Development of expert consensus to guide physical rehabilitation in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury during the subacute phase

OBJECTIVE

To develop consensus among experts to guide physical rehabilitation in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury during the subacute phase.

DESIGN

International Delphi study.

METHODS

A 3-round online Delphi study was conducted with 11 international experts in rehabilitation for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury. The first round consisted of open-ended questions; the second and third round consisted of ranking 139 statements on a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

The panel reached consensus on 116/139 statements. Consensus was reached on the importance of age, pre-injury developmental stage and the clinical presentation of the child when determining content and focus of physical rehabilitation. In addition, consensus was reached on the importance of participation-focused interventions, and involvement of family members in goal-setting and therapeutic activities. Although dosage was deemed very important, no consensus was reached for determination of dose-response variables to suit and influence the child's needs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a framework for clinicians to design physical rehabilitation interventions in children with acquired brain injury in the sub-acute recovery phase. The promotion of physical activity in meaningful contexts and involvement of family members are considered as important components to optimize recovery.

PMON89 Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus in a Patient on Temozolomide

A 54-year-old female admitted for nausea and vomiting found to have hypernatremia. Four months prior to this admission, patient had undergone emergent craniotomy for an intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Found to have a 7.8 cm hemorrhagic and partially necrotic mass. Pathology consistent with anaplastic oligodendroglioma. She began radiation and temozolomide 2 months after surgery. On this admission for nausea and vomiting, sodium noted to be elevated at 154 mmol/L (136-145 mmol/L). Initially thought to be due to dehydration and started on intravenous fluids. Urine output noted to increase to 2-3 liters/day with persistently elevated sodium. Urine studies and labs collected while sodium 155 mmol/L significant for urine osmolality 128 mOsm/kg (50-1200 mOsm/kg), serum osmolality 330 mOsm/kg (280-295), and urine sodium 34 mmol/L. Given patient's history of prior craniotomy, radiation, and temozolomide, suspected central diabetes insipidus but DDAVP challenge with 4 mcg did not result in a lower urine output and urine osmolality remained <300 mOsm/kg. Repeat DDAVP challenge produced similar results. Evaluation of other central axis deficiencies revealed normal Free T4 (1.21 ng/dL). Unable to assess for adrenal insufficiency due to patient already on high-dose steroids for malignancy. Workup was turned to potential nephrogenic etiology as patient had been started on pantoprazole during her initial diagnosis 4 months prior. Co-peptin while sodium 148 mmol/L returned at 27.6 pmol/L (<13.1 pmol/L), indicative for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Patient was started on amiloride 5 mg twice a day and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg twice a day with improvement noted in both sodium and urine output. Did discuss renal biopsy to rule-out interstitial nephritis from pantoprazole but given patient was on anti-coagulation for sub-massive pulmonary embolism, biopsy was deferred. Ultimately patient was discharged on amiloride 10 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily with sodium 142 mmol/L. She continued to receive temozolomide but eventually both amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide were held during a subsequent admission about a month later due to hyponatremia from poor oral intake. Sodium remained stable for about 5 months off medication at which time patient was re-started on amiloride for hypernatremia. Unfortunately patient passed due to complications from thrombosis. Review of PubMed revealed only 1 additional case report of a patient on temozolomide who developed nephrogenic diabetes insipidus but that patient was also on sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim which was most likely the cause.

Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Is Physical Activity-Related Self-Efficacy Associated with Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour among Ambulatory Children with Cerebral Palsy?

Purpose: To determine how physical activity-related self-efficacy is associated with physical activity and sedentary behaviour time among ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Children with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels I-III ( N = 26; aged 9–18 y), completed the task self-efficacy component of a self-efficacy scale and wore Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers for 5 days. Correlations (Pearson and Spearman’s rank-order; a = 0.050) were conducted to evaluate the relationships among age, GMFCS level, self-efficacy, and both daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time. Linear regression models were used to determine the relationships among the independent variables and MVPA and sedentary time. Results: Self-efficacy was positively associated with MVPA time ( r = 0.428, p = 0.015) and negatively correlated with sedentary time ( r = –0.332, p = 0.049). In our linear regression models, gross motor function (β = –0.462, p = 0.006), age (β = –0.344, p = 0.033), and self-efficacy (β = 0.281, p = 0.080) were associated with MVPA time ( R2 = 0.508), while GMFCS level (β = 0.439, p = 0.003) and age (β = 0.605, p < 0.001) were associated with sedentary time ( R2 = 0.584). Conclusions: This research suggests that self-efficacy, age, and gross motor function are associated with MVPA in children with CP. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings and further explore the influence of self-efficacy on sedentary behaviour.

Bone Breaking Triglycerides

A 40 yo African American female with pmhx of T2DM, DLD was admitted for worsening leg and arm pain that started a year prior but had worsened in the last 6 months. Pain started in the right arm and progressed to include the right leg and left leg. She had presented to the ER 3 times in the last 3 weeks with no diagnosis and prescribed anti-inflammatories. On ROS she had unintended weight loss of 50 lbs. Pain was not relieved with anti-inflammatories or narcotics. She was diagnosed with diabetes in the previous 5 years and had not been compliant with her medications. Plain x-rays showed OA of the hip. An osseus survey showed multiple expansile, bubbly, and lucent intramedullary lesions consistent with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia versus multiple myeloma. CT showed a radiolucent lesion of the left femur with absence of normal bone trabeculae. Her labs showed normal calcium, phosphorous, renal function, PTH and no evidence of monoclonal gammopathy. Vitamin D was low at 8.2 ng/ml (6.6–49 ng/ml). CT CAP showed no concern for malignancy in other organs. A lipid profile was done and showed elevated fasting triglycerides of 2617 mg/dL (<150 mg/dl) and LDL direct 54 mg/dl (<100 mg/dl). A1c was 11.2% on admission. She denied any use of alcohol, estrogens, SSRI’s. No history of pancreatitis. On physical exam she did not have tendinous xanthomas, eruptive xanthomas, palmar xanthomas, or lipemia retinalis. Family history not significant for lipid disorders. Patient was fasted for 24 hours and then started on intensive insulin regimen as well as fenofibrate for hypertriglyceridemia. Triglycerides came down to less than 500 over 7 days. She was evaluated by ortho for her bone lesions and underwent bone lesion biopsy as well as prophylactic IMN of her bilateral femurs for prevention of impending fragility fractures. Bone biopsy was significant for xanthoma of the bone. Following discharge, she remained on fenofibrate and fish oil as well as a basal/bolus insulin regimen. Triglycerides remained controlled. She has not followed up outpatient for further workup. This case highlights an atypical presentation of triglyceride deposition in the setting of hypertriglyceridemia. It shows that hypertriglyceridemia should be included in the differential for lytic lesions when preliminary workup is negative. It also highlights that complications other than pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease can significantly alter a patient’s life if triglycerides go untreated.

A Low Vision Reading Comprehension Test

The Low Vision Reading Comprehension Assessment (LVRCA) uses an 18-sentence cloze format in two equivalent forms to measure understanding of print reading by persons with macular degeneration. It requires nine minutes to administer and thus can be used in clinical settings. This article describes its development and a study of the reliability and validity of the LVRCA tested on 50 persons with macular degeneration.

The Efficacy of Comprehension Training and Reading Practice for Print Readers with Macular Loss

The objectives of the project reported here were to discover whether the rehabilitation of reading recognition allows comprehension of print for low vision individuals who were former readers and to develop and test training strategies for enhancing comprehension for those who do not achieve good comprehension.

Protocol for a multi-centre, definitive randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support for employment support among people with alcohol and drug dependence

BACKGROUND

Unemployment is highly prevalent in populations with alcohol and drug dependence and the employment support offered in addiction-treatment programmes is ineffective. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based intervention for competitive employment. IPS has been extensively studied in severe mental illness and physical disabilities, but there have been no formal randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in alcohol and drug dependence. The Individual Placement and Support for Alcohol and Drug Dependence (IPS-AD) study should determine whether IPS for patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid use disorder (OUD) and other drug use disorder is effective.

DESIGN/METHODS

The IPS-AD study is a seven-site, pragmatic, two-arm, parallel-group, superiority RCT. IPS-AD includes a realist process evaluation. Eligible patients (adult, unemployed or economically inactive for at least 6 months and wishing to obtain open job market employment and enrolled in ongoing community treatment-as-usual (TAU; the control condition) in England for AUD, OUD and other drug use disorders) will be randomised (1:1) to receive TAU and any standard employment support, or TAU plus IPS (the experimental condition) for 9 months with up to 4 months of in-work support. The primary outcome measure will be competitive employment status (at least 1 day (7 h)) during an 18-month follow-up, determined by patient-level, trial-data-linkage with national tax and state benefit databases. From meta-analysis, an 18% target difference on this measure of vocational effectiveness (for the experimental intervention) and a two-sided 5% level of statistical significance, will require a minimum target sample of 832 participants to achieve 90% power for a pre-registered, mixed-effects, multi-variable logistic regression model. A maximum-likelihood multiple-imputation approach will manage missing outcome data. IPS-AD has six vocational secondary outcome measures during the 18-month follow-up: (1) total time in competitive employment (and corresponding National Insurance contributions and tax paid); (2) time from randomisation to first competitive employment; (3) number of competitive job appointments; (4) job tenure (length of longest held competitive employment); (5) sustained employment (tenure in a single appointment for at least 13 weeks); and (6) job search self-efficacy. A primary cost-benefit analysis and a secondary cost-effectiveness analysis will be done using the primary outcome and secondary vocational outcomes, respectively and will include addiction treatment and social and health outcomes and their associated reference costs. The process evaluation will address IPS implementation and delivery.

DISCUSSION

The IPS-AD study is the first large-scale, multi-site, definitive, superiority RCT of IPS for people with alcohol and drug dependence. Findings from the study will have substantial implications for service delivery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry, ID: ISRCTN24159790. Registered on 1 February 2018.

SUN-326 Hypoglycemia and Lactic Acidosis: The Deadly Signs of Untreated Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Introduction The presentation of hypoglycemia with lactic acidosis is rare, though well-described. It is most commonly associated with hematologic malignancies and is attributed to the Warburg effect in which cells consume large amounts of glucose through the glycolytic pathway with lactic acid production, even in aerobic conditions. Clinical Case 64yo WM with cirrhosis due to hemochromatosis, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes mellitus managed by diet, initially presented with weakness, malaise and thrombocytopenia. Imaging revealed splenomegaly, bilateral adrenal masses, and diffuse lymphadenopathy. He was admitted, given IV fluid hydration, and discharged to have outpatient lymph node biopsy. Prior to biopsy he developed worsening weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and hypoxia. Lactate was 8.1mmol/L, n=0.7-2.1. He was admitted for sepsis secondary to pneumonia. During hospitalization, he was noted to be hypoglycemic (serum glucose 40mg/dL), requiring continuous dextrose infusion and dextrose 50% boluses. Evaluation was consistent with insulin independent hypoglycemia with labs as follows: Insulin <1 microU/mL (2-25), c-peptide 0.65ng/mL (0.78-5.19), proinsulin 4.2pmol/L (3.6-22), beta-hydroxybutyrate 4.07mg/dL (0.2-2.8), glucose 49mg/dL then 44mg/dL 30 minutes after administration of glucagon. ACTH 8.1pg/mL (7.2-63) and cortisol 11mcg/dL then 14.8mcg/dL after cosyntropin stimulation. He was started on stress dose steroids. Lactic acidosis persisted and worsened (>15mmol/L). Repeat CT imaging was obtained to search for potential source of lactic acidosis, though none was found. It was later noted that increasing lactate levels occurred with increased dextrose administration. A perirenal lymph node biopsy was performed. Shortly after the procedure, the patient rapidly decompensated. He was started on continuous renal replacement therapy and given rasburicase for suspected tumor lysis syndrome. Despite these efforts, the patient died. Pathology later returned positive for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Discussion In this case, hypoglycemia was initially confounded by a history of cirrhosis and possible adrenal insufficiency. However, no improvement with steroids and worsening of lactic acidosis with increasing dextrose administration demonstrated that hypoglycemia was due to the Warburg effect in the setting of undiagnosed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Recognizing this phenomenon is imperative as it coincides with high mortality, and the treatment of underlying disease may be the only effective option. References Georges C. Elhomsy, et al; “Hyper-Warburgism,” a Cause of Asymptomatic Hypoglycemia with Lactic Acidosis in a Patient with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 97, Issue 12, 1 December 2012, Pages 4311-4316.

Transient Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Models for the Human Ankle Joint

An equivalent bearing was proposed to represent the normal human ankle joint. The geometry was based on measurements of dissected ankle joints and tissue properties were obtained from the work of previous investigators. Theoretical models were developed to estimate the cyclic variation in lubricant film thickness and coefficient of friction during repetitive activities such as walking. Solutions were obtained for various combinations of input parameters. For the conditions representing the walking cycle, film thicknesses of about 0.7 μm were calculated. Although this value was smaller than most previous measurements of the rms roughness of cartilage, it was not much smaller and suggested that transient elastohydrodynamic lubrication played a role in synovial joint lubrication. The possibility of full fluid film lubrication was supported only when a very high input viscosity was employed, based on values estimated from the previous experimental studies of the boosted lubrication mechanism. Also, an attempt was made to link the current findings to a published experimental study of whole joint lubrication.

A Study of the Role of Synovial Fluid and its Constituents in the Friction and Lubrication of Human Hip Joints

Human hip joints have been studied in a pendulum apparatus and a joint simulator to determine the lubrication mechanisms active in normal physiological activities. Various lubricants have been used to lubricate the hip joints including bovine and human synovial fluid, synovial fluid which has been digested with hyaluronidase or trypsin, silicone fluids of different viscosities, as well as synovial fluid and Ringer's solution which have had their viscosities increased by the addition of hyaluronic acid.

The results indicate that under continuous dynamic loading, fluid film lubrication seems to prevail while under static loading, mixed lubrication exists. Increasing the viscosity of the lubricant from very low values (i.e. from 10-3 Pa.s) leads to a reduction in friction, indicating mixed lubrication, until a value of about 0.050 Pa.s was achieved. Further increases seemed to indicate that fluid film lubrication was then present.

An Experimental Study of Friction and Lubrication in Hip Prostheses

McKee-Farrar, Charnley and Muller prostheses have been studied in a hip function simulator using a range of silicone fluids as lubricants. Frictional resistance was measured continuously while the joints were subjected to dynamic loading.

It was observed that the lubricant viscosity was very important to the mode of lubrication prevailing and that for viscosities in excess of 0.1 Pas, full fluid film lubrication was achieved. At viscosities which were less than this, mixed lubrication resulted

These results can be extrapolated to the clinical situation where it was found that after hip surgery for total joint replacement, the synovial fluid produced around the prosthesis had a viscosity which was less than 0.1 Pas, and therefore could not give the most advantageous lubrication in these joints in vivo.

Muscle Strengths and Musculoskeletal Geometry of the Upper Limb

A survey of past literature has shown that there is a lack of reliable data for use in prediction of joint forces in the upper limb although this is desirable when developing joint replacements. Upper limb geometry has been analysed, leading to muscle moment arm data at the wrist and elbow. The variation of these moment arms during elbow flexion has also been examined. Analysis of the dimensions of muscles has enabled their relative strengths to be predicted, based on their ‘physiological cross-sections’. When used in conjuction with published emg data, this information will enable elbow and wrist joint forces to be estimated more realistically than has previously been possible.

An Evaluation of the Ratio between the Tensions along the Quadriceps Tendon and the Patellar Ligament

An experiment was devised whereby physiological loads could be applied to the quadriceps tendon of cadaveric knee joints so that the ratio of tensions in the quadriceps tendon and the patellar ligament could be determined. On two knee joints, radiographs were taken before testing, so that the theoretical ratio of the tensions could be evaluated and compared with the experimental results. As the knee was flexed, the ratio of the tensions, frequently assumed to be unity, reduced by up to fifty per cent.

Forces in the Knee Joint Whilst Rising from Normal and Motorized Chairs

Knee joint forces were determined by kinesiological techniques using a high speed camera and force platforms so that a comparison could be made for rising from a normal chair without the aid of arms and with the aid of a motorized chair. For rising from a normal chair, the knee joint forces parallel to the long axis of the tibia at the point of contact between the tibia and femur, were found to be up to seven times body weight at about the time when the body left contact with the chair. Using a motorized chair the knee joint forces were reduced to less than body weight until normal standing was achieved.

An innovative cycling exergame to promote cardiovascular fitness in youth with cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of an internet-platform exergame cycling programme on cardiovascular fitness of youth with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

In this pilot prospective case series, eight youth with bilateral spastic CP, Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) level III, completed a six-week exergame programme. Outcomes were obtained at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcome measure was the GMFCS III-specific shuttle run test (SRT-III). Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life (HQL) as measured by the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire, six-minute walk test, Wingate arm cranking test and anthropomorphic measurements.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements in the SRT-III (t = -2.5, p = 0.04, d = 0.88) post-intervention. There were no significant changes in secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

An exergame cycling programme may lead to improvement in cardiovascular fitness in youth with CP. This study was limited by small sample size and lack of a comparison group. Future research is warranted.

Reliability and validity of the Lower Limb Function Questionnaire when completed by young adult orthotic and prosthetic device users

Purpose The Lower Limb Function Questionnaire (LLFQ) was developed as a self-report assessment of lower-limb functional ability for orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) device users to be suitable for a wide range of conditions, cultures, and ages. The measure aims to address an existing gap in tools for the assessment of functional ability in this population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate LLFQ reliability and validity in a sample of young adult O&P users. Methods Adolescents from a secondary school in Kenya completed the LLFQ twice, 6 d apart, and test-retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients. Validity evaluations involved Timed Up-and-Go, 6-min walk, 6-min obstacle course, and/or spatiotemporal gait assessments. Oxygen consumption was measured during walk tests. Associations between the LLFQ and each measure were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients for construct validity. Results LLFQ reliability was acceptable (ICC = 0.79, 95% CIs 0.64-0.89). Construct validity was demonstrated via moderate correlation (r  >  0.60) with obstacle course distance, gait velocity, stride length, and stance/single support/double support percent of gait cycle. Conclusions Both LLFQ reliability and validity were acceptable in the sample of youth in Kenya. Further testing is required to determine applicability in other cultural contexts. Implications for Rehabilitation The LLFQ may be clinically useful across a variety of cultures and conditions to provide feedback on the effectiveness of rehabilitative treatment or assistive devices for youth with lower limb impairments. The LLFQ may enable specific strengths and challenges to lower limb function to be identified to enable planning of well-targeted rehabilitation.

Médecins Sans Frontières' Clinical Guidance mobile application: analysis of a new electronic health tool

Many health care workers lack access to clinical support tools in rural and resource-limited settings. To address this gap, the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Clinical Guidelines manual was converted into a static mobile health reference application (app) entitled MSF Guidance. The app's utility and growth was examined, and within 6 months of its launch 150 countries had downloaded the app, with demonstrated retention among new and existing users. With over 3500 downloads and 36 000 sessions amounting to 250 000 screen views, MSF Guidance is a new mobile health platform with widely demonstrated utility, including potential use as an epidemiological tool, where clinical conditions investigated by app users were found to correlate with geographical outbreaks. These findings show that mobile apps can be used to disseminate health information effectively.

Quality of Life and Self-Determination: Youth with Chronic Health Conditions Make the Connection

While optimizing quality of life (QOL) is a key goal of rehabilitation care, no previous study has reported on what 'QOL' means to youth with chronic health conditions. In addition, no qualitative studies have explored the relationship between QOL and self-determination (SD). Objectives of this qualitative study were to examine: what the terms 'quality of life' and 'self-determination' mean to youth with chronic conditions; the factors these youth think are linked with these concepts; the relationship they see between concepts, the types of future goals youth have and how they view the connection between their SD and these goals. A descriptive methodology was used. A purposive sample of 15 youth aged 15 to 20 years was obtained. Youth had cerebral palsy, a central nervous system disorder, or autism spectrum disorder. Semi-structured interviews were conducted first, followed by a focus group. Line-by-line coding of transcripts was completed, codes were collapsed into categories, and themes identified. Participants viewed QOL as an overarching personal evaluation of their life, and used terms such as satisfaction and happiness to describe the concept. Factors related to QOL included: 'relationships', 'supportive environments', 'doing things', 'personal growth and moving forward', and 'understanding of self/acceptance of disability'. Participants described SD in such terms as confidence and motivation. Contributors to SD were: 'personal strengths', 'interdependence', and 'functional independence'. SD was considered important to QOL. Youth goals were reflective of the goals of most adolescents. They identified the importance of having key goals that were of personal interest to them. This study adds consumer-based information to the debate over the meaning of QOL. Service providers and decision makers should be aware of the factors that youth feel impact their QOL and SD, the importance of SD to youth QOL, and of SD to future goals, and consider this information when tailoring therapeutic interventions.

An access technology delivery protocol for children with severe and multiple disabilities: a case demonstration

OBJECTIVE

This study applied response efficiency theory to create the Access Technology Delivery Protocol (ATDP), a child and family-centred collaborative approach to the implementation of access technologies.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive, mixed methods case study to demonstrate the ATDP method with a 12-year-old boy with no reliable means of access to an external device. Evaluations of response efficiency, satisfaction, goal attainment, technology use and participation were made after 8 and 16 weeks of training with a custom smile-based access technology.

RESULTS

At the 16 week mark, the new access technology offered better response quality; teacher satisfaction was high; average technology usage was 3-4 times per week for up to 1 h each time; switch sensitivity and specificity reached 78% and 64%, respectively, and participation scores increased by 38%.

CONCLUSION

This case supports further development and testing of the ATDP with additional children with multiple or severe disabilities.

Mothers' experiences with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)

Parents of a child with a disability are often asked about their child's functioning in daily activities. One way to gather this information is through parent-report functional questionnaires such as the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). The purpose of this study was to explore parental experiences associated with completion of the PEDI before and after a functional therapy intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) or developmental delay (DD) who had completed the PEDI within a larger study. A content analysis approach was used to code and organize the data into five themes. PEDI completion was associated with increased parental awareness of developmental patterns, and greater insight into levels of assistance they give to their child. Parents described various challenges and concerns with the PEDI that have implications for test administration processes. The findings have potential to enable more sensitive and focused PEDI use.

ICF-based functional components and contextual factors as correlates of perceived quality of life for youth with chronic conditions

PURPOSE

To explore International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based functional components and contextual factors associated with perceived quality of life (QOL) for youth with chronic conditions from the perspective of youth and parents.

METHOD

Baseline data were obtained from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in perceived QOL for youth with chronic conditions. 439 youth aged 11-17 (and one of their parents) completed a questionnaire. Standardized tools were used to measure youth functioning, contextual factors and perceived QOL. Multivariate linear regression analyses, controlling for socio-demographic and health information, were conducted to explore correlations among youth functioning/contextual factors and youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL.

RESULTS

Significant (p ≤ 0.05) negative correlates with both youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL included pain/other physical symptoms and emotional symptoms. Significant factors positively correlated with youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL included school productivity and spirituality. Other significant positive correlates of youth perspectives were family social support and school belongingness/safety. Family functioning was positively correlated, and youth social anxiety and environmental barriers were negatively correlated, with parent perceptions of youth QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides preliminary evidence of factors upon which services aimed at improving perceived QOL of youth with chronic conditions could be based.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

This study supports the utility of clinicians assessing the QOL of youth with chronic conditions in terms of youths' and their families' perspectives. This is the first study to identify key factors that impact perceived QOL at one point in time across a group of youth with chronic conditions, offering clinicians a main starting-point for considering youths' strengths and needs and the supportiveness of the environment. Findings suggest youth and families would benefit from the availability of services that encompass the full scope of the ICF.

Further development of the response scales of the Acquired Brain Injury Challenge Assessment (ABI-CA)

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To revise the scaling of the response sets of the Acquired Brain Injury Challenge Assessment (ABI-CA) through expert input and determination of empirically based cut-points.

RESEARCH DESIGN

A measurement development study with a content validity focus.

METHODS

Response option wording was revised through consultation with six physiotherapists with paediatric ABI expertise. Twenty-nine typically-developing children performed the ABI-CA and empirically-based cut-points for item-specific response options were derived from their time/distance/repetition results (SD values) as benchmark values. Movement quality considerations (compensatory movements) were identified from expert consultation/ABI-CA video observation and built into revised response options. The revised ABI-CA was pilot-tested with four children with ABI, aged 7-15 years, for a feasibility check.

RESULTS

Nineteen of the 23 items' response scales were revised based on experts' feedback and empirically-based cut-points replaced the previous arbitrarily-determined cut-points. Compensatory movement considerations were re-defined in nine items. The mean score of the refined ABI-CA was 70.0% (SD = 18.5) with four children with ABI.

CONCLUSION

The new response options in the ABI-CA appeared suitable for testing high-functioning children with ABI and the mid-range mean score in this pilot sample indicates its potential to measure change. Recommendations are outlined for final ABI-CA amendments before large-scale validation.

The youth report version of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP): assessment of psychometric properties and comparison with parent report

OBJECTIVE

The Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) parent report is a brief and valid measure for use with children and youth with chronic conditions/disabilities that has been shown to have good coverage at the chapter level of the 'Activities and Participation' component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The purpose of this research was to assess the psychometric properties of a CASP youth self-report version, to further validate the parent report, and to compare parent and youth reports of youths' activity and participation.

METHODS

Baseline data from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in quality of life for youth with chronic conditions/disabilities were used. CASP data were collected on 409 youth aged 11-17 with various conditions/disabilities using youth and parent reports. Internal consistency and factor structure were examined for both versions using Cronbach's alpha and exploratory factor analyses. Inter-rater agreement and magnitude of differences between youth and parent report were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients and paired t-tests respectively. Gender, age and condition/disability group differences in youth report CASP scores were examined using independent t-tests or analyses of variance.

RESULTS

Strong internal consistency and internal structure validity was demonstrated for the CASP youth and parent report. The youth report factor structure was similar to the parent report in this and other studies. Youth reported their activity/participation to be significantly higher than did their parents. Significant differences in CASP scores were found among condition/disability groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings show that, from a psychometric standpoint, the youth version of the CASP is a promising new self-report measure of activity and participation. As youth perceive their activity and participation levels differently than their parents, it is important to collect data from both sources to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of this aspect of youths' lives.

Motor measures: a moving target?

Outcome measures may be used for a variety of reasons by clinicians and researchers. This paper provides an overview on motor measures that can be used in research or practice and are classified within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health or ICF. Specifically, body function measures of neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions are presented, as are mobility measures within the activity and participation domain of the ICF. Descriptions of measures within these categories and their psychometric properties are provided. Current challenges and future directions for motor measurement are delineated.

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of Both a Global and a Domain-Specific Perceived Quality of Life Measure When Used with Youth Who Have Chronic Conditions

The purpose of this paper was to assess the psychometric properties of the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS) and the Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS) when used with youth who have chronic conditions. Baseline data from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in perceived quality of life (PQOL) for youth with chronic conditions were used. SLSS and BMSLSS data were collected on over 400 youth aged 11-17 using youth self-report and parent proxy-report versions. Internal consistency, convergent validity, and factor structure were examined for both versions. Extent of agreement and magnitude of differences between youth and parent report were evaluated. Finally, gender, age, and condition group differences in youth report scores were examined for the SLSS and BMSLSS. Strong internal consistency was demonstrated for the youth and parent reports of both measures. As with normative samples, a single factor structure was found for youth and parent reports of the BMSLSS. However, both youth and parent reports of the SLSS had a two-factor structure: one consisting of five positively worded items, and the other, two negatively worded items. Youth reported their PQOL to be significantly higher than did their parents. Significant differences in PQOL scores for the youth report were not found by age, gender, or conditions. Findings show that, from a psychometric standpoint, the BMSLSS (both youth and parent report) is a promising measure of PQOL for use in population-based research with youth who have chronic conditions. The SLSS may need to be revised to exclude negative items when used with this population of youth.