RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Elbow flexion contracture development in school-age children with a brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is common. Reports indicate onset between 2 and 4 years; however, little is known about early childhood prevalence, development, and trajectory of these contractures. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and predictors of BPBI elbow flexion contractures during early childhood. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and elbow contracture data were collected for children with a BPBI <4 years between 2015 and 2019 from a prospectively collected database. Spinal root motor contributions and injury were determined using Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores at 6 weeks of age and used to predict contracture development. RESULTS: Of the 171 children that met inclusion criteria, 87% (n = 149) had upper plexus injuries. The mean age at the time of evaluation for an elbow contracture was 21.4 ± 12.7 months. The prevalence of elbow flexion contractures was 22% (n = 38), with mean onset at 13.4 ± 11.0 months. Mean contracture degree was -10.8 ± -6.9 degrees with 76% (n = 29) <-10 degrees. AMS shoulder abduction, flexion, and external rotation; elbow flexion; forearm supination; and wrist extension scores at a mean 2.3 ± 1.4 months were significantly lower in children who developed elbow flexion contractures (p < 0.001). Logistic regression found that low AMS elbow flexion with high elbow extension scores were a significant (p < 0.003) predictor of elbow contracture development. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of elbow flexion contractures in early childhood is greater than previously understood. These findings indicate that C5-C6 injury affecting elbow flexion with relative preservation of elbow extension is a predictor of contracture development. Further research is needed to investigate the nature and sequelae of C5-C6 injury and its effects on elbow flexion contracture development.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Assistive technology (AT) can contribute to how individuals participate and engage in everyday activities, such as communication and mobility, and facilitates access to the services they require. Navigating Canada's AT system has been described as fragmented and complex, presenting barriers for individuals who require AT, caregivers, and health service providers. AccessATCanada was developed as a centralized web-based resource to help support access to AT by providing information about the existing jurisdictional funding programs and services. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the usability of AccessATCanada by gathering feedback about its features, functionality, and areas of strength and opportunity from potential end users. METHODS: A usability testing study using a think-aloud approach and semistructured interviews was conducted to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of and user satisfaction with AccessATCanada and to identify issues with the interface during end-user interaction. A qualitative thematic analysis was used to generate insights into and core themes about user experiences. User feedback was used to inform subsequent updates of the database with the goal of enhancing website friendliness and functionality before its official launch. RESULTS: A total of 10 participants (6 consumers, 1 caregiver, and 3 providers) participated in the usability testing study. The usability performance and scores tended to improve between the 2 testing cycles. Most participants were able to successfully complete all the tasks independently. The efficiency scores tended to improve as the users continued to engage with the interface. The website received an overall System Usability Score of 62.22, which was ranked as "OK/fair to good." The users provided an overall positive evaluation of the beta version of the web-based resource tested over 2 cycles and helped to identify areas for improvement. They commented on the functionality and added value of the website, discovery of new programs and resources, and design aesthetics. Most usability issues were reported as minor challenges related to presentation, functionality, and language, and feedback was adopted into later iterations of the website. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides reflections on the value of usability testing and elements that are key to the creation of user-centered resources, such as the inclusion of participants with various abilities and considerations regarding website design and accessibility in an increasingly web-based world. AccessATCanada is now part of a growing global response to expand the reach of AT programs and services, improve the equity of access to AT, and reduce the complexity of navigating AT systems.
