Pediatrics Commons^™

How Psychological And Nonpharmacological Treatment Modalities Reduce The Disease Burden Of Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes In Pediatrics, Aalia Narvel, Sabrina Gmuca

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The prevalence of pediatric chronic musculoskeletal pain ranges from 8.5% to 40%.¹ This literature review examined the treatment of amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS), which is a general term that represents a spectrum of pain disorders for patients who may not satisfy specific diagnostic criteria.² Specifically, sources were analyzed to compare the efficacy of individual components in the nonpharmacological, interdisciplinary treatment of AMPS against pain medications. These components included cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT), physical therapy (PT), as well as occupational therapy (OT). There is limited information that assesses these components individually, but there is ample evidence that when …

Bal-A-Vis-X Intervention To Improve Upper Limb Coordination In Children With Disability: A Pilot Study, Marta Boot, Zoe Clark, Kyla Hill, Mckenzie Stefanoff, Betsy Donahoe Fillmore, Trisha Renner, Bo Slutz, Mary I. Fisher

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Balance/Auditory/Vision exercises (Bal-A-Vis-X) consists of a series of exercises using sand-filled bags and racquet balls. Most of the exercises are completed while standing on a rocker board and heavily rooted in rhythm. The rhythmic patterns are utilized to facilitate focused concentration, crossing midline, motor planning, right/left awareness, eye-hand coordination, balance, bilateral coordination, body and spatial awareness. Only a few published studies have explored Bal-A-Vis-X as an intervention in therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of Bal-A-Vis-X to improve upper limb coordination in children with motor delays.

Number of Subjects: Fifteen children with motor delays …

Fine Motor Integration For Children With Special Needs And Low Tone, Iliana V. Blancas, Rebecca King

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The topic of focus will be a Fine Motor Integration Program for Children with Special Needs and Low Tone and provide students, parents, teachers, and therapists a resource to aid with the development of these skills. This program hopes to establish the development of the fine motor skills at an early age to reduce the issues that arise later within the school years that stem from lack of fine motor skills within this population.

A Program To Help At Home: Social Skill For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Naomi Solomon, Mary Jan Greer, Justine Faghihifar

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically presents in early childhood with delayed or abnormal functioning and according to the CDC (2022), 1 in 44 children have been diagnosed across all demographics. With these high prevalence rates, occupational therapy can be an asset in ASD through a client-centered approach. The problem is the lack of generalization of skills used in the clinic to the home environment to develop and maintain social skills in children with ASD for social participation. This capstone used program development to demonstrate the impact group sessions have on social skills for a child diagnosed with autism by …

Best Screening: Introducing The Neonatal Assessment Visual European Grid To Nicus In Tennessee, Gabrielle Sledge

OTD Capstone Projects

Blind Early Services Tennessee (BEST) is an early intervention agency that serves children ages 0-5 with visual impairments across Tennessee. BEST serves over 200 children and families across the state offering early intervention (BEST Start), parent empowerment (BEST Advocate), and family support (BEST Together) programming. The purpose of this project was to assist in the implementation of an early identification initiative (BEST Screening) using the Neonatal Assessment Visual European Grid (NAVEG). The NAVEG is a newborn vision screening shown to identify neurological risk for visual impairments. The long-term goal of this program is to promote the screening and early identification …

Childhood Cancer Survivorship: Navigating A New Normal In Middle Tennessee, Karli M. Beaumont

OTD Capstone Projects

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in partnership with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center offers REACH for Cancer Survivorship, a pediatric cancer survivorship clinic. REACH provides a full range of follow-up care designed to meet the physical, emotional, and practical needs of survivors and continuous surveillance of deleterious effects of cancer and its treatments. The purpose of this project was to meet population and agency needs through research of long- and late-term sequela while advocating for occupational therapy’s role in the oncology population through the proactive therapy and prospective surveillance models. The process of creating this project included synthesizing the literature, …

Every Moment Counts (Emc): Understanding School Stakeholder Perceptions Of Positive Mental Health Promotion In The Elementary School Setting. A Preliminary Report., Madeline Malooly, Angela Blackwell, Lauren Thomas

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

For children and adolescents, the prevalence of psychological disorders associated with mental illness continues to rise in North America and is now considered to be the leading cause of disability for this population (Bitsko et al., 2022). It was estimated that between 25 and 50% of adult mental illnesses could be prevented through early intervention and preventative measures in childhood (Kim-Cohen et al., 2003). In an effort to address mental health promotion in schools, Dr. Susan Bazyk founded and created EMC, which is a “multi-pronged mental health promotion initiative to help all children to be mentally healthy in order to …

Occupational Impact Of Caregivers In Pediatric Palliative Care, Lezlye Ramos, Karen Park, Jazminne O. Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this study is to understand the occupational impact for caregivers who had a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition who had received pediatric palliative care. A lack of understanding of occupational therapy’s role in end-of-life care ultimately underutilizes and under-prepares occupational therapists to work in this practice area. Becoming a medical family caregiver, neglecting personal needs and desires becomes a norm having a in-direct effect on physical and psychological health and well-being. Findings from this study suggest that it is reasonable to infer that occupational participation among caregivers is influenced by finding time for self and …

Occupational Therapists' Perception Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Sleep In Pediatric Outpatient Settings, Carina Jimenez, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone investigates pediatric occupational therapists' views on managing sleep issues in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It highlights gaps in education and resources and emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions. Findings emphasize the importance of enhancing occupational therapists' role in addressing sleep challenges for improved family well-being, advocating for more comprehensive education and support systems.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Mothers With Children Who Have Had A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Stay, Reagan Mclendon, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study examined the occupational needs of mothers with a child who required a NICU stay and illustrates the potential roles of occupational therapy for this population.

Promoting Parental Competence When Transitioning From The Nicu To Home: A Coaching Intervention, Vanessa Chavez, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This handbook aims to improve the support system for families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by developing a coaching intervention that empowers parents, improves their confidence, and provides necessary home care skills.

Self-Regulation And Sensory Processing Education Program For Educators, Julianne Mendivil, Tina G. Bhakta, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with low self-regulation skills may face many challenges in the classroom environment that can impact their performance in school-based activities. As teachers play a vital role in the development of young children, this educational program aims to improve teacher competence (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) in applying sensory processing and self-regulating concepts to the school environment.

The Ci-Asd Program: Implementation Of Contextual Interventions For Autism Spectrum Disorder (Ci-Asd) With Latino Families (Preliminary Report), Gabriel Gonzalez, Erik Pérez, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience sensory processing differences that affect their participation in daily activities and routines. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the U.S. However, Latino children are diagnosed two years later than white children. Latino families still have the greatest disparities in accessing ASD resources throughout the U.S. compared to white families. The lack of ASD services and resources led to decreased parental self-efficacy, quality of life, and increased child behavioral problems.

Contextual Interventions Adapted for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CI-ASD) are an emerging intervention for occupational therapy (OT) practitioners. Recent literature shows …

A Qualitative Study On Mother's Occupational Engagement After A Nicu Experience, Rachel Garcia, Mary Ann Smith, Julie Heftie Ms, Otr/L

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Mothers who are “at-risk” for complications during pregnancy have an increased probability for mental health conditions following delivery, adversely affecting their engagement in motherhood occupations. This qualitative study identifies how best to address the needs of “at-risk” pregnant women. Through the process of conducting semi-structured interviews with women who have experienced NICU with their babies, and interviews with healthcare practitioners working in the NICU, their narrative addresses what approaches would support women while they are going through their “at-risk” pregnancies to assist them with the transition to their occupational roles as mothers and promote bonding with their baby.

Measures Of Function In Physical Therapy Assessment Of Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Clinical Audit, Marvin D. Zotomayor

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: The assessment of outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is important for monitoring their progress, evaluating interventions, and guiding health policies. This study aimed to (1) identify the most common outcome measures used in the clinics to assess function in children with CP, and (2) determine whether the outcome measures used in the clinics meet the current standards of assessment for the purpose of improving patient care decisions, research, and quality assurance.

Methodology: A retrospective record audit study design was used to determine if the current practice in the clinics on the assessment of function in children with …

Empowering And Educating Parents To Implement A Home Intervention: Effects On Preschool Children's Engagement In Hands-On Constructive Play, Michelle Boulanger Thompson, Yaoying Xu, Chin-Chih Chen, Kathleen Rudasill

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Constructive play is a creative process-oriented activity that promotes children’s engaged learning through building and designing with materials. This study investigated a parent-implemented intervention to promote active engagement in constructive play for preschool-aged children at risk for developmental delay. This study utilized a single-subject multiple-baseline across-participants design with four participants. Visual analysis of the data identified a functional relation between the temporal, physical, and social–emotional environmental support provided by the parents and the children’s active engagement in constructive play. Parents reported the intervention as meaningful to their lives, indicating strong social validity. These findings highlight the importance of centering and …

Applying Occupation-Centered Coaching For Caregivers Of Children With Disabilities, Ali S. Gregory, Mary A. Smith Phd, Otr/L, Mary E. Godman Otd, Ms

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Statement of the problem: Caregivers of children with disabilities (CWD) experience stress, mental health conditions, sleep disruption, and fatigue leading to decreased occupational engagement and family community participation.

Purpose Statement: This project applied Occupation-Centered Coaching with a family-centered approach to promote caregiver empowerment, advocacy for mental health services, and family community participation.

Bowel Cleanout Prior To Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Implantation: Effects On Acute Post- Operative Gastrointestinal Complications, Amanda Lindenberg, Brittni Walton, Sathya Vadivelu, Matthew J. Mclaughlin

Posters

Background: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps have been used for management of spasticity and dystonia There is limited data on immediate post-operative complications such as GI adverse events after surgery for ITB pump related procedures. This study aimed to compare patients who underwent a pre-operative bowel cleanout to those who did not and the relationship with post-operative nausea, vomiting and constipation requiring an escalation of their bowel regimen. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Pediatric acute care hospital. Participants: All patients who underwent new ITB pump and/or catheter placement from January 2015-December 2022. Interventions: Preoperative bowel clean out. Main Outcome Measure: Quantity …

Proceedings Of The 2023 Iaom Convention, International Association Of Orofacial Myology

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) held its 2023 Convention in Chandler, Arizona from October 13 - 15. The Proceedings of the Convention contain abstracts and summaries of podium and poster presentations.

Normal Values Of Nerve Conduction Studies In Children Aged 7 Days To 14 Years Referred To Electrodiagnosis Clinic Of Iranian Children’S Medical Center, Masood Ghahvechi Akbari, Fazel Mahmoodpoor, Mahmoodreza Ashrafi, Elahe Rezaee, Sahar Ghorbanpour, Seyede Zahra Emami Razavi, Mohaddeseh Azadvari, Reza Shervin Badv, Gholamreza Zamani, Ali Reza Tavasoli, Morteza Heidari, Zahra Rezaei, Setareh Rohani, Mahmoud Mohammadi

Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine Papers and Presentations

Background: The normal values of nerve conduction studies (NCS) are different in children compared to adults. Moreover, racial and geographical factors can affect these values.

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the normal NCS values in children of different ages.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study included children referred to the Electrodiagnosis Clinic of the Children’s Medical Center in Iran, who had normal NCS results based on the references and had no exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into 8 age groups (7 days to one month, 1 - 3 months, 3 - 6 months, 6 - 12 months, 1 …

Advocating And Educating The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Adaptive Swim Lessons Among Children With Autism, Charlotte Leonard, Zeida Gutierrez, Jon Edenfield

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-14 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). Children with autism are 160x more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers (Autism Society of Florida, n.d.). Many parents and caregivers put protective layers in place such as locks, gates, and fencing. However, children with autism are known to wander from safe spaces. According to the Autism Society of Florida (n.d.) children with autism are naturally drawn to water due to its ability to ease sensory needs. Brenner …

Program Development Of Incorporating Mindfulness-Based Practices Within Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Sarah Cottone, Zeida Gutierrez, Katie O'Hara

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project will address the limited literature and provide treatment results on the effective use of mindfulness exercises in pediatric occupational therapy for improved self-regulation. Purpose: This program aims to educate the pediatric clinic on the benefits of mindfulness and to develop mindfulness-based exercises to implement within pediatric occupational therapy sessions for self-regulation treatments. The purpose of the mindfulness exercises was to show efficient, effective, and noninvasive approaches to regulate a child’s emotions and sensory system.

Trends In Length Of Stay: Experience From A Tertiary Care Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit In Saudi Arabia., Sami Ullah, Ahmad Zaheer Qureshi, Waqas Sami, Amara Ilyas, Sherif Samir Abdelmaksoud Tantawy, Sarah Samir Abdulakarim Alqatari, Hasan Shacfe, Colleen Ann Wunderlich

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Pediatric rehabilitation units offer unique challenges due to complex rehabilitation needs of children based on their age group and diagnosis. Length of stay (LOS) is an indirect measure of hospital cost and efficiency of a clinical service and it is important to determine the factors affecting LOS in hospitalized children undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: Record of 350 children (males: 222, female: 128) who underwent inpatient pediatric rehabilitation program at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Saudi Arabia during 2011 to 2018 were reviewed. Diagnoses were categorized into cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, non-traumatic brain injury and others. …

Programa De Atividade Física Via Telemonitoramento E Capacidade De Exercício Em Pacientes Pediátricos Submetidos A Transplante Renal: Dados Preliminares, Ana Clara Sobotyk Santos

AMNET XX Conferencia Internacional

Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos de um programa de atividade física via telemonitoramento na capacidade funcional (Shuttle Walk Test – SWT) em pacientes pediátricos após transplante (Tx) renal.

Método: ensaio clínico randomizado em crianças acompanhadas ambulatorialmente em hospital referência no Rio Grande do Sul. O treinamento foi realizado via telemonitoramento, 2 vezes por semana durante 6 semanas. Os pacientes foram randomizados (via software) em GI - treinamento com faixas elásticas; e GC - orientações e exercícios ventilatórios. O pesquisador que realiza as avaliações está cegado.

Resultados: amostra preliminar de 21 pacientes (9 no GI e 12 no GC). A idade média …

Creciendo Y Floreciendo Dentro De Nuestro Ambiente: A Contextual Intervention With Latino Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Jocelyn Urbina, Erik Pérez, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2021), 1 in 44 children has been identified with autism-spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD experience challenges in participation that is characterized by difficulties in areas of social communication, social interaction, repetitive behavior, and a range of impairing sensory interests or aversions (Pasco, 2018). These challenges can limit their participation in occupations if not addressed within time as well as put stress on the child’s parents or caregivers. Parents who have children with ASD experience higher elevated levels of parental stress and psychological distress when compared to parents who have …

Analyzing Experiences With Context-Based Physical Activity Coaching (Cb-Pac) In Caregivers Of Children With Visual Impairments: A Pilot Study, Mary Godman, Angela Blackwell, Eric Hicks

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Caregivers have faced many barriers in providing equitable physical activity (PA) opportunities for their children with visual impairments (VI) (Armstrong et al., 2018; Columna et al., 2017; Sterbova & Kudlacek, 2014). This pilot study focused on two female caregivers of children with VI to understand their experiences and perceptions related to providing PA for their children along with a context-based coaching program to improve their child’s participation in PA. The study utilized a mixed methods design and concluded that support, motivation, strategies for participation, and equipment were important areas to address for caregivers to engage their children in PA.

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Cognition In The Pediatric Population, Mia Ramirez, Hope Mccarroll, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Coronavirus disease or COVID-19, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can affect adults and children by causing long-term symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, long-term breathing problems, and even heart complications. Children represent about 19% of all reported COVID-19 cases since the pandemic first began. Children also can have trouble concentrating, which can impact their ability to attend school and do their daily activities that require concentration, such as dressing, showering, and social participation. Cognitive deficits due to COVID-19 can impact the pediatric population as they may have decreased occupational performance in desired occupations, such …

Program Development In Pediatric Prosthetic Training For Occupational Therapists, Paulina Alas, Monica Watford, Grace Evasco

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project delves into the necessity for professional tools designed to assist occupational therapists (OTs) in readying themselves for the treatment of pediatric patients requiring upper limb prosthetics. The endeavor encompasses an examination of various diagnoses that warrant prosthetic intervention, an exploration of diverse prosthetic variants, and a comprehensive manual detailing pre-prosthetic and prosthetic functional training.

The Importance Of Occupational Therapy During The Transition From The Nicu To Home For Parents’ Confidence In Co-Occupations, Randa Sloan, Mary Jan Greer, Faith Saunders

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Parents often transition home from the NICU with decreased confidence in their abilities to care for their infant after having extensive specialized care (Craig et al., 2015). Boykova (2016) explained that parents experienced low self-confidence and fear of making mistakes in their infants’ care upon arriving home. The problem is the lack of support and education about resources for parents during the transition from the NICU to home. Parents lack knowledge about the vital role OT plays in improving confidence in co-occupations which will play a role in improved parental mental health. Furthermore, parents and caregivers lack knowledge on how …

Supporting Motor, Cognitive, And Psychosocial Functions For Children And Youth With Acquired Brain Injury: A Scoping Review, Quandra Shanks, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma (Brain Injury Association [BIA], 2023). ABI is an umbrella term for all brain injuries, typically classified as traumatic (e.g., sports injury, fall) or non-traumatic (e.g., stroke, infection) (Wales et al., 2021). It is considered one of the leading causes of death and disability for individuals of all ages (Riccardi & Lundine, 2022). The BIA (2023) reports that ages 0-4 and 15-19 are at greater risk for brain injury. The severity of ABI among pediatrics is more severe than …