Rehabilitation Evidence-Based Decision-Making: The READ Model

Practices of Physical Therapists Who Assist People With Cerebral Palsy in Brazil: A National Survey

PURPOSE

To describe the practices of pediatric physical therapists (PTs) working with children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) in Brazil.

METHODS

PTs working with children and adolescents with CP were invited to participate via social media and email campaigns to complete an online survey containing 46 questions.

RESULTS

In total, 373 PTs participated. Most PTs reported searching in scientific databases (96.8%) and on social media (71%). The main barrier to information reported was limited access to full-text articles (44%). Among the PTs, 58.4% and 84% reported using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and family centered practice models, respectively. Regarding tools and interventions, there was little focus on the domains of contextual factors and participation.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey points to some important advances. However, strategies are still needed to promote knowledge translation and evidence-based practices among pediatric PTs in Brazil.

One the development of a professional mandate by social workers in medical rehabilitation- key results from the SWIMMER Project

Social work in the German rehabilitation sector is practiced with great variation and its interventions lack research evidence. The SWIMMER project aims to develop a program theory of social work in rehabilitation to explain this variation and to discuss possible conditions. The dealing with ethical dilemmas by social workers is one possible influence and the focus of this paper. The social workers' practice was analyzed using the triple mandate, a German-Swiss concept that describes three possible, sometimes simultaneous directives without a concrete call to action from society, the client or the profession. This qualitative, case-comparative research project collected data from interviews with social workers and managers, participant observation and counseling sessions in ten German rehabilitation facilities. Social workers were confronted with all three mandates. They prioritized either the societal mandate or the client mandate. A consequence for social work practice was the limitation of options under social law (mandate by society). Social workers relied on their professional experience to reflect on the mandates. They used a variety of strategies when faced with conflicting mandates. The research project has succeeded in systematizing the orientations of social workers in goal conflicts. Further investigation on this topic on a broader basis would be beneficial.

ボバースフレームワーク:をむのにするシステマチックサイエンスのアプローチ

現在、発達領域で推奨されているボバース臨床推論フレームワーク(Bobath Clinical Reasoning Framework: BCRF)によるボバース実践を、システム科学のレンズによって概念化し、小児期発症の障害に関連する様々な変数の相互関係・相関依存に対する全人的観点を提供する。BCRFはICFの各領域間の関係性を理解し、それぞれがどのように影響を与え、どのように影響を受けるのかを理解する助けとなる臨床推論の詳細なフレームワークである。BCRFは介入計画へとつながる観察に基づく学際的なシステムであり、実践的な推論のアプローチである。BCRFにより脳性麻痺(Cerebral Palsy: CP)などの障害における複雑な状況を全人的に理解し、神経学的障害がある人々の生涯にわたるマネジメントおよびハビリテーションの基盤を持つことができる。BCRFが用いる臨床推論は、個々人およびその社会的環境、とくに家族単位で見られる重要な文脈的要因を重視している。定型発達・非定型発達、病態生理(感覚運動・認知・行動)、神経科学の相互関連性、および、心身機能・身体構造レベルの構成要素がどのように活動・参加レベルに影響を与えるのか、BCRFはその理解に根差している。BCRFにとって不可欠なシステム科学system science※1)のモデルはCPの複雑性を理解および対応を進める有用な方法であり、何よりも大切な目標とはあらゆる文脈であらゆる個々人の生きた経験を最適化することである。.

Le cadre de raisonnement clinique Bobath: un modèle de science des systèmes pour aborder la complexité des troubles neurodéveloppementaux, y compris la paralysie cérébrale

La pratique Bobath actuelle telle qu'elle est recommandée dans le cadre du Bobath Clinical Reasoning Framework (BCRF) se base sur une application clinique de la science des systèmes. Elle offre une perspective holistique des relations entre les variables qui sont associées à l'apparition d'un handicap chez l'enfant. Le BCRF est un cadre de raisonnement clinique qui peut aider à comprendre les relations entre les domaines de la Classification Internationale du Fonctionnement, du Handicap et de la Santé. C'est un système d'observation transdisciplinaire de raisonnement pratique qui vise à proposer un plan d'intervention. Plus généralement, le BCRF permet une compréhension holistique de la complexité des situations associées à des troubles tels que la paralysie cérébrale et indique des choix d'adaptation et de prise en charge tout au long de la vie des personnes vivant avec des troubles neurologiques. Ce raisonnement clinique se base sur les facteurs contextuels importants de l'individu et de son environnement social, principalement la cellule familiale, et sur une compréhension des relations entre le développement typique et atypique, la physiopathologie (sensorimotrice, cognitive, comportementale) et les neurosciences, ainsi que sur l'impact des fonctions et des structures corporelles sur les activités et la participation. Le modèle de la science des systèmes du BCRF permet d'aborder la complexité de la paralysie cérébrale, avec l'objectif global d'optimiser l'expérience vécue par chaque individu dans chaque contexte.

El marco de razonamiento clínico de Bobath: Un modelo de ciencia de sistemas para abordar la complejidad de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo incluida la parálisis cerebral

La actual práctica de desarrollo Bobath recomendada dentro del Marco de Razonamiento Clínico Bobath (BCRF) puede conceptualizarse utilizando la visión de la ciencia de los sistemas. Proporciona, así, una perspectiva holística de la interrelación e interconexión de las variables asociadas con la discapacidad aparecida durante la infancia. El BCRF se define como un marco exhaustivo de razonamiento clínico que puede aplicarse para ayudar a comprender las relaciones entre los dominios de la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, de la Discapacidad y de la Salud, cómo se puede influir en esos dominios y cómo influyen entre sí. El BCRF es un sistema de observación transdisciplinario y de razonamiento práctico que da lugar a un plan de intervención. Esto proporciona una comprensión holística de la complexidad de las situaciones asociadas a trastornos como la parálisis cerebral (PC) y la base para la gestión y habilitación a lo largo de la vida de personas que viven con trastornos neurológicos. El razonamiento clínico utilizado por el BCRF se basa en los importantes factores contextuales del individuo y su entorno social, principalmente la unidad familiar. Se basa en la comprensión de las interrelaciones entre el desarrollo típico y atípico, la fisiopatología (sensoriomotora, cognitiva, conductual) y la neurociencia, así como el impacto de funciones y estructuras corporales sobre la actividad y la participación. El modelo de ciencia de sistemas del BCRF es una forma útil de comprender y responder a la complejidad de la parálisis cerebral, con el objetivo global de optimizar la experiencia vivida de todo individuo en cualquier contexto.

O Quadro de Raciocínio Clínico Bobath: Uma abordagem de ciência de sistemas para a complexidade das condições do neurodesenvolvimento, incluindo a paralisia cerebral

Esta revisão descreve um modelo de prática pediátrica recomendada do Bobath, o Quadro de Raciocínio Clínico Bobath (QRCB), e explica como esse conhecimento contribui para a área de habilitação em distúrbios pediátricos. A ciência de sistemas proporciona uma nova maneira de concetualizar a paralisia cerebral como uma condição complexa. Ela foi aplicada ao QRCB para ilustrar uma perspetiva holística sobre a inter-relação e interconexão das variáveis associadas à PC. O modelo de ciência de sistemas adotado pelo QRCB é uma forma promissora de construir uma estrutura abrangente que engloba a complexidade da PC e possibilitará pesquisas mais robustas.

Bobath Klinik Gerekçelendirme Çerçevesi: Serebral palsi dahil nörogelişimsel durumların karmaşıklığında sistemler bilimi yaklaşımı

Bobath Klinik Gerekçelendirme Çerçevesi (BKGÇ) içerisindeki önerilen güncel gelişimsel Bobath uygulaması sistemler bilimi merceği kullanılarak kavramsallaştırılabilir ve bunu çocukluk çağı engelliliği ile ilişkilendirilen değişkenlerin birbirine bağlılığı ve etkileşimine bütüncül bir bakış açısıyla sağlar. BKGÇ, İşlevsellik, Yetiyitimi ve Sağlığın Uluslararası Sınıflandırması (ICF)’nın alt boyutları arasındaki ilişkiyi ve bu alt boyutların birbirini nasıl etkilediğini anlamak için uygulanabilen derinlemesine bir klinik gerekçelendirme çerçevesi olarak tanımlanmaktadır. BKGÇ, bir tedavi planı ile sonuçlanan klinik gerekçelendirme ve transdisipliner gözlemsel bir sistemdir. Bu sistem ise, serebral palsi (SP) gibi bozuklukların karmaşıklığını anlamak için bütüncül bir anlayış sunar ve nörolojik bozukluğu olan bireylerin yaşam boyu tedavisi ve rehabilitasyonu için temel oluşturur. BKGÇ tarafından kullanılan klinik gerekçelendirme, başta aile birimi olmak üzere bireyin ve sosyal çevresinin önemli bağlamsal faktörlerine dayanmaktadır. Tipik ve atipik gelişim, patofizyoloji (sensorimotor, bilişsel, davranışsal) ve sinirbilim arasındaki karşılıklı ilişkilerin ve bu vücut yapı ve fonksiyonlarının aktivite ve katılım üzerindeki etkisinin anlaşılmasına dayanır. BKGÇ'nin ayrılmaz bir parçası olan sistemler bilimi modeli, SP'nin karmaşıklığını anlamak ve buna yanıt vermek için yararlı bir yoldur; kapsayıcı hedef, herhangi bir bağlamda herhangi bir bireyin yaşadığı deneyimi optimize etmektir.

Knowledge translation strategies used to promote evidence-based interventions for children with cerebral palsy: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability, imposing substantial costs on individuals and society. Early interventions that promote brain optimization and reorganization are vital for children with CP. Integrating early evidence-based practice (EBP) remains challenging but enhances functional outcomes.

METHODS

Following a scoping review methodology, databases were searched to identify studies examining the impact of knowledge translation (KT) strategies for pediatric CP interventions. Extraction included study characteristics, methodology, KT strategies, barriers, and facilitators. Numerical and inductive content analysis identified themes among KT strategies. A final stakeholder consultation to discuss the results was conducted.

RESULTS

This review included seventeen articles. Common outcomes included participant change in EBP knowledge and behaviour. Common barriers included a need for more resources, protected time, and funding. Most studies followed a multifaceted KT approach. Various KT strategies were used, primarily mentoring, workshops, case studies, and online tools.

INTERPRETATION

Results underscored the need for tailored KT strategies for implementing EBP for children with CP. Additionally, user-friendly KT tools and involving mentors to facilitate the intervention can haste EBP uptake. Successful adoption depends on challenges in healthcare settings. This study provides insights into current KT strategies for advancing best practices for children with CP.

Comparison of the Conjunct Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Whole-Body Vibration Therapy with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Whole-body Vibration Therapy on Balance and Function in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cerebral palsy is a neurodevelopmental condition that results in impaired movement and posture, often accompanied by disturbances in balance and functional abilities. Recent advances in neurorehabilitation, including whole-body vibration therapy (WBVT), functional electrical stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation, show promise in enhancing traditional interventions and fostering neuroplasticity. However, the efficacy of their conjunct effects remains largely uncharted territory and warrants further exploration. The objective of the study was to compare the conjunct effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and WBVT with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and WBVT on lower extremity range of motion (ROM), dynamic balance, functional mobility, isometric muscle strength and hand grip strength in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was carried out on 42 children of both genders with spastic cerebral palsy, aged 5-15 years. The children were divided at random into three groups (14 in each group). In Group A, there were three (21.42%) males and 11 (78.57%) females, in Group B, eight (57.14%) were males and six (42.85%) were females, and in Group C, six (42.85%) children were males and eight (57.14%) were females. Group A received WBVT only, Group B received WBVT and FES, and Group C received WBVT and tDCS. The intervention was applied four times a week for four consecutive weeks. The data was collected two times before and immediately after four weeks of intervention. Lower extremity ROM was measured by a goniometer, functional mobility or dynamic balance was measured by a Time Up and Go test, isometric muscle strength was measured by a digital force gauge, and hand grip strength was assessed by a digital hand-held dynamometer. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was utilized for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age of the children in groups A, B, and C was 12.21±2.11 years, 11.71±2.01, and 11.07±2.01 years respectively. Intergroup analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the lower extremity range of motion, and functional mobility. Hand grip strength and isometric muscle strength between three groups. Post hoc analysis revealed that WBVT with transcranial direct current stimulation combined showed the most improvement.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that positive effects were seen in all three groups but tDCS with WBVT was found to be most effective in improving lower extremity ROM, functional mobility or dynamic balance, isometric muscle strength, and hand grip strength in children with spastic CP. The differences between the groups were statistically significant. The effect size was substantial enough to surpass established clinical benchmarks, indicating that the observed improvements are likely to have meaningful and beneficial impacts on patient outcomes.

Conceptual Model of Effective Parenting Strategies for Mother with Children Who Experience Developmental Disorders

AIM

Prior studies on Japanese parents raising children with developmental disorders have predominantly emphasized negative psychological aspects like parenting conflicts and challenges. Purpose of this study was to construct a conceptual model to aid mothers in parenting children with developmental disorders by identifying effective parenting strategies.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, participants were mothers who engaged in a home program through individual outpatient occupational therapy. Therapy sessions occurred biweekly, totaling 12 sessions, each lasting 40 min. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed through the Modified Grounded Theory Approach.

RESULTS

Analysis of mothers' narratives revealed heightened physical burden, psychological distress, severe stress, and social isolation. Our findings highlight those mothers who engaged in the home program navigated the intricate parenting landscape through problem-solving, including managing negative emotions, their demanding schedules, and societal norms.

CONCLUSION

This study offers insights into the perceptions, experiences, and behaviors of families in supporting the development of parenting strategies within the family. Occupational therapy should prioritize evaluating a mother's parenting context and her interactions with her environment. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide support for her to independently formulate suitable parenting strategies that resonate with the specific circumstances of her family.

The Bobath Clinical Reasoning Framework: A systems science approach to the complexity of neurodevelopmental conditions, including cerebral palsy

The current recommended developmental Bobath practice within the Bobath Clinical Reasoning Framework (BCRF) can be conceptualized using the lens of systems science, thereby providing a holistic perspective on the interrelatedness and interconnectedness of the variables associated with childhood-onset disability. The BCRF is defined as an in-depth clinical reasoning framework that can be applied to help understand the relationships between the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, how those domains can be influenced, and how they impact each other. The BCRF is a transdisciplinary observational system and practical reasoning approach that results in an intervention plan. This provides a holistic understanding of the complexity of situations associated with disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP) and the basis for the lifelong management and habilitation of people living with neurological disorders. The clinical reasoning used by the BCRF draws on the important contextual factors of the individual and their social environment, primarily the family unit. It is rooted in an understanding of the interrelationships between typical and atypical development, pathophysiology (sensorimotor, cognitive, behavioural), and neuroscience, and the impact of these body structure and function constructs on activity and participation. The systems science model integral to the BCRF is a useful way forward in understanding and responding to the complexity of CP, the overarching goal being to optimize the lived experience of any individual in any context.

The SPORTS Participation Framework: illuminating the pathway for people with disability to enter into, participate in, and excel at sport

BACKGROUND

Sports participation for people with disabilities exists at the intersection of health, sport, and education sectors. However, no common framework and language exist to describe the stages of sports participation.

OBJECTIVE

To present the background to the SPORTS Participation Framework, and how it can be used to illuminate the path that people with disability may travel to enter into, participate in, and enjoy and excel at all levels of sport.

METHOD

The SPORTS Participation Framework includes six stages drawn from mainstream sports pathways and models used to classify barriers to sports participation for people with disabilities: (S) Screening, goal setting and individual preparation, (P) Practitioner led, peer-group sports interventions, (O) Organised junior entry-point sports programs, (R) Recreational sport (non-competitive), (T) Team competition (school/club representation), and (S) State, National, and International competition.

RESULTS

For each stage, this paper describes the content of sports activities, the context in which they are performed, key stakeholders, barriers to participation, available evidence, and case studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The SPORTS Participation Framework presents a structure to navigate the stages of introducing and promoting lifelong sports participation for people with disabilities. It scaffolds clear communication, governance, and policy across health, sport, and education sectors, and supports clinicians and researchers to address barriers to participation at each stage to improve individual and population-wide participation in sport for people with disabilities.

Is more always better? Effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy in children with high-risk or unilateral cerebral palsy (0-6 years): Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

While constraint-induced movement therapy is strongly recommended as an intervention for infants with unilateral cerebral palsy, the optimal dosage remains undefined. This systematic review aims to identify the most effective level of intensity of constraint-induced movement therapy to enhance manual function in infants at high risk of asymmetric brain lesions or unilateral cerebral palsy diagnosis.

METHODS

This systematic review with meta-analysis encompassed a comprehensive search across four electronic databases to identify articles that met the following criteria: randomised controlled trials, children aged 0-6 with at high risk or with unilateral cerebral palsy, and treatment involving constraint-induced movement therapy for upper limb function. Studies with similar outcomes were pooled by calculating the standardised mean difference score for each subgroup, and subgroups were stratified every 30 h of total intervention dosage (30-60, 61-90, >90 h). Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration's tool.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included. Meta-analyses revealed significant differences among subgroups. The 30-60 h subgroup showed a weak effect for spontaneous use of the affected upper limb during bimanual performance, grasp function, and parents' perception of how often children use their affected upper limb. Additionally, this subgroup demonstrated a moderate effect for the parents' perception of how effectively children use their affected upper limb.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a dosage ranging from 30 to 60 h when applying a constraint-induced movement therapy protocol holds promise as the most age-appropriate and cost-effectiveness approach for improving upper limb functional outcomes and parent's perception.

Effectiveness of virtual reality interventions of the upper limb in children and young adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the characteristics and the effectiveness of virtual reality systems on upper limb impairments in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.

DATA SOURCES

An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, Central, and EMBASE.

METHODS

The protocol of this review was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022302271). Randomized controlled trials that tested the effects of virtual reality-based interventions on the upper limb of participants with cerebral palsy were included. The methodological quality of the studies was measured by the PEDro scale. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. The data of the studies were analyzed in meta-analysis and presented in forest plots and narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies involving 746 participants were included. Ten different virtual reality systems were used in the interventions, of which six were designed specifically for rehabilitation and four commercial video games. We found an effect in favor of virtual reality when it was used in combination with conventional therapy for upper limb activity (SMD = 0.65; 95% CI (0.19 to 1.11)). However, the certainty of the evidence of the comparisons ranged from very low to low.

CONCLUSION

Virtual reality seems to be an effective tool for upper limb activity in children and young adults with cerebral palsy. Nevertheless, future studies should present a better methodological quality, a larger sample size, and well-defined rehabilitation programs to reduce the inconsistency of the evidence in this domain.

Assessment Scales in Cerebral Palsy: A Comprehensive Review of Tools and Applications

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex neurological condition characterized by motor dysfunction affecting millions worldwide. This comprehensive review delves into the critical role of assessment in managing CP. Beginning with exploring its definition and background, we elucidate the diverse objectives of CP assessment, ranging from diagnosis and goal setting to research and epidemiology. We examine standard assessment scales and tools, discuss the challenges inherent in CP assessment, and highlight emerging trends, including integrating technology, personalized medicine, and neuroimaging. The applications of CP assessment in clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, research, and education are underscored. Recommendations for the future encompass standardization, interdisciplinary collaboration, research priorities, and professional training. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of assessment as a compass guiding the care of individuals with CP, issuing a call to action for improved assessment practices to shape a brighter future for those affected by this condition.

Participant diversity in clinical trials of rehabilitation interventions for people with multiple sclerosis: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

The selection and description of participants in clinical trials enables health care providers to determine generalizability of findings to the populations they serve. Limited diversity of participants in trials restricts evidence-based decision-making.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the extent to which diverse participants are being included in clinical trials of rehabilitation interventions for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review of MS rehabilitation trials published since January 2002 using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Covidence was used to facilitate the review. Article selection required randomized control design, a rehabilitation intervention, and a functional status outcome. Data extracted included details of intervention(s), outcomes, and participant selection and description using a social determinants of health framework.

RESULT

A total of 243 studies were included. Exercise interventions and impairment-focused outcomes were most common. Most studies used only a MS Clinic for recruitment. Common exclusion criteria were physical or mental comorbidities, disability, age, and cognitive impairment. Participant age and sex were reported for almost all trials; reporting of other social determinants of health was atypical.

CONCLUSION

MS rehabilitation trials have used limited recruitment methods, restricted samples, and reported few participant descriptors. Changes are required to enhance participant diversity and the descriptions of participant characteristics.

TelereHUB-CHILD: An online integrated knowledge translation tool to optimize telerehabilitation evidence-based practices for children with disabilities and their families

Background

Pediatric telerehabilitation has been quickly adopted by clinicians during the pandemic. This precipitated shift in the model of healthcare delivery is significant and compounded by clinicians' training and knowledge needs related to evidence-based practices. This instigated a knowledge translation initiative TelereHUB-CHILD—an online platform designed for clinicians, patients, and families. The aim of this brief report is to describe its development, including the roles of key stakeholders in these processes.

Methods

Following a systematic review on telerehabilitation, a series of co-creation activities with clinical (n = 24 rehabilitation professionals) and parent-partners (n = 4 parents of children with disabilities) were undertaken. Clinical partners were engaged in five web-activities. These were designed to gather their feedback regarding training and knowledge needs, present preliminary findings of the systematic review and explore their perceived importance and usefulness with respect to different sections of TelereHUB-CHILD, including Tele-treatments, Tele-Assessments, and Resources. Parent-partners were engaged asynchronously to provide feedback on the content and presentation of the Patient/Family Information section.

Results

Clinical partners reported moderate-high usefulness and importance with each section of the tool and the presented features. As per partners' feedback, the Tele-treatments section provides standardized summaries outlining the effectiveness of the tele-treatment approach and the level of the evidence for each outcome of interest, according to the different diagnosis groups and professional discipline. For patients/family, common questions and answers can be explored in three user-friendly formats, including printable learning briefs, onsite accordions, and animation videos. The Tele-assessments section outlines existing measures by professional discipline. Resources offer preparatory forms for families and clinicians, questionnaires, and other learning material.

Conclusion

TelereHUB-CHILD was co-developed with key stakeholders. It can guide telerehabilitation evidence-based practices, empower patients and families, and pinpoint research and practice gaps.