The Efficacy of GMFM-88 and GMFM-66 to Detect Changes in Gross Motor Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy (CP): A Literature Review.
The efficacy of GMFM-88 and GMFM-66 to detect changes in gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP): a literature review.
Disabil Rehabil. 2013 Jun 26;
Alotaibi M, Long T, Kennedy E, Bavishi S
Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to review published research on the use of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and (GMFM-66) as outcome measures to determine if these tools detect changes in gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing interventions. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Medline and PubMed to identify studies published from January 2000 through January 2011 that reported the accuracy of GMFM-88 and GMFM-66 to measure changes over time in children with CP undergoing interventions. The keywords used for the search were “GMFM” and “CP”. Two of the authors (M.A. and S.B.) reviewed the titles and abstracts found in the databases. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by using the Critical Review Form-Quantitative Studies. Results: Of 62 papers initially identified, 21 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These articles consist of three longitudinal studies, six randomized controlled trials, four repeated measure design, six pre-post test design, a case series and one non-randomized prospective study. The included studies were generally of moderate to high methodological quality. The studies included children from a wide age range of 10?months to 16?years. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, the study designs were level II, III-2, III-3 and IV. Conclusion: The review suggests that the GMFM-88 and GMFM-66 are useful as outcome measures to detect changes in gross motor function in children with CP undergoing interventions. Implications for Rehabilitation Accurate measurement of change in gross motor skill acquisition is important to determine effectiveness of intervention programs in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88 and GMFM-66) are common tools used by rehabilitation specialists to measure gross motor function in children with CP. The GMFM appears to be an effective outcome tool for measuring change in gross motor function according to a small number of randomized control studies utilizing participant populations of convenience. HubMed – rehab
Transitional rehabilitation goals for people with spinal cord injury: looking beyond the hospital walls.
Disabil Rehabil. 2013 Jun 26;
Wallace MA, Kendall MB
Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to identify, describe and classify the transitional rehabilitation goals of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and map these goals to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Method: The five most important rehabilitation goals as rated by clients were extracted from records for 220 clients of a transitional rehabilitation service for people with SCI in Australia over a 5-year period. These goals were thematically classified into domains and then mapped to the ICF framework. Goals were compared across age, gender, length of hospital stay, compensation status, level and completeness of injury. Results: A total of 1100 goals were classified into 18 different goal domains, representing most aspects of the ICF framework. Age was negatively related to vocational goals. Length of hospital stay was positively related to personal care goals but negatively related to community access and vocational goals. Goals did not differ across gender or compensation status but did differ across level and completeness of injury. Conclusions: People with SCI have a range of transitional rehabilitation goals that represent most aspects of the ICF framework. Client-centred community rehabilitation during this transition period offers continuity of care to support the realisation of these rehabilitation goals. Implications for Rehabilitation Transitional rehabilitation is a relatively new community service model in the rehabilitation literature, especially for people with spinal cord injury. Client-centred goal setting is integral to these types of community rehabilitation models. Rehabilitation goals in transitional rehabilitation are varied and map well to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) with a focus on environmental goals. A typology of rehabilitation goals in this setting will assist in service planning and evaluation of hospital and community rehabilitation services. HubMed – rehab
Occupational therapists’ perspectives on addressing sexual concerns of older adults in the context of rehabilitation.
Disabil Rehabil. 2013 Jun 26;
McGrath M, Lynch E
Abstract Purpose: To explore occupational therapists’ perspectives on addressing sexuality in the context of rehabilitation services for older people. Method: A qualitative exploratory design was used. Data were collected using a series of focus groups (n?=?5) among occupational therapists (n?=?22) working with older people. Data were analysed using content analysis. Results: Occupational therapists in this study rarely addressed sexuality in the context of rehabilitation services for older people. Three major categories emerged in relation to barriers which influence therapists’ practice in this area: (i) the influence of culture on decisions regarding whether or not to address sexuality, (ii) perceived competence and confidence to address sexuality and (iii) the impact of resources regarding the inclusion or exclusion of sexuality from rehabilitation. Conclusions: Although sexuality is increasingly considered an important and relevant aspect of successful ageing the extent to which healthcare professionals are prepared to address sexual concerns identified by older people is less clear. If new expectations of healthy ageing are to be met, healthcare professionals must acknowledge the importance of sexuality and be prepared to be involved in sexual health management. Implications for Rehabilitation Healthcare professionals continue to be reluctant to respond to older peoples’ concerns relating to sexuality. Occupational therapists in Ireland identified socio-cultural norms relating to sexuality, perceived professional competence and confidence and prioritization of resources as key barriers. Education is needed to improve therapists’ perceived competence and confidence in addressing sexuality with older adults. Policy change is required to consider the underlying assumptions about sexuality, ageing and disability. HubMed – rehab
The role of initial physical activity experiences in promoting posttraumatic growth in Paralympic athletes with an acquired disability.
Disabil Rehabil. 2013 Jun 26;
Day MC
Abstract Purpose: To explore Paralympic athletes’ lived experiences of becoming physically active after disability, and the role that this may have played in the development of posttraumatic growth. Methods: Life history interviews were conducted with 7 individuals with an acquired and traumatic disability, who were aiming to take part in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. This was also informed by observation of sport participation. Data were analysed using a holistic content analysis. Results: Three main themes were identified that reflected participants’ initial physical activity experiences and which were linked to posttraumatic growth. These were recognizing possibility by acknowledging limitations, responsibility for choice and consequences, and re-establishing and enhancing meaning. Conclusions: Posttraumatic growth is a process and consequently, part of this process may include experiencing both positive and negative trauma symptoms. Participation in physical activity may assist an individual in achieving posttraumatic growth by facilitating meaning making, providing an environment where risks and responsibilities can be taken, and allowing an individual to understand their limitations and future possibilities. Implications for Rehabilitation While posttraumatic growth is often associated with positive psychological outcomes, it is important to consider that this can occur alongside the experience of negative trauma symptoms. Participation in physical activity may induce both positive and negative responses following trauma. In order to foster posttraumatic growth, physical activity should be meaningful to the activity and allow a sense of control and personal responsibility. HubMed – rehab