Benefits of powered standing wheelchair devices for adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the first year of use.

AIM: Poorer physical and mental health often accompany loss of walking in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This study assessed the impacts of powered wheelchair standing device (PWSD) use on muscle and joint pain, joint angles when standing and mental health in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. METHODS: Fourteen adolescents and parents participated in a stepped wedge design study over 12 months. During a baseline and intervention period, adolescents described pain and mental health, and parents reported their child's mental health. Video data were collected to measure hip, knee and ankle joint angles in the preferred standing position. RESULTS: Compared with baseline and adjusting for covariates, standing wheelchair use was associated with no change in muscle or joint pain or videoed joint angles in standing. Child-reported Strengths and Difficulties total scores decreased (coefficient -3.1, 95% confidence interval -4.6, -1.5); and parent-reported Personal Adjustment and Role Skills Scale total scores increased (coefficient 7.9, 95% confidence interval 3.3-12.5). CONCLUSIONS: PWSD use was associated with maintenance of musculoskeletal status and advantages to mental health. Long-term observations are necessary to improve understanding of how to support wellbeing in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Application of principles learned in a prevention-focused pediatric dental residency curriculum to professional practice.

PURPOSE: This study examined whether pediatric dentists who participated in a pediatric dental residency program focusing on disease prevention and management training and screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) were applying these principles to their professional practice upon graduation. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, a one-time-only online survey was disseminated to 75 pediatric dentists who graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles's training program between 2012 and 2022. The 21-item survey included questions on demographics, patient population characteristics, and application of preventive dentistry and SDOH to their professional practice. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess survey items. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 64%. Over two-thirds (67%) of alumni reported accepting Medicaid, 34% saw patients in a medically underserved area and all reported seeing children with special needs in their practice. Strategies used to address SDOH in their practice included providing anticipatory guidance (98%) and educating families on oral disease prevention and screening for SDOH (96%). Alumni accepting patients with Medicaid/public health insurance were more likely to address SDOH in their practice, such as assisting patients with filling out Medicaid paperwork (p < 0.05), conducting outreach to underserved communities (p < 0.05), and using interpreters in their practice (p < 0.01) in comparison with alumni not accepting patients with Medicaid/public health insurance. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that a pediatric dental residency program may be successful in training residents to educate children, families, and special needs patients on disease prevention and management in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner and screen for SDOH during patient visits.

A 12-year follow up of principles learned in a pediatric dentistry Master of Public Health dual degree program applied to professional practice.

Introduction: Dental public health professionals play a critical role in preventing and controlling oral diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the application of public health principles learned in a pediatric dentistry Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program to professional practice upon graduation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pediatric dentistry/MPH dual degree alumni who graduated from the program between 2012 and 2023. Interview questions inquired about characteristics of patient population, location of providers' clinic/organization, whether the program was worthwhile to their practice and application of principles learned in the program to their professional practice. Results: Twenty of the 22 program alumni agreed to be interviewed. All alumni thought the program was extremely worthwhile to their practice. They felt the MPH component of the program gave them the public health background and tools they needed to provide comprehensive and holistic care to their patients. Additionally, all alumni reported applying the public health principles they learned in the program to their professional practice through leadership roles, research and teaching that focuses on oral disease prevention and the promotion of dental health. Discussion: Given the importance of a dental public health professionals' role in reducing oral health disparities at the population level, more pediatric dentistry MPH dual degree programs are urgently needed. Additionally, more research is necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs, which will be critical to helping ensure the value of a dual degree in dentistry and public health is recognized and promoted worldwide.

Pediatric Oral Health Online Education for Rural and Migrant Head Start Programs in the United States.

Children living in rural and migrant areas in the United States disproportionately suffer from poor oral health. Additionally, there continues to be a shortage of pediatric dentists practicing in rural/migrant areas. The purpose of this formative research study was to assess whether staff, teachers and families from rural/migrant Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programs in California were receptive to oral health online education workshops conducted by pediatric dental residents who were assisted by bilingual (English and Spanish) community oral health workers (COHWs). Our findings suggest that partnering pediatric dental residents with bilingual COHWs to educate HS/EHS teachers, staff and parents on oral health care in rural/migrant areas could result in a rewarding experience for pediatric dentists that might lead them to practice in these communities upon graduation from their residency program. Furthermore, the positive feedback received from the teachers, staff and parents who participated in the workshops indicates they were receptive to receiving oral health information related to oral health literacy from the dental providers and COHWs. COHWs can help increase access to oral health care by serving as a bridge between families and providers by relaying information in a cultural, linguistic and sensitive manner.

Observational Study Exploring the Efficacy and Effectiveness of a New Model of Peer-Assisted Simulation-Based Learning Clinical Placement.

(1) Background: Immersive simulation-based learning is relevant and effective in health care professional pre-licensure training. Peer-assisted learning has reciprocal benefit for the learner and the teacher. A fully simulated model of fieldwork placement has been utilised at Curtin University since 2014, historically employing full-time faculty supervisors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, traditional clinical placement availability diminished. (2) Methods: This mixed-methods prospective observational study aimed to translate the existing faculty-led placement for penultimate-year physiotherapy students to a peer-taught model, thereby creating new teaching placements for final-year students. Final- and penultimate-year physiotherapy students undertook the fully simulated fieldwork placement either as peer learners or peer teachers. The placement was then evaluated using four outcome measures: The 'measure of quality of giving feedback scale' (MQF) was used to assess peer learner satisfaction with peer-teacher supervision; plus/delta reflections were provided by peer teachers and faculty supervisors; student pass/fail rates for the penultimate-year physiotherapy students. (3) Results: For 10 weeks during November and December 2020, 195 students and 19 faculty participated in the placement. Mean MQF scores ranged from 6.4 (SD 0.86) to 6.8 (SD) out of 7; qualitative data reflected positive and negative aspects of the experience. There was a 4% fail rate for penultimate-year students for the placement. Results suggested that peer learners perceived peer-led feedback was of a high quality; there were both positives and challenges experienced using the model. (4) Conclusions: Physiotherapy students effectively adopted a peer-taught fully simulated fieldwork placement model with minimal faculty supervision, and comparable clinical competency outcomes.

Berg Balance Scale Score as a Predictor of Independent Walking at Discharge among Adult Stroke Survivors.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine which admission clinical assessment or assessments best predict independent walking at discharge (IW-DC) among adults with unilateral impairments hospitalized for rehabilitation post-stroke. Method: On admission, we collected measures of balance (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]), physical function (Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment - Activity Inventory), postural and leg motor control (Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment - Impairment Inventory), functional independence (FIM), sensation and proprioception, and pushing behaviour (Four-Point Pusher Score). Logistic regression determined which measures influenced the odds of IW-DC. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve determined the cut-points for variables retained in a multivariable model. Results: Data were available for 68 participants, aged a median of 57 (interquartile range [IQR] 16) years, who had received inpatient rehabilitation for a median of 8 (IQR 10) weeks. The odds of IW-DC were reduced with greater impairments in motor control, sensation, or proprioception and with pusher behaviour and increased with lesser impairments in balance, physical function, and functional independence. Only the BBS was retained in the multivariable model (OR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.49). An admission BBS score of 14 or more points (sensitivity 0.73; specificity 0.89) predicted IW-DC (area under the ROC curve 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.92). Conclusions: Among adult stroke survivors, a BBS score of 14 or more provides information on the odds of achieving IW-DC.

Objectif : déterminer quelles évaluations cliniques à l'admission prédisent le mieux la marche autonome au congé (MAc) chez les adultes ayant des déficiences unilatérales qui sont hospitalisés en vue d'une réadaptation après un accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC). Méthodologie : à l'admission, les chercheurs ont colligé des mesures d'équilibre (échelle d'évaluation de l'équilibre de Berg ou ÉÉÉB), de fonction physique (évaluation des AVC Chedoke McMaster ­ inventaire des activités), de contrôle de la posture et de motricité des jambes (évaluation des AVC Chedoke McMaster ­ inventaire des déficiences), d'autonomie fonctionnelle (mesure d'autonomie fonctionnelle), de sensation et de proprioception et de comportement de poussée (score de poussée en quatre points). La régression logistique a déterminé les mesures qui accroissaient la possibilité de MAc. La courbe de caractéristique de fonctionnement du récepteur (ROC) a déterminé les seuils des variables retenues dans un modèle multivariable. Résultats : les chercheurs avaient des données sur 68 participants d'un âge médian (intervalle interquartile, ou IIQ) de 57 ans (16), qui avaient participé à une réadaptation d'une durée médiane de huit semaines (IQR 10) pendant leur hospitalisation. La possibilité de MAc diminuait proportionnellement à l'étendue des déficiences du contrôle moteur, de la sensation ou de la proprioception et du comportement de poussée et augmentait proportionnellement à la bénignité des déficiences en matière d'équilibre, de fonction physique et d'autonomie fonctionnelle. Dans le modèle multivariable, seule l'ÉÉÉB était conservée (rapport de cotes de 1,23; IC à 95 % : 1,02, 1,49). Un score d'ÉÉÉB d'au moins 14 points à l'admission (sensibilité = 0,73; spécificité = 0,89) était prédicteur de MAc (aire sous la courbe ROC de 0,81; IC à 95 % : 0,71, 0,92). Conclusion : chez les adultes qui ont survécu à un AVC, un score d'ÉÉÉB d'au moins 14 transmet de l'information sur la possibilité de MAc.

Rasch analysis of the Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS).

BACKGROUND: Lateropulsion is a common problem following stroke. Whilst the Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS) is recommended in the literature as the outcome measure of choice for measuring lateropulsion, the internal validity of the BLS has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the internal validity of the BLS for use in evaluating the effectiveness of therapies aimed at reducing lateropulsion. METHODS: Rasch analysis procedures were undertaken including assessment of overall model fit, item, and person fit, threshold ordering, differential item functioning, internal consistency, targeting, and dimensionality. RESULTS: Data from 132 participants were utilized to perform Rasch analysis of the BLS. In this preliminary study, overall model fit and individual item and person fit were found to be good using fit residual statistics and chi-square probability values. The BLS was found to be unidimensional and have good internal consistency (Person Separation Index 0.867). Thresholds for four of the five items were found to be only marginally disordered and were subsequently not modified. Non-uniform differential item functioning was detected for age for the transfers item; however, this item did not display item misfit and was therefore not removed. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified good psychometric properties of the BLS using Rasch analysis and supports the use of the BLS as a measure of lateropulsion following stroke. Further use of Rasch analysis on the BLS using a larger sample is recommended to confirm these preliminary findings and allow transformation into an interval-level scale.

Characteristics of the shoulder in patients following acute stroke: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Stroke can result in pain and loss of motor control in the hemiplegic shoulder, and while prevention of secondary changes is likely to be the most effective management, there is limited evidence directing clinicians towards the most at-risk patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case series was to investigate the presentation of shoulder pain, motor impairment, shoulder passive range of motion (PROM) and alignment of the hemiplegic shoulder following acute stroke. METHODS: This study reported data that was collected as part of a pilot randomized controlled trial investigating kinesiology taping of the hemiplegic shoulder. Participants with a diagnosis of acute stroke and severe upper limb motor impairment were included. From 24-h post stroke and continuing every three days until discharge, measurements of shoulder pain (visual analogue scale, Ritchie Articular Index), motor impairment (Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment), PROM and alignment (both clinical measures) were collected. Clinical trial registry number - ACTRN12615000502538. RESULTS: Of 156 patients screened over six months, 10 of 15 eligible participants were recruited. On initial assessment, three participants reported pain and all had severe upper limb motor impairment. All participants initially demonstrated close to full shoulder PROM. Six participants had shoulder subluxation and five demonstrated scapula malalignment. CONCLUSIONS: Given the severity of upper limb motor impairment, pain and reduced PROM were seen in a small number of participants. The clinical course of shoulder pain and PROM following stroke remains unclear. Large observational studies tracking shoulder characteristics from acute through to rehabilitation settings are needed.

Reliability and Validity of the Four-Point Pusher Score: An Assessment Tool for Measuring Lateropulsion and Pusher Behaviour in Adults after Stroke.

Purpose: The authors determined the reliability and validity of the Four-Point Pusher Score (4PPS) among stroke survivors. Method: Stroke survivors were invited to participate within 48 hours of admission to a stroke rehabilitation unit in a tertiary hospital. Intrarater reliability was determined by examining scores assigned to the same patient by the same physiotherapist. Interrater reliability was determined by examining scores assigned to the same patient by two other physiotherapists. Validity was determined by examining associations with the Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS), Scale for Contraversive Pushing (SCP), and functional scales. Results: A total of 85 participants who were a median of 13 (interquartile range 9-21) days post-stroke completed this study. The weighted κ statistic for 4PPS intra- and interrater reliability was 0.97 (p < 0.001). Scores on the 4PPS were very strongly associated with scores on the BLS (r s = 0.95) and the SCP (r s = 0.86). Strong associations were evident between the 4PPS and the Berg Balance Scale (r s = -0.77), Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment postural control scale (r s = -0.76), and FIM Motor sub-scale (r s = -0.64; all ps < 0.001). Conclusion: The 4PPS is a reliable and valid scale to assess lateropulsion and pusher behaviour in stroke survivors in an in-patient rehabilitation setting.

Objectif : déterminer la fiabilité et la validité du score du pousseur en quatre points (SP4P) chez les survivants d'un accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC). Méthodologie : des survivants d'un AVC hospitalisés dans l'unité d'un hôpital de soins tertiaires depuis moins de 48 heures ont été invités à participer à une réadaptation après un AVC. Les chercheurs ont déterminé la fiabilité intraévaluateur en examinant les scores attribués par un même physiothérapeute au même patient, et la fiabilité interévaluateur en examinant les scores attribués par deux autres physiothérapeutes au même patient. Ils ont établi la validité en examinant les associations avec l'échelle de latéropulsion de Burke (ÉLB), l'échelle de poussée contralésionnelle (ÉPC) et les échelles fonctionnelles. Résultats : au total, 85 participants qui avaient subi leur AVC une médiane de 13 jours auparavant (plage interquartile de 9 à 21 jours) ont terminé l'étude. Le test de concordance pondéré de kappa pour déterminer la fiabilité intraévaluateur et interévaluateur des SP4P s'élevait à 0,97 (p < 0,001). Les SP4P s'associaient très fortement à ceux de l'ÉLB (r s = 0,95) et de l'ÉPC (r s = 0,86). Des associations solides étaient évidentes entre les SP4P et l'échelle d'évaluation de l'équilibre de Berg (r s = ­0,77), l'échelle de contrôle postural de Chedoke-McMaster (r s = ­0,76) et le sous-score moteur de mesure de l'autonomie fonctionnelle (r s = ­0,64; p < 0,001 dans tous les cas). Conclusion : le SP4P est fiable et valide pour évaluer le comportement de la latéropulsion et du pousseur des survivants d'un AVC dans un contexte de réadaptation hospitalière.

Powered standing wheelchairs promote independence, health and community involvement in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a common neuromuscular disorder involving progressive muscle weakness. A powered wheelchair standing device provides capacity to stand despite increasing muscle weakness. This study used qualitative methods to explore how adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy used a powered wheelchair standing device in their daily lives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adolescents, 11 parents and 11 teachers. Qualitative thematic analysis using a grounded theory framework was conducted to identify emerging domains. "Capacity to be able" was the central theme that emerged across the dataset: the introduction of the powered wheelchair standing device at a time when motor skills were declining enabled the adolescent to maintain and sometimes extend his independence. There were four underlying themes including (1) Independence, (2) Health, (3) Comfort, and (4) Community belonging and involvement. Each theme was illustrated in data collected from adolescents, parents and teachers. The device appeared to mitigate some of the challenges of progressive muscle weakness by providing the option for the individual with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to choose when and where to stand for participation in a range of activities, beyond what would be possible with existing therapeutic regimes involving standing frames.

Propulsion strategy in the gait of primary school children; the effect of age and speed.

The strategy used to generate power for forward propulsion in walking and running has recently been highlighted as a marker of gait maturation and elastic energy recycling. This study investigated ankle and hip power generation as a propulsion strategy (PS) during the late stance/early swing phases of walking and running in typically developing (TD) children (15: six to nine years; 17: nine to 13years) using three-dimensional gait analysis. Peak ankle power generation at push-off (peakA2), peak hip power generation in early swing (peakH3) and propulsion strategy (PS) [peakA2/(peakA2+peakH3)] were calculated to provide the relative contribution of ankle power to total propulsion. Mean PS values decreased as speed increased for comfortable walking (p<0.001), fast walking (p<0.001) and fast running (p<0.001), and less consistently during jogging (p=0.054). PS varied with age (p<0.001) only during fast walking. At any speed of fast walking, older children generated more peakA2 (p=0.001) and less peakH3 (p=0.001) than younger children. While the kinetics of running propulsion appear to be developed by age six years, the skills of fast walking appeared to require additional neuromuscular maturity. These findings support the concept that running is a skill that matures early for TD children.

Perspectives on hand function in girls and women with Rett syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually associated with a mutation on the X-linked MECP2 gene. Hand function is particularly affected and we discuss theoretical and practical perspectives for optimising hand function in Rett syndrome. METHODS: We reviewed the literature pertaining to hand function and stereotypies in Rett syndrome and developed a toolkit for their assessment and treatment. RESULTS: There is little published information on management of hand function in Rett syndrome. We suggest assessment and treatment strategies based on available literature, clinical experience and grounded in theories of motor control and motor learning. CONCLUSION: Additional studies are needed to determine the best treatments for hand function in Rett syndrome. Meanwhile, clinical needs can be addressed by supplementing the evidence base with an understanding of the complexities of Rett syndrome, clinical experience, environmental enrichment animal studies and theories of motor control and motor learning.

Upper and lower lumbar segments move differently during sit-to-stand.

Sit-to-stand (STS) is a functional dynamic task, requiring movement of the lumbar spine, however, little is known about whether regional differences or between-gender differences exist during this task. The aim of this study was to confirm whether kinematic differences existed within regions of the lumbar spine during STS and also to determine whether between-gender differences were evident. An electromagnetic measurement device, recording at 25 Hz, determined how different lumbar spine regions (combined, lower and upper) moved during STS in 29 healthy participants (16 males, 13 females). Discrete outputs including mean range of motion (ROM), maximum and minimum were calculated for each lumbar spine region. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) with repeated measures were used to determine whether regional differences and between-gender differences were evident in the lumbar spine during STS. With the lumbar spine modelled as two segments, the lower lumbar (LLx) and upper lumbar (ULx) regions made different contributions to STS: F1, 27 = 21.8; p < 0.001. No between-gender differences were found with the lumbar spine modelled as a single region (combined lumbar: CLx), however, modelled as two regions there was a significant gender difference between the LLx and ULx regions: F1, 27 = 7.3 (p = 0.012). The results indicate that modelling the lumbar spine as a single segment during STS does not adequately represent lumbar spine kinematics and there are important gender differences. These findings also need to be considered when investigating STS in clinical populations.