Physical Therapy Interventions: A Case Report of Building Strength, Confidence, and Mobility in a Seven-Year-Old With Congenital Femoral Deficiency With Coxa Vara.

Congenital femoral deficiency (CFD) and congenital coxa vara (CCV) are rare conditions characterized by abnormal development of the femur and hip joint, respectively. This case report documents the rehabilitation journey of a seven-year-old child diagnosed with CFD and CCV, highlighting the efficacy of physical therapy interventions in enhancing strength, balance, normal gait patterns, confidence, and mobility. Through a comprehensive physiotherapy regimen tailored to the specific needs of the patient, significant improvements in muscle strength, joint stability, and functional mobility were observed over the course of treatment. Moreover, the implementation of targeted exercises and adaptive strategies not only facilitated physical gains but also contributed to bolstering the child's confidence and overall quality of life. This case underscores the pivotal role of physiotherapy in addressing the complex challenges associated with congenital orthopedic anomalies, ultimately fostering independence and well-being in pediatric patients.

Acciones manipulativas de niños con y sin síndrome de Down mientras juegan con diferentes cubos / Manipulative actions of children with and without Down syndrome while playing with different cubes

Antecedentes y objetivo La estimulación táctil con diferentes texturas, temperaturas, pesos y formas proporciona una experiencia manipulativa que ayuda en el aprendizaje del niño. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y comparar la frecuencia, la duración y la variedad de acciones manipulativas realizadas por niños con y sin síndrome de Down (SD), de 3 a 5años, mientras juegan con cubos de diferentes tamaños y estímulos sensoriales. Materiales y métodos El estudio incluyó a ocho niños con SD (4,5años ±0,9) y siete niños con desarrollo típico (grupo de control [GC]) (4,7años ±0,8) emparejados por sexo y edad. Para la evaluación se utilizaron seis cubos sensoriales (táctiles, luminosos y de alto contraste), tres grandes y tres pequeños. Cada cubo fue presentado al niño durante un minuto y se aleatorizó la secuencia de entrega de los cubos. Resultados Se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica U de Mann-Whitney y se verificó que no hubo diferencia significativa en la frecuencia de acciones manipulativas entre niños con SD y el GC (p>0,121). Conclusiones Los niños con SD manipularon cubos más grandes que presentaban estímulos táctiles o luminosos en comparación con el GC. La frecuencia y la variedad de acciones fueron equivalentes entre los dos grupos. El estudio identificó que los niños con SD tienen una capacidad similar para explorar cubos grandes. (AU)

Purpose Tactile stimulation with different textures, temperatures, weights, and shapes provides a manipulative experience that aids in children's learning. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the frequency, duration and variety of manipulative actions of children with and without Down syndrome (DS), from 3 to 5years old, while playing with cubes of different sizes and sensory stimuli. Materials and methods The study included eight children with DS (4.5years old ±0.9) and seven children with typical development (control group [CG]) (4.7±0.8) matched by sex and age. For the evaluation, six sensory cubes (tactile, luminous and high contrast), three large and three small, were used. Each cube was presented to the child for 1min and the sequence of delivery of the cubes was randomized. Results The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used, and it was found that there was no significant difference in the frequency of manipulative actions between children with DS and the CG (P>.121). Conclusions Children with DS manipulated larger cubes presenting tactile or luminous stimuli compared to the CG. The frequency and variety of actions were equivalent between groups. The study identified that children with DS have a similar ability to explore large cubes. (AU)

Acciones manipulativas de niños con y sin síndrome de Down mientras juegan con diferentes cubos / Manipulative actions of children with and without Down syndrome while playing with different cubes

Antecedentes y objetivo La estimulación táctil con diferentes texturas, temperaturas, pesos y formas proporciona una experiencia manipulativa que ayuda en el aprendizaje del niño. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y comparar la frecuencia, la duración y la variedad de acciones manipulativas realizadas por niños con y sin síndrome de Down (SD), de 3 a 5años, mientras juegan con cubos de diferentes tamaños y estímulos sensoriales. Materiales y métodos El estudio incluyó a ocho niños con SD (4,5años ±0,9) y siete niños con desarrollo típico (grupo de control [GC]) (4,7años ±0,8) emparejados por sexo y edad. Para la evaluación se utilizaron seis cubos sensoriales (táctiles, luminosos y de alto contraste), tres grandes y tres pequeños. Cada cubo fue presentado al niño durante un minuto y se aleatorizó la secuencia de entrega de los cubos. Resultados Se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica U de Mann-Whitney y se verificó que no hubo diferencia significativa en la frecuencia de acciones manipulativas entre niños con SD y el GC (p>0,121). Conclusiones Los niños con SD manipularon cubos más grandes que presentaban estímulos táctiles o luminosos en comparación con el GC. La frecuencia y la variedad de acciones fueron equivalentes entre los dos grupos. El estudio identificó que los niños con SD tienen una capacidad similar para explorar cubos grandes. (AU)

Purpose Tactile stimulation with different textures, temperatures, weights, and shapes provides a manipulative experience that aids in children's learning. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the frequency, duration and variety of manipulative actions of children with and without Down syndrome (DS), from 3 to 5years old, while playing with cubes of different sizes and sensory stimuli. Materials and methods The study included eight children with DS (4.5years old ±0.9) and seven children with typical development (control group [CG]) (4.7±0.8) matched by sex and age. For the evaluation, six sensory cubes (tactile, luminous and high contrast), three large and three small, were used. Each cube was presented to the child for 1min and the sequence of delivery of the cubes was randomized. Results The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used, and it was found that there was no significant difference in the frequency of manipulative actions between children with DS and the CG (P>.121). Conclusions Children with DS manipulated larger cubes presenting tactile or luminous stimuli compared to the CG. The frequency and variety of actions were equivalent between groups. The study identified that children with DS have a similar ability to explore large cubes. (AU)

The Teddy Bear Clinic: Engaging School-Aged Children in Health Education.

This article describes the use of play therapy in a school-based health clinic on an American Indian Reservation. The project used the play therapy model, a nursing intervention focused on using play materials in a therapeutic manner as a form of communication and self-expression for children, enhancing the development of social, emotional, and behavioral skills through the nursing process. The purpose of the Teddy Bear Clinic was to establish relationships among non-Native student nurses and Native American children and their community on a Northern Plains Indian Reservation. A discussion of the potential benefits addresses opportunities for school nurses and student nurses to enhance their understanding of children's perceptions of the health care clinic and the effects of historical trauma on the health and wellbeing of Native American children while offering an opportunity for young children to engage in the health care setting in a fun way, without fear or discomfort is provided.

Play therapy and storytelling intervention on children's social skills with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuro-behavioral disorder that negatively affects educational, relational, and occupational aspects of one's life. Although many children diagnosed with this disorder can benefit from taking medication, particularly for core symptoms, play therapy and storytelling can be seen as engaging, stimulating, and more compatible with children's developmental needs. The social skills of these children are as vital as other symptoms and can be better addressed with cognitive-based art therapy interventions. Because little research has been focused on the combination of play therapy and storytelling and the social interactions of children with ADHD are highly important in academic settings, this study aimed to determine the effects of this combination on children's social skills with ADHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This survey was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. Participants were 7-11-year-old girls and boys with ADHD based on DSM-V referred to child and adolescent psychiatrists' clinics. Selected children were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received an individual combined intervention of play therapy and storytelling, whereas the control group did not receive any therapeutic intervention for social skills at that time and was on the waiting list. The research tool was the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS), and data were computer-analyzed using SPSS-20 and a couple of descriptive and analytic tests including ANCOVA. RESULTS: In this study, 30 children with ADHD were included. The combined intervention of play therapy and storytelling has had a significant effect on post-test results of ADHD patients in terms of social skills as well as all test subscales (P < 0/05). There was a significant improvement in the subscales of self-expression, self-control, responsibility, and cooperation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results show promise for combined play therapy and storytelling intervention to enhance the social skills of elementary school children diagnosed with ADHD.

Play as a Stress-Coping Method Among Children in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which started in early 2020, has been a great source of stress for almost every person all around the world. However, this is particularly true for children. It is necessary to fully address the stress-related psychosocial issues connected with the pandemic, solely in children. Play is important for children's development, as it is a natural activity for every child. Through play and play-based interventions, children can communicate non-verbally, symbolically, and in an action-oriented manner. Therefore, play-based interventions may have the potential to be one of the coping strategies used by children who experience stress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this narrative review was to show how play-based activities could help children deal with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the non-clinical population. A systematic search of the literature in various databases was performed. The initial search provided 5,004 potentially eligible studies in various databases, and 42,201 records identified from Google Scholar. After excluding studies not meeting the inclusive criteria, nine papers were selected for this narrative review. This narrative review showed findings that play-based activities can have a positive effect during the COVID-19 pandemic on different stress levels in the children population. Additionally, the findings of this review highlight the importance of further research and implementation of play into many aspects of children's life.

Analyzing Chinese parents' and teachers' perception of play, children's emotional needs and therapy: implications for seeking help.

Introduction: Before going through play therapy with children, parents' consent is usually needed. Thus, Parents' perception of play therapy can be a very important variable that influences the extent to which children are exposed to play therapy. Previous research has demonstrated the significant influence of social-cultural factors on people's perceptions of play therapy. This may in turn influence parents' decision about whether their children will participate in play therapy. This study explores the factors that influence Chinese parents' decisions on their children's engagement in play therapy from a social-cultural perspective. Methods: This small-scale research includes the following: a questionnaire with 16 parents; three one-to-one semi-structured interviews with three parents; and one focus group with 3 teachers. Results: The results showed that Chinese parents' perceptions of therapy are mostly negative, which may reduce the desire of parents to let their children become involved with play therapy. The children's academic stress and the parents' economic pressures indicate a barrier for families to commit time and money to play therapy. Parents' confidence in their ability to recognize children's emotions, their lack of knowledge about play therapy, and the process of obtaining help from mental health services for children could be another barriers preventing engagement with play therapy. Discussions: Even though the research is conducted with a very limited sample size and the results cannot represent the wider population, this research provides some insights into this issue that can be explored in detail in future research, to re-evaluate the results and form a more concrete theory within a wider population in China.

Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy and COVID-19 Pandemic Trauma in Preschool Children.

Traumatic life events, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, can be a challenging health emergency, among others. The pandemic can also affect young preschoolers. They can experience negative emotions and behavioral and social difficulties. It can be hard for children to understand on their own what is going on, as well as for their families. This narrative review summarizes the role of psychotherapeutic approaches in working with trauma and aims to manage trauma, such as COVID-19, in preschool children. It focuses on the possibilities of applying cognitive-behavioral play therapy (CBPT) in preschool children who suffer from trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The therapeutic approaches are tailored to specific development in preschoolers. Furthermore, the article provides insights into the relationship between negative emotions, thinking, and behavior, and COVID-19 as a threat, by describing a cognitive model in preschool-aged children. Finally, the article offers possible ways of applying play-based cognitive-behavioral therapy programs in preschool children who are victims of trauma.

Addressing fears of children with Williams syndrome: therapist and child behavior in the context of a novel play-and humor-infused exposure therapy approach.

Many children with Williams syndrome struggle with fears and phobias that significantly impact their daily lives. Yet, there is sparse literature about the impact of behavioral interventions to treat anxiety and phobias among children with Williams syndrome. Using observational coding of intervention videos, the current study examines patterns of the therapist's use of play and humor and relations to child behavioral responses for four children with Williams syndrome who were identified as treatment responders to humor- and play-infused exposure therapy for fears and anxieties. Sessions were coded for therapist behaviors (exposure with or without play/humor, stimulus type used during exposure, passive or invited attention to feared stimulus, and spontaneous parent participation in exposure) as well as positive, negative, and neutral child behaviors (verbalizations and behaviors). Temporal patterns between therapist and child behaviors were analyzed using lag sequential analyses. The results showed that tolerance of feared stimuli improved for two of the four children following this play- and humor-infused exposure therapy approach, and the remaining two participants demonstrated progress beyond tolerating the feared stimulus and showed increased positive behaviors with the feared stimulus across sessions. Findings also showed patterns of therapist attunement to the child's anxiety level demonstrated through efforts to flexibly adjust the degrees of exposure. Therapist-initiated invited attention behaviors, indicative of the therapist's use of narration and priming, were associated with child tolerance and positive behaviors during exposure to the feared stimulus. Limitations of this study include a very small sample size, short duration of intervention, and a single-subject research design, which limit the generalizability of findings. Implications and future directions of this research are discussed.

Therapeutic comparison in psychological capital.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate and compare the therapeutic outcomes of psychological capital between narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and play therapy in the context of hikikomori. Methods: This study included 502 hikikomori. Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the three forms of therapy and psychological capital, while one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests were performed to determine the differences in the outcomes of psychological capital between the three forms of therapies. Results: Results indicated that all three forms of therapy were significantly positively related to psychological capital. Moreover, while cognitive-behavioral therapy performed better in psychological capital (overall score) than the other two, cognitive-behavioral therapy performed better in the subscales "self-efficacy" and "resilience," while narrative therapy performed better in the "hope" and "optimism" subscales. Also, combining features of play therapy helped enhance the outcomes of narrative therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy on psychological capital. Conclusion: Owing to the varied outcomes of psychological capital among different therapies, the differential use of therapies to deal with the unique needs resultant of hikikomori helps achieve optimal results.

Effects of physical exercise, LEGO, and Minecraft activities on anxiety in underserved children with autism: Study design and methodological strategies.

Anxiety is a common comorbidity for individuals with ASD, and there is some preliminary data about the efficacy of physical exercise to alleviate anxiety. However, we are not aware of any studies that have compared the effects of a physical exercise program on anxiety in underserved children with ASD using a randomized controlled research design. This paper describes a method to evaluate and compare the efficacy of an 8-week physical exercise intervention with a sedentary play intervention to alleviate anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) from underserved backgrounds. We assessed anxiety and its physical symptoms using the parent-rated Child Behavior Checklist DSM-5 anxiety (CBCL DSM-5) subscale, the child-rated Screen for Childhood Anxiety Related Emotional Disorder (SCARED), the parent-rated Child's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and salivary cortisol. We also utilized the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess physical activity level and identify compounds. Unique components of this study include: •Implementation of novel physical exercise and sedentary play interventions that have been designed for children with ASD.•Recruitment of predominantly underserved and non-English speaking families.

The effectiveness of play therapy in children with leukemia: A systematic review.

PROBLEM: Leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer worldwide. Children living with leukemia experience various problems because of the disease's progression, harmful effects of treatment, and prolonged hospitalization process. To increase their well-being and alleviate their problems, these children require ongoing support. One solution that both parents and professionals can use is play therapy. This systematic review aimed to identify the type and effectiveness of play therapy in children living with leukemia. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We searched PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest databases. Additionally, we performed manual searches on Google Scholar, Google Web, and grey literature. Inclusion criteria comprised: 1) Studies that implemented play therapy on leukemia children, 2) Full-text articles available in English or Indonesian languages from January 2000 to December 2021 and updated until July 2023, and 3) Intervention studies employing quasi-experimental or randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs. SAMPLE: From 1099 articles, 16 studies were selected. Several forms of play therapy were found, including pretend, music, art, and sand play therapy. RESULTS: Of the sixteen studies in this systematic review, fifteen demonstrated beneficial effects on psychological issues, particularly anxiety, despair, stress, and physical problems (fatigue and pain). CONCLUSION: Play therapy effectively alleviates some physical and psychosocial problems in children living with leukemia. IMPLICATION: Nurses can utilize play therapy as an intervention for children living with leukemia. Additionally, comparative research is recommended with a similar research strategy concerning studies with the same design. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022318549.

Play Therapy As Effective Options for School-Age Children With Emotional and Behavioral Problems: A Case Series.

As a type of psychotherapy, play therapy entails using play and creative activities as a means to help children express their thoughts and emotions, and to work through their challenges. A wide range of issues can be addressed through play therapy, including behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, and difficulties in relationships. Through this case report, we aim to discuss the history and evolution of play therapy concepts. We will review the core principles of child-centered therapy (CCT), non-directive child-centered play (NDCCP), and cognitive behavior play therapy. We will discuss clinically helpful approaches and the evidence supporting the efficacy of play therapy in anxiety, depression, trauma, and other behavioral difficulties in children.

'Treasure hunt': Using loose parts media to develop social financial education model for early children.

A globalized world demands every country's citizen to proceed to build a creative economy to adapt to the rapid changes that follow. Therefore, promoting social and financial education should be engaged with children early. However, a learning model available to awaken children's socio-financial capabilities is vividly rare, if not none. Furthermore, the Early Childhood Education Institution is the best place for children to experience social and financial education. This research aims to develop a social financial education model for early childhood. This study employed Research and Development (R&D) in the development process of the educational model. The data were collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The data analysis used descriptive quantitative and t-tests to explain the results of field studies, FGD, and trials and to measure the effectiveness of models during experimental and operational trials. In the analysis, the researchers found that the Model Script and Financial Social Education Guide for early childhood using loose parts media were very suitable. Further, the t-test result between the pretest and post-test was 0.924 (92.4%) at α = 0.05. In conclusion, the financial social education model using loose parts of media effectively develops children's social and financial abilities.

Case report: KETOLAND the psychoeducation program for ketogenic diet.

Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms: epilepsy, movement disorders and neurocognitive impairment. The gold standard treatment for GLUT1DS are ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs), specifically classical ketogenic diet (CKD). Despite the benefits, CKD often represents a challenge for patients and their families since meal preparation is extremely demanding and deviates a lot from normal diet. To assure an optimal compliance to CKD a psychological support for parents and patients with GLUT1DS is highly recommended. Specifically, a psychoeducational intervention that ameliorates the knowledge about the illness and its therapy improves treatment' s adherence and efficacy. The aim of this case report is to investigate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational program, partially implemented through telepsychology, based on the theoretical model of Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) to support KDT knowledge and adherence in a patient with GLUT1DS who presented a worsening of her clinical picture due to a sparse knowledge of KDTs principles which determined a low adherence. Thus, with this case report we propose a model of intervention with psychoeducation in a patient with a complex chronic disease.

The impact of music, play, and pet therapies in managing pain and anxiety in paediatric patients in hospital: a rapid systematic review.

Background: Hospitalized children face pain and anxiety associated with the environment and procedures. Objective: This review aimed to assess the impact of music, play, pet and art therapies on pain and anxiety in hospitalized paediatric patients. RCTs assessing the impact of music, play, pet, and/or art therapies on pain and/or anxiety in hospitalized paediatric patients were eligible. Methods: Database searching and citation screening was completed to identify studies. A narrative synthesis was used to summarize study findings and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Of the 761 documents identified, 29 were included spanning music (n = 15), play (n = 12), and pet (n = 3) therapies. Results: A high certainty of evidence supported play in reducing pain and moderate certainty for music and pet. A moderate certainty of evidence supported music and play in reducing anxiety. Conclusion: Complementary therapies utilized alongside conventional medical treatment may mitigate pain and anxiety in hospitalized paediatric patients.

Play therapy in children with autism: Its role, implications, and limitations.

Play is a pleasurable physical or mental activity that enhances the child's skills involving negotiation abilities, problem-solving, manual dexterity, sharing, decision-making, and working in a group. Play affects all the brain's areas, structures, and functions. Children with autism have adaptive behavior, adaptive response, and social interaction limitations. This review explores the different applications of play therapy in helping children with autism disorder. Play is usually significantly impaired in children with autism. Play therapy is mainly intended to help children to honor their unique mental abilities and developmental levels. The main aim of play therapy is to prevent or solve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal child-healthy growth and development. Play therapy helps children with autism to engage in play activities of their interest and choice to express themselves in the most comfortable ways. It changes their way of self-expression from unwanted behaviors to more non-injurious expressive behavior using toys or activities of their choice as their words. Play therapy also helps those children to experience feeling out various interaction styles. Every child with autism is unique and responds differently. Therefore, different types of intervention, like play therapy, could fit the differences in children with autism. Proper evaluation of the child is mandatory to evaluate which type fits the child more than the others. This narrative review revised the different types of play therapy that could fit children with autism in an evidence-based way. Despite weak evidence, play therapy still has potential benefits for patients and their families.

The effectiveness of child-centered play therapy for executive functions in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is a practical and recommended non-medication intervention for children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but the mechanism in between is unclear. AIM: This study proposed to examine the effectiveness of CCPT on neuropsychological deficits and behavioral symptoms in ADHD. METHODS: Participants with ADHD diagnosis were referred from senior child and adolescent psychiatrists, and typical developmental children (TD) were recruited from community as a control group. All participants' executive functions were evaluated using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. First of all, the participants were evaluated using Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) by their parents. The ADHD participants were assigned into CCPT (ADHDc) and waitlist (ADHDw) group; and the ADHDc group then received CCPT weekly for 12 sessions, while the ADHDw continuously received their regular treatment (i.e., medication treatment or other alternative treatments) as usual. RESULTS: Total 52 participants were recruited (17 with ADHD and 35 typically developed children, TD). The results showed that overall the ADHD groups had worse neuropsychological performance and more behavioural disturbance than did the TD (ps < .05). After receiving the CCPT, the results showed that the ADHDc group had significant improvement in the cognitive flexibility (p < .05); while the ADHDw group had no changes.

Virtual Family Play Therapy: A Clinician's Guide to using Directed Family Play Therapy in Telemental Health.

The field of marriage and family therapy was founded by innovators and pioneers, taking the practice of individual psychotherapy and making it systemic. Due to the impact of COVID-19, we now need further advancement by systemic therapists for telemental health services. The purpose of this paper is to propose recommendations and guidelines for adapting directed family play therapy from the same physical location services to telemental health. The article discusses recommendations for assessment, therapy structure, therapist roles, session preparation, and how to use virtual tools to enhance treatment. Systemic play therapy in a virtual format can work well if therapists make appropriate adjustments and rely on their creativity, high regard for ethics, and innovation.