Development of Figurative Language Skills Following Central Nervous System-Directed Chemotherapy Delivered in Early Childhood.
Development of figurative language skills following central nervous system-directed chemotherapy delivered in early childhood.
Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2013 Apr 23;
Dowling EK, Lewis FM, Murdoch BE
Central nervous system (CNS)-directed chemotherapy is delivered for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Figurative language deficits have been described in children following CNS-directed chemotherapy; however, comprehensive analysis of figurative interpretation errors, potentially providing clinical utility to assist with intervention planning, has never been performed. The present study aimed to compare the figurative language skills of seven children treated with CNS-directed chemotherapy for ALL before the age of 6 years (mean age at diagnosis 3 years 10 months) and a matched control group of children, using the Test of Language Competence-Expanded Edition (TLC-E) Figurative Language sub-test. It was hypothesised that the children treated with CNS-directed chemotherapy would demonstrate a decreased performance in and an alternative method of interpreting figurative language. The results suggest no negative effects of CNS-directed chemotherapy on figurative language. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for TLC-E Figurative Language sub-test composite scores and picture component errors, nor were there clinically significant differences observed from descriptive comparisons of individual case data and error analysis. As these skills continue to emerge beyond childhood, the need to monitor skill development in ALL survivors beyond childhood is highlighted. HubMed – rehab
Design considerations of a randomized clinical trial on a cognitive behavioural intervention using communication and information technologies for managing chronic low back pain.
BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2013 Apr 22; 14(1): 142
Domenech J, Baños R, Peñalver L, Garcia-Palacios A, Herrero R, Ezzedine A, Martinez-Diaz M, Ballester J, Horta J, Botella C
BACKGROUND: Psychological treatments have been successful in treating chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, the effect sizes are still modest and there is room for improvement. A way to progress is by enhancing treatment adherence and self-management using information and communication technologies (ICTs). Therefore, the objective of this study was to design a trial investigating the short- and long-term efficacy of cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) for CLBP using or not ICTs. A secondary objective of this trial will be to evaluate the influence of relevant variables on treatment response. Possible barriers in the implementation of CBT with and without ICT will also be investigated. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial with 180 CLBP patients recruited from specialised care will be conducted. Participants will be randomly assigned to three conditions: Control group (CG), CBT, and CBT supported by ICTs (CBT + ICT). Participants belonging to the three conditions will receive a conventional rehabilitation program (back school). The CBT group program will last six sessions. The CBT + ICT group will use the internet and SMS to practice the therapeutic strategies between sessions and in the follow-ups at their homes. Primary outcome variables will be self-reported disability and pain intensity. Assessment will be carried out by blinded assessors in five moments: pre-treatment, post-treatment and 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. The influence of catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, anxiety and depression in response to treatment in the primary outcomes will also be analysed. DISCUSSION: This study will show data of the possible benefits of using ICTs in the improvement of CBT for treating CLBP.Trial registration: NCT01802671. HubMed – rehab
The identification of assistive technologies being used to support the daily occupations of community-dwelling older adults with dementia: a cross-sectional pilot study.
Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2013 Apr 22;
Boger J, Quraishi M, Turcotte N, Dunal L
Abstract Purpose: Assistive technologies (ATs) have tremendous potential to support occupations (i.e. meaningful daily activities) impacted by changes in cognition caused by dementia. However, little is known about what or how ATs are in use in community settings. This research created and piloted guided interviews intended to capture what ATs are in use, factors that affect use and gaps in support from multiple stakeholders. Method: Family caregivers (n?=?3) and occupational therapists (n?=?10) were chosen as pilot respondents because of their relationship to care provision, understanding of how occupations are impacted by changes in cognition and role in AT procurement. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The interviews’ structures enabled data to be grouped into distinct categories and organized easily. The data illustrated the types of analysis that could be done given a larger sample size. It appeared that interviews captured ATs that were in use, as well as areas of non-use and perceived difficulties. Respondents identified several unmet needs and provided suggestions for desired outcomes. Conclusions: While the interview guides must be refined and validated, they are able to capture rich and comprehensive data that could be used by multiple stakeholders, such as clinicians, engineers and caregiver education groups, to target AT development, procurement, education and policy. Implications for Rehabilitation Structured interview guide developed and piloted that could be used to identify ATs in use in the community to support older adults with dementia from the viewpoints of multiple stakeholders. These data could be used to: gain an understanding of AT use and non-use, discern differences in perception between the various stakeholders, and guide development, procurement, education and policy efforts. HubMed – rehab