Current Trends for Children With Spina Bifida: A Survey of Pediatric Physical Therapists.

PURPOSE: To describe contemporary physical therapy practice and management of children with spina bifida (SB) in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional electronic survey was sent to US pediatric physical therapy clinics and posted in the American Physical Therapy Association Pediatrics newsletter. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Codes were compared, refined, and condensed into categories. RESULTS: A total of 163 participants were included. Most assessments evaluated the ICF Activity component. Most frequently reported ICF components: impairments = decreased strength (17.9%), activity limitations = limited walking (22.5%), and participation restrictions = restricted socializing/playing with peers or siblings (22.6%). The most prevalent intervention was strength training. CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapists (PTs) in the United States are performing assessments and interventions supported by available evidence; however, knowledge translation and more research are needed to support best practices in PT management of children with SB.

Work-Life Balance of Faculty in Professional Physical Therapist Education: A Mixed-Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore perceptions of work-life balance (WLB) of full-time faculty in professional physical therapist (PT) education programs. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Studies show that faculty are at risk of diminution of WLB and subsequent burnout due to job expectations and changing educational landscapes. Limited evidence exists to describe perceived WLB of faculty in professional PT education. SUBJECTS: Full-time faculty in professional PT education programs (n = 239) responded to an online survey and 16 participated in focus group discussions. METHODS: The Work/Nonwork Interference and Enhancement Survey (W/NW Scale), faculty characteristic prompts, and open-ended questions were disseminated electronically to all accredited professional PT education programs within the United States. Focus groups were conducted to further explore nuances of WLB. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for survey categorical variables with means and standard deviations for continuous variables. Differences in W/NW Scale and faculty characteristics were analyzed using independent-samples Mann-Whitney U tests. Open coding and an iterative process of thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS: Medians for all W/NW Scale dimensions were between 2 and 3 out of 5. W/NW Scale dimension scores differed significantly in each of the faculty characteristics of gender, defined workload, and faculty job searching (Z = -2.399 to -3.517, P ≤ .016). Qualitative data yielded 3 main themes: 1) implicit and explicit job duties; 2) leadership; and 3) individual boundaries. Ebb and flow of WLB emerged as an overarching theme. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study offers a portrayal of the lived experience of faculty regarding WLB. Results offer useful information about faculty demographics, work-related factors, and personal responsibilities. One limitation was that cultural, community, and religious demands were not explored. Findings may facilitate improved understanding of faculty WLB perceptions and can guide leadership to optimize the balance between faculty's paid work and personal life.

Movement as a Gateway to Participation for Individuals With Neuromotor Conditions: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to examine and analyze the developmental and rehabilitation literature related to movement and participation at key points of transition for individuals with neuromotor conditions. METHODS: Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review protocol was applied, and 37 articles were included. Extracted data included population, developmental transition points, movement opportunity, type of participation, and outcome measures. RESULTS: Most studies covered developmental transition points; none examined transitions as a variable for participation outcomes. Physical activity/exercise was the most common movement opportunity. Most publications used formal outcome measures of participation; others used observation or interviews. CONCLUSION: No publications adequately addressed the effect of movement opportunities on participation during developmental transition points.

Relationship between Movement Quality, Functional Ambulation Status, and Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Children with Myelomeningocele.

AIMS: We investigated relationships among the Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale (Peds NRS), modified Hoffer Scale, and spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with myelomeningocele (MMC). METHODS: 21 children with MMC, age 5.3 years (SD = 2.6), were assessed by three clinicians using the Peds NRS and modified Hoffer Scale. In eight children, gait parameters were also measured. RESULTS: The Peds NRS summary score demonstrated good correlation with modified Hoffer Scale score (r = -0.64, p = 0.002) that accounted for 41% of variation in summary score. Six Peds NRS seated/standing items exhibited good relationships with modified Hoffer Scale (r = -0.51 to -0.70, p ≤ 0.023), and the sit-to-stand item demonstrated an excellent relationship (r = -0.85, p < 0.001). Sit-to-stand and three standing/walking items exhibited excellent associations with cadence (Rs = 0.81 to 0.88, p ≤ 0.014), and swing and stance time (both Rs = -0.83 to -0.90, p ≤ 0.01). Two Peds NRS standing items and modified Hoffer Scale score demonstrated good correlations with velocity (Rs = 0.71, p = 0.047; Rs = -0.73, p = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that children with MMC who exhibit greater movement quality and trunk control are likely to be functional ambulators with more optimal spatiotemporal gait parameters.

Trunk control and gross motor outcomes after body weight supported treadmill training in young children with severe cerebral palsy: a non-experimental case series.

Objective: To explore the impact of a body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) intervention on postural control and gross motor function in three young children with cerebral palsy (CP) classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV or V. Method: Children (N = 3) between the ages of 2-3 years who were diagnosed with CP classified as GMFCS levels IV and V participated in BWSTT three times per week. The Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) and the gross motor function measure (GMFM-66) were assessed before and after the 6-week intervention. Results: Final testing revealed that all participants improved on the SATCo and GMFM. Conclusion: BWSTT is a viable intervention that may improve trunk control and gross motor outcomes in young children with severe CP. Further research is needed to explore the impact of BWSTT for young children classified as GMFCS levels IV and V.