the intervention. Positive effects were maintained in sedentary time (- 3.2%) and walking capacity (+ 12.1 m) at short-term follow-up. LIMITATIONS This study was limited by the lack of a control group. However, participants acted as their own control, and the stable baseline period partially mitigated this issue. CONCLUSIONS The U-PART intervention was found to be feasible and effective in the short term in girls and women with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Stahlhut
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Rett Syndrome, Copenhagen, Denmark; and Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jenny Downs
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; and School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | | - Eva Nordmark
- Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Lund University
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Stahlhut M, Esbensen BA, Larsen JL, Bisgaard AM, Downs J, Nordmark E. Facilitators and Barriers of Participation in "Uptime" Activities in Girls and Women With Rett Syndrome: Perspectives From Parents and Professionals. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:609-619. [PMID: 30304998 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318803358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder usually affecting females. It is associated with intellectual and multiple disabilities leading to a high level of dependency in all aspects of daily living including participation in physical activities. This study explored facilitators and barriers to "uptime" (non-sedentary) activities in Danish girls and women with RTT as perceived by parents and professionals using focus groups. Through thematic analysis, one central theme emerged: a constant balance to do the best thing for the girl or woman. Within the central theme, five subthemes of facilitators and barriers were identified relating to the individual and the physical, organizational, social, and attitudinal environments. Environmental barriers can be reduced through policy and management-level changes in health promotion and strong advocacy of physical activity by health professionals. Targeting both facilitators and barriers of "uptime" activities enables the planning and implementing of health-promoting interventions in individuals with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Stahlhut
- 1 Center for Rett Syndrome, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- 2 Health Sciences Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bente Appel Esbensen
- 3 Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- 4 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Jenny Downs
- 4 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- 5 Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Eva Nordmark
- 2 Health Sciences Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Sernheim ÅS, Hemmingsson H, Lidström H, Witt Engerström I, Liedberg GM. Rett syndrome: Teenagers' and young adults' activities, usage of time and responses during an ordinary week - a diary study. Scand J Occup Ther 2019; 27:323-335. [PMID: 30663472 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2018.1545046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Little is known about the everyday life of individuals with Rett syndrome.Aim/Objective: To describe ten participants' (teenagers/young adults) activities during a period of seven days, the time-use, where and with whom the activities were performed and the participants' responses in the form of visible/audible reactions during activities.Material and method: A time-geographic self-administered diary was filled in by 63 informants (parents/support staff) and analysed using the software, DAILY LIFE 2011.Results/Findings: The most frequently reported activities were hygiene/toilet, moving around indoors, eating and getting dressed. Most time was spent in sleeping, daily care, medical health care and travel/transportation. Little time remained for receptive activities, daytime rest, physical, social/creative, communication, school/daily work and domestic chore activities, especially for the young adults. Most time was spent with staff, thereafter with families and the least time was spent with friends. The most reported response was "interested", and "opposed" was the least reported.Conclusions: Daily and medical health care activities were time consuming. Improved communication between all parties may increase participation and well-being and provide solutions for handling unpleasant activities and sedentary time.Significance: A more varied range of activities may improve the everyday life for individuals with Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åsa-Sara Sernheim
- Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden.,The Swedish National Center for Rett syndrome & related disorders, Frösön, Sweden*
| | - Helena Hemmingsson
- Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden.,Department of Special Education, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helene Lidström
- Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
| | - I Witt Engerström
- The Swedish National Center for Rett syndrome & related disorders, Frösön, Sweden*
| | - G M Liedberg
- Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
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