Neuroimaging findings in children with cerebral palsy with autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a population-based studyMagnus Påhlman, Christopher Gillberg, Kate HimmelmannAbstractAimTo compare neuroimaging patterns according to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification System (MRICS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) with and without autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodThis population-based study assessed 184 children (97 males, 87 females) with CP born from 1999 to 2006 from the CP register of western Sweden, who had completed comprehensive screening and clinical assessment for neuropsychiatric disorders and undergone neuroimaging.ResultsAutism (total prevalence 30%) and ADHD (31%) were common in all neuroimaging patterns, including normal. Autism and ADHD were not more prevalent in children with bilateral than unilateral lesions, contrary to other associated impairments. Children with predominant white matter injury, related to insults in the late second or early third trimester, had the highest prevalence of autism (40%). Children who had sustained a middle cerebral artery infarction had the highest prevalence of ADHD (62%).InterpretationAlthough autism and ADHD are common regardless of neuroimaging patterns, timing and localization of insult appear to be of importance for the occurrence of autism and ADHD in children with CP. Neuroimaging may be of prognostic value for these associated impairments. Further in-depth neuroimaging studies may lead to a better understanding of the association between CP and neuropsychiatric disorders.Abstractpodcast : (https://youtu.be/_JXBo055-is)This original article is commented by Kraegeloh-Mann on page 10 of this issue.AbbreviationMRICSMagnetic Resonance Imaging Classification SystemWhat this paper addsAutism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were common in children with cerebral palsy regardless of neuroimaging findings.Prevalence of autism and ADHD did not differ between unilateral and bilateral lesions.Autism was more often associated with white matter injury and ADHD with middle cerebral artery infarction.

<h1>Neuroimaging findings in children with cerebral palsy with autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a population-based study</h1> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorRaw=P%C3%85hlman%2C+Magnus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnus Påhlman</a>, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorRaw=Gillberg%2C+Christopher" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christopher Gillberg</a>, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorRaw=Himmelmann%2C+Kate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kate Himmelmann</a>Abstract Aim To compare neuroimaging patterns according to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification System (MRICS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) with and without autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method This population-based study assessed 184 children (97 males, 87 females) with CP born from 1999 to 2006 from the CP register of western Sweden, who had completed comprehensive screening and clinical assessment for neuropsychiatric disorders and undergone neuroimaging. Results Autism (total prevalence 30%) and ADHD (31%) were common in all neuroimaging patterns, including normal. Autism and ADHD were not more prevalent in children with bilateral than unilateral lesions, contrary to other associated impairments. Children with predominant white matter injury, related to insults in the late second or early third trimester, had the highest prevalence of autism (40%). Children who had sustained a middle cerebral artery infarction had the highest prevalence of ADHD (62%). Interpretation Although autism and ADHD are common regardless of neuroimaging patterns, timing and localization of insult appear to be of importance for the occurrence of autism and ADHD in children with CP. Neuroimaging may be of prognostic value for these associated impairments. Further in-depth neuroimaging studies may lead to a better understanding of the association between CP and neuropsychiatric disorders. Abstract podcast : (<a href="https://youtu.be/_JXBo055-is" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_JXBo055-is</a>) This original article is commented by Kraegeloh-Mann on page <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15056" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10</a> of this issue. Abbreviation MRICS Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification SystemWhat this paper adds<ul><li>Autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were common in children with cerebral palsy regardless of neuroimaging findings.</li><li>Prevalence of autism and ADHD did not differ between unilateral and bilateral lesions.</li><li>Autism was more often associated with white matter injury and ADHD with middle cerebral artery infarction.</li></ul>

Episode 54 (Dr Magnus Påhlman)

Ellen Armstrong

A qualitative analysis of the experiences of children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers in a goal-directed cycling programmeEllen L Armstrong, Roslyn N Boyd, Christopher P Carty, Megan J Kentish, Benjamin I Goodlich, Sean A Horan AbstractPurpose: This qualitative thematic analysis aimed to capture the experiences of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and caregivers who completed an 8-week goal-directed cycling programme, to provide insights on engagement and programme feasibility.Methods: Children with CP (6-18 years, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) levels II-IV) and caregivers completed semi-structured interviews at the end of the training programme. Interview transcripts were coded by two investigators and systematically organised into themes. A third investigator reviewed the final thematic map.Results: 17 interviews were conducted with 29 participants (11 children: 7-14 years). Four themes emerged: facilitators and challenges to programme engagement; perceived outcomes; the functional-electrical stimulation (FES) cycling experience; and previous cycling participation. Engagement was facilitated by the "therapist's connection," "cycling is fun" and "participant driven goal setting," while "getting there" and "time off school" were identified as challenges. Participants positively linked improved physical function to greater independence. The FES-experience was "fun and challenging," and participants had mixed feelings about electrode "stickiness." Previous cycling participation was limited by access to adapted bikes.Conclusions: Children with CP enjoy riding bikes. Facilitators and challenges to engagement were identified that hold practical relevance for clinicians. Environmental and personal factors should be carefully considered when developing future programs, to maximise opportunities for success.Keywords: Adapted bikes; adapted cycling; cerebral palsy; functional electrical stimulation; goal-directed training; paediatrics.

<h1>A qualitative analysis of the experiences of children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers in a goal-directed cycling programme</h1> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Armstrong+EL&amp;cauthor_id=33147078" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ellen L Armstrong</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Boyd+RN&amp;cauthor_id=33147078" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roslyn N Boyd</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Carty+CP&amp;cauthor_id=33147078" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christopher P Carty</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Kentish+MJ&amp;cauthor_id=33147078" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Megan J Kentish</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Goodlich+BI&amp;cauthor_id=33147078" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Benjamin I Goodlich</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Horan+SA&amp;cauthor_id=33147078" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sean A Horan</a> Abstract Purpose: This qualitative thematic analysis aimed to capture the experiences of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and caregivers who completed an 8-week goal-directed cycling programme, to provide insights on engagement and programme feasibility.Methods: Children with CP (6-18 years, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) levels II-IV) and caregivers completed semi-structured interviews at the end of the training programme. Interview transcripts were coded by two investigators and systematically organised into themes. A third investigator reviewed the final thematic map.Results: 17 interviews were conducted with 29 participants (11 children: 7-14 years). Four themes emerged: facilitators and challenges to programme engagement; perceived outcomes; the functional-electrical stimulation (FES) cycling experience; and previous cycling participation. Engagement was facilitated by the "therapist's connection," "cycling is fun" and "participant driven goal setting," while "getting there" and "time off school" were identified as challenges. Participants positively linked improved physical function to greater independence. The FES-experience was "fun and challenging," and participants had mixed feelings about electrode "stickiness." Previous cycling participation was limited by access to adapted bikes.Conclusions: Children with CP enjoy riding bikes. Facilitators and challenges to engagement were identified that hold practical relevance for clinicians. Environmental and personal factors should be carefully considered when developing future programs, to maximise opportunities for success.Keywords: Adapted bikes; adapted cycling; cerebral palsy; functional electrical stimulation; goal-directed training; paediatrics.

Episode 53 (Dr Ellen Armstrong)

Nadine Smith

Effect of targeted movement interventions on pain and quality of life in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a pilot single subject research design to test feasibility of parent-reported assessmentsNadine Smith, Simon Garbellini, Natasha Bear, Ashleigh Thornton, Peta Watts, Noula GibsonAbstractPurpose: To determine the feasibility of using parent-reported outcome measures of the Paediatric Pain Profile (PPP), Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire (CCHQ) as repeated outcome measures of change at weekly intervals for children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP). The secondary aim was to explore the efficacy of individualised movement intervention.Material and methods: In this pilot feasibility study a single subject research design was utilised. Three children with dyskinetic CP, completed 5 weeks of parent-reported baseline assessments, 8 weekly sessions of intervention and 5 weeks of follow up.Results: All children completed 18 weeks of the study, with no missing data. There was evidence of parent-reported improvements in their child's pain and care and comfort between the baseline and intervention phases.Conclusions: The PPP, SDSC and CCHQ were feasible to assess pain, sleep and comfort before and after an intervention in children with dyskinetic CP. There is preliminary evidence that individualised movement intervention as little as once a week may help improve pain, sleep and improve ease of care and comfort. Implications for rehabilitation: The Paediatric Pain Profile is feasible to identify and monitor pain, as frequently as weekly, in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP).There is preliminary evidence that movement can decrease pain in children with dyskinetic CP.Assessments and treatment in this group may be interrupted due to their complex health issues which may be a limitation when collecting repeated measures.

<h1>Effect of targeted movement interventions on pain and quality of life in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a pilot single subject research design to test feasibility of parent-reported assessments</h1><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Smith+N&amp;cauthor_id=35544592" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nadine Smith</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Garbellini+S&amp;cauthor_id=35544592" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simon Garbellini</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Bear+N&amp;cauthor_id=35544592" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natasha Bear</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Thornton+A&amp;cauthor_id=35544592" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ashleigh Thornton</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Watts+P&amp;cauthor_id=35544592" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peta Watts</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Gibson+N&amp;cauthor_id=35544592" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Noula Gibson</a>AbstractPurpose: To determine the feasibility of using parent-reported outcome measures of the Paediatric Pain Profile (PPP), Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire (CCHQ) as repeated outcome measures of change at weekly intervals for children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP). The secondary aim was to explore the efficacy of individualised movement intervention.Material and methods: In this pilot feasibility study a single subject research design was utilised. Three children with dyskinetic CP, completed 5 weeks of parent-reported baseline assessments, 8 weekly sessions of intervention and 5 weeks of follow up.Results: All children completed 18 weeks of the study, with no missing data. There was evidence of parent-reported improvements in their child's pain and care and comfort between the baseline and intervention phases.Conclusions: The PPP, SDSC and CCHQ were feasible to assess pain, sleep and comfort before and after an intervention in children with dyskinetic CP. There is preliminary evidence that individualised movement intervention as little as once a week may help improve pain, sleep and improve ease of care and comfort. Implications for rehabilitation: The Paediatric Pain Profile is feasible to identify and monitor pain, as frequently as weekly, in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP).There is preliminary evidence that movement can decrease pain in children with dyskinetic CP.Assessments and treatment in this group may be interrupted due to their complex health issues which may be a limitation when collecting repeated measures.

Episode 52 (Nadine Smith)

Neurodevelopmental Therapy for Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-analysisAnna Te Velde, Catherine Morgan, Megan Finch-Edmondson, Lynda McNamara, Maria McNamara, Madison Claire Badawy Paton, Emma Stanton, Annabel Webb, Nadia Badawi, Iona NovakAbstractBackground and objective: Bobath therapy, or neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) is widely practiced despite evidence other interventions are more effective in cerebral palsy (CP). The objective is to determine the efficacy of NDT in children and infants with CP or high risk of CP.Methods: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Medline were searched through March 2021. Randomized controlled trials comparing NDT with any or no intervention were included. Meta-analysis was conducted with standardized mean differences calculated. Quality was assessed by using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool-2 and certainty by using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.Results: Of 667 records screened, 34 studies (in 35 publications, 1332 participants) met inclusion. Four meta-analyses were conducted assessing motor function. We found no effect between NDT and control (pooled effect size 0.13 [-0.20 to 0.46]), a moderate effect favoring activity-based approaches (0.76 [0.12 to 1.40]) and body function and structures (0.77 [0.19 to 1.35]) over NDT and no effect between higher- and lower-dose NDT (0.32 [-0.11 to 0.75]). A strong recommendation against the use of NDT at any dose was made. Studies were not all Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-compliant. NDT versus activity-based comparator had considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 80%) reflecting varied measures.Conclusions: We found that activity-based and body structure and function interventions are more effective than NDT for improving motor function, NDT is no more effective than control, and higher-dose NDT is not more effective than lower-dose. Deimplementation of NDT in CP is required.

<h1>Neurodevelopmental Therapy for Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-analysis</h1> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Te+Velde+A&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna Te Velde</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Morgan+C&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catherine Morgan</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Finch-Edmondson+M&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Megan Finch-Edmondson</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=McNamara+L&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lynda McNamara</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=McNamara+M&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maria McNamara</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Paton+MCB&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Madison Claire Badawy Paton</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Stanton+E&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emma Stanton</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Webb+A&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Annabel Webb</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Badawi+N&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nadia Badawi</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Novak+I&amp;cauthor_id=35607928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iona Novak</a>AbstractBackground and objective: Bobath therapy, or neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) is widely practiced despite evidence other interventions are more effective in cerebral palsy (CP). The objective is to determine the efficacy of NDT in children and infants with CP or high risk of CP.Methods: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Medline were searched through March 2021. Randomized controlled trials comparing NDT with any or no intervention were included. Meta-analysis was conducted with standardized mean differences calculated. Quality was assessed by using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool-2 and certainty by using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.Results: Of 667 records screened, 34 studies (in 35 publications, 1332 participants) met inclusion. Four meta-analyses were conducted assessing motor function. We found no effect between NDT and control (pooled effect size 0.13 [-0.20 to 0.46]), a moderate effect favoring activity-based approaches (0.76 [0.12 to 1.40]) and body function and structures (0.77 [0.19 to 1.35]) over NDT and no effect between higher- and lower-dose NDT (0.32 [-0.11 to 0.75]). A strong recommendation against the use of NDT at any dose was made. Studies were not all Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-compliant. NDT versus activity-based comparator had considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 80%) reflecting varied measures.Conclusions: We found that activity-based and body structure and function interventions are more effective than NDT for improving motor function, NDT is no more effective than control, and higher-dose NDT is not more effective than lower-dose. Deimplementation of NDT in CP is required.

Episode 51 (Anna te Velde)

Development of the Gross Motor Function Family Report (GMF-FR) for Children with Cerebral PalsyPaula S. C. Chagas, Peter Rosenbaum, F. Virginia Wright, Lesley Pritchard, Marilyn Wright, Aline Martins Toledo,  Ana Cristina R Camargos, Egmar Longo, Hercules R. Leite.Purpose: To describe the initial steps in the development of a family-completed, modified version of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) to report gross motor function of young people with cerebral palsy in their natural environments. Methods: Development of the Gross Motor Function – Family Report (GMF-FR) was based on expert opinion involving 13 experienced clinicians and researchers, in four steps: (1) item identification to target items that reflect functional gross motor performance; (2) item selection; (3) critical analysis of the items; and (4) item and scoring modification. Results: Several modifications to existing items and scoring were made, including wording changes to optimize ease of families’ understanding, the addition of photographs to illustrate all items, changes to the items to enable use of furniture instead of specialized equipment, and modifications to scoring criteria to ensure a focus on functional motor skills. Ultimately, 30 items were selected, and specific testing/scoring instructions were created for each item.Conclusions: GMF-FR is a new family-report tool, based on the GMFM-88. When validated, it can be used as a telehealth outcome measure to capture family-reported functional motor skill performance in home and community environments.

<h1>Development of the Gross Motor Function Family Report (GMF-FR) for Children with Cerebral Palsy</h1> <a href="https://utpjournals.press/author/Chagas%2C+Paula+S+C" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paula S. C. Chagas</a>, <a href="https://utpjournals.press/author/Rosenbaum%2C+Peter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Rosenbaum</a>, <a href="https://utpjournals.press/author/Wright%2C+F+Virginia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">F. Virginia Wright</a>, <a href="https://utpjournals.press/author/Pritchard%2C+Lesley" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lesley Pritchard</a>, <a href="https://utpjournals.press/author/Wright%2C+Marilyn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marilyn Wright</a>, <a href="https://utpjournals.press/author/Toledo%2C+Aline+Martins" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aline Martins Toledo</a>, <a href="https://utpjournals.press/author/Camargos%2C+Ana+Cristina+R" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ana Cristina R Camargos</a>, <a href="https://utpjournals.press/author/Longo%2C+Egmar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Egmar Longo</a>, <a href="https://utpjournals.press/author/Leite%2C+Hercules+R" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hercules R. Leite</a>. Purpose: To describe the initial steps in the development of a family-completed, modified version of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) to report gross motor function of young people with cerebral palsy in their natural environments. Methods: Development of the Gross Motor Function – Family Report (GMF-FR) was based on expert opinion involving 13 experienced clinicians and researchers, in four steps: (1) item identification to target items that reflect functional gross motor performance; (2) item selection; (3) critical analysis of the items; and (4) item and scoring modification. Results: Several modifications to existing items and scoring were made, including wording changes to optimize ease of families’ understanding, the addition of photographs to illustrate all items, changes to the items to enable use of furniture instead of specialized equipment, and modifications to scoring criteria to ensure a focus on functional motor skills. Ultimately, 30 items were selected, and specific testing/scoring instructions were created for each item. Conclusions: GMF-FR is a new family-report tool, based on the GMFM-88. When validated, it can be used as a telehealth outcome measure to capture family-reported functional motor skill performance in home and community environments.

Episode 50 (Associate Professor Paula Chagas)

Mark Peterson

Psychological morbidity among adults with cerebral palsy and spina bifidaMark D Peterson, Paul Lin, Neil Kamdar, Elham Mahmoudi, Christina N Marsack-Topolewski, Heidi Haapala, Karin Muraszko, Edward A HurvitzPMID: 32713401DOI: 10.1017/S0033291720001981AbstractBackground: Very little is known about the risk of developing psychological morbidities among adults living with cerebral palsy (CP) or spina bifida (SB). The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of and adjusted hazards for psychological morbidities among adults with and without CP or SB.Methods: Privately insured beneficiaries were included if they had an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic code for CP or SB (n = 15 302). Adults without CP or SB were also included (n = 1 935 480). Incidence estimates of common psychological morbidities were compared at 4-years of enrollment. Survival models were used to quantify unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios for incident psychological morbidities.Results: Adults living with CP or SB had a higher 4-year incidence of any psychological morbidity (38.8% v. 24.2%) as compared to adults without CP or SB, and differences were to a clinically meaningful extent. Fully adjusted survival models demonstrated that adults with CP or SB had a greater hazard for any psychological morbidity [hazard ratio (HR): 1.60; 95% CI 1.55-1.65], and all but one psychological disorder (alcohol-related disorders), and ranged from HR: 1.32 (1.23, 1.42) for substance disorders, to HR: 4.12 (3.24, 5.25) for impulse control disorders.Conclusions: Adults with CP or SB have a significantly higher incidence of and risk for common psychological morbidities, as compared to adults without CP or SB. Efforts are needed to facilitate the development of improved clinical screening algorithms and early interventions to reduce the risk of disease onset/progression in these higher-risk populations.

<h1>Psychological morbidity among adults with cerebral palsy and spina bifida</h1><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Peterson+MD&amp;cauthor_id=32713401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark D Peterson</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Lin+P&amp;cauthor_id=32713401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Lin</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Kamdar+N&amp;cauthor_id=32713401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil Kamdar</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Mahmoudi+E&amp;cauthor_id=32713401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elham Mahmoudi</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Marsack-Topolewski+CN&amp;cauthor_id=32713401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christina N Marsack-Topolewski</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Haapala+H&amp;cauthor_id=32713401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heidi Haapala</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Muraszko+K&amp;cauthor_id=32713401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Karin Muraszko</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Hurvitz+EA&amp;cauthor_id=32713401" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Edward A Hurvitz</a><ul><li>PMID: 32713401</li><li>DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291720001981" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10.1017/S0033291720001981</a></li></ul> AbstractBackground: Very little is known about the risk of developing psychological morbidities among adults living with cerebral palsy (CP) or spina bifida (SB). The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of and adjusted hazards for psychological morbidities among adults with and without CP or SB.Methods: Privately insured beneficiaries were included if they had an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic code for CP or SB (n = 15 302). Adults without CP or SB were also included (n = 1 935 480). Incidence estimates of common psychological morbidities were compared at 4-years of enrollment. Survival models were used to quantify unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios for incident psychological morbidities.Results: Adults living with CP or SB had a higher 4-year incidence of any psychological morbidity (38.8% v. 24.2%) as compared to adults without CP or SB, and differences were to a clinically meaningful extent. Fully adjusted survival models demonstrated that adults with CP or SB had a greater hazard for any psychological morbidity [hazard ratio (HR): 1.60; 95% CI 1.55-1.65], and all but one psychological disorder (alcohol-related disorders), and ranged from HR: 1.32 (1.23, 1.42) for substance disorders, to HR: 4.12 (3.24, 5.25) for impulse control disorders.Conclusions: Adults with CP or SB have a significantly higher incidence of and risk for common psychological morbidities, as compared to adults without CP or SB. Efforts are needed to facilitate the development of improved clinical screening algorithms and early interventions to reduce the risk of disease onset/progression in these higher-risk populations.

Episode 49 (Associate Professor Mark Peterson)

Measurement of Upper Limb Range of Motion Using Wearable Sensors: A Systematic ReviewCorrin P Walmsley, Sîan A Williams, Tiffany Grisbrook, Catherine Elliott, Christine Imms, Amity CampbellAffiliations expandPMID: 30499058PMCID: PMC6265374DOI: 10.1186/s40798-018-0167-7Free PMC articleAbstractBackground: Wearable sensors are portable measurement tools that are becoming increasingly popular for the measurement of joint angle in the upper limb. With many brands emerging on the market, each with variations in hardware and protocols, evidence to inform selection and application is needed. Therefore, the objectives of this review were related to the use of wearable sensors to calculate upper limb joint angle. We aimed to describe (i) the characteristics of commercial and custom wearable sensors, (ii) the populations for whom researchers have adopted wearable sensors, and (iii) their established psychometric properties.Methods: A systematic review of literature was undertaken using the following data bases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, IEEE, and Scopus. Studies were eligible if they met the following criteria: (i) involved humans and/or robotic devices, (ii) involved the application or simulation of wearable sensors on the upper limb, and (iii) calculated a joint angle.Results: Of 2191 records identified, 66 met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies compared wearable sensors to a robotic device and 22 studies compared to a motion analysis system. Commercial (n = 13) and custom (n = 7) wearable sensors were identified, each with variations in placement, calibration methods, and fusion algorithms, which were demonstrated to influence accuracy.Conclusion: Wearable sensors have potential as viable instruments for measurement of joint angle in the upper limb during active movement. Currently, customised application (i.e. calibration and angle calculation methods) is required to achieve sufficient accuracy (error &lt; 5°). Additional research and standardisation is required to guide clinical application.Trial registration: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO ( CRD42017059935 ).

<h1>Measurement of Upper Limb Range of Motion Using Wearable Sensors: A Systematic Review</h1> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Walmsley+CP&amp;cauthor_id=30499058" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Corrin P Walmsley</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Williams+SA&amp;cauthor_id=30499058" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sîan A Williams</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Grisbrook+T&amp;cauthor_id=30499058" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tiffany Grisbrook</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Elliott+C&amp;cauthor_id=30499058" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catherine Elliott</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Imms+C&amp;cauthor_id=30499058" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christine Imms</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Campbell+A&amp;cauthor_id=30499058" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amity Campbell</a>Affiliations expand<ul><li>PMID: 30499058</li><li>PMCID: <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc6265374/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PMC6265374</a></li><li>DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-018-0167-7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10.1186/s40798-018-0167-7</a></li></ul>Free PMC articleAbstract Background: Wearable sensors are portable measurement tools that are becoming increasingly popular for the measurement of joint angle in the upper limb. With many brands emerging on the market, each with variations in hardware and protocols, evidence to inform selection and application is needed. Therefore, the objectives of this review were related to the use of wearable sensors to calculate upper limb joint angle. We aimed to describe (i) the characteristics of commercial and custom wearable sensors, (ii) the populations for whom researchers have adopted wearable sensors, and (iii) their established psychometric properties.Methods: A systematic review of literature was undertaken using the following data bases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, IEEE, and Scopus. Studies were eligible if they met the following criteria: (i) involved humans and/or robotic devices, (ii) involved the application or simulation of wearable sensors on the upper limb, and (iii) calculated a joint angle.Results: Of 2191 records identified, 66 met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies compared wearable sensors to a robotic device and 22 studies compared to a motion analysis system. Commercial (n = 13) and custom (n = 7) wearable sensors were identified, each with variations in placement, calibration methods, and fusion algorithms, which were demonstrated to influence accuracy.Conclusion: Wearable sensors have potential as viable instruments for measurement of joint angle in the upper limb during active movement. Currently, customised application (i.e. calibration and angle calculation methods) is required to achieve sufficient accuracy (error &lt; 5°). Additional research and standardisation is required to guide clinical application.Trial registration: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO ( CRD42017059935 ).

Episode 48 (Dr Corrin Walmsley)

Laura Miller

ENabling VISions And Growing Expectations (ENVISAGE): Parent reviewers' perspectives of a co-designed program to support parents raising a child with an early-onset neurodevelopmental disabilityLaura Miller, Grace Nickson, Kinga Pozniak, Debra Khan, Christine Imms, Jenny Ziviani, Andrea Cross, Rachel Martens, Vicki Cavalieros, Peter RosenbaumAffiliations expandPMID: 34942443DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104150AbstractAims: This study reports parents' perspectives of, ENVISAGE: ENabling VISions And Growing Expectations. ENVISAGE - co-designed by parents and researchers - is an early intervention program for parents raising children with neurodisability.Methods and procedures: Using an integrated Knowledge Translation approach, this feasibility study explored parents' perspectives of the comprehensibility, acceptability, and usability of ENVISAGE workshops. Participants were Australian and Canadian parents of children with neurodisabilities, ≥12 months post-diagnosis, who independently reviewed ENVISAGE workshops using an online learning platform. Parents completed study-specific 5-point Likert-scaled surveys about individual workshops. Following this, qualitative interviews about their perceptions of ENVISAGE were conducted. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interviews analysed inductively using interpretive description.Outcomes and results: Fifteen parents completed surveys, of whom 11 participated in interviews. Workshops were reported to be understandable, relevant, and meaningful to families. ENVISAGE was judged to empower parents through enhancing knowledge and skills to communicate, collaborate and connect with others. Pragmatic recommendations were offered to improve accessibility of ENVISAGE.Conclusions and implications: ENVISAGE workshops address key issues and concerns of parents of children with neurodisability in a way that was perceived as empowering. Involving parents as reviewers enabled refinement of the workshops prior to the pilot study.

<h1>ENabling VISions And Growing Expectations (ENVISAGE): Parent reviewers' perspectives of a co-designed program to support parents raising a child with an early-onset neurodevelopmental disability</h1> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Miller+L&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laura Miller</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Nickson+G&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grace Nickson</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Pozniak+K&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kinga Pozniak</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Khan+D&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Debra Khan</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Imms+C&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christine Imms</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ziviani+J&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jenny Ziviani</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Cross+A&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrea Cross</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Martens+R&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel Martens</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Cavalieros+V&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vicki Cavalieros</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Rosenbaum+P&amp;cauthor_id=34942443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Rosenbaum</a>Affiliations expand<ul><li>PMID: 34942443</li><li>DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104150" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104150</a></li></ul>AbstractAims: This study reports parents' perspectives of, ENVISAGE: ENabling VISions And Growing Expectations. ENVISAGE - co-designed by parents and researchers - is an early intervention program for parents raising children with neurodisability.Methods and procedures: Using an integrated Knowledge Translation approach, this feasibility study explored parents' perspectives of the comprehensibility, acceptability, and usability of ENVISAGE workshops. Participants were Australian and Canadian parents of children with neurodisabilities, ≥12 months post-diagnosis, who independently reviewed ENVISAGE workshops using an online learning platform. Parents completed study-specific 5-point Likert-scaled surveys about individual workshops. Following this, qualitative interviews about their perceptions of ENVISAGE were conducted. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interviews analysed inductively using interpretive description.Outcomes and results: Fifteen parents completed surveys, of whom 11 participated in interviews. Workshops were reported to be understandable, relevant, and meaningful to families. ENVISAGE was judged to empower parents through enhancing knowledge and skills to communicate, collaborate and connect with others. Pragmatic recommendations were offered to improve accessibility of ENVISAGE.Conclusions and implications: ENVISAGE workshops address key issues and concerns of parents of children with neurodisability in a way that was perceived as empowering. Involving parents as reviewers enabled refinement of the workshops prior to the pilot study.

Episode 47 (Associate Professor Laura Miller)

Reframe the Behaviour: Evaluation of a training intervention to increase capacity in managing detained youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental impairmentsHayley M Passmore, Raewyn C Mutch, Rochelle Watkins, Sharyn Burns, Guy Hall, James Urquhart, Jonathan Carapetis, Carol Bower Affiliations expandPMID: 35530127PMCID: PMC9067986DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2020.1780643Free PMC articleAbstractThe first study to investigate the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) within an Australian juvenile detention centre has identified the highest known prevalence of FASD among a justice-involved population worldwide. However, there has been limited investigation into the capacity of the custodial workforce to identify and manage young people in Australian detention centres with FASD or other neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), and no published interventions aiming to develop environments appropriate for those with FASD in justice settings. Using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist, this study describes the conception, implementation and evaluation of a training intervention aiming to upskill the custodial workforce in the management of youth with FASD and NDI; 117 staff participated in the intervention, and 109 completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. Improvements were seen across almost all knowledge and attitude items, and the intervention was considered highly necessary, appropriate and valuable by the workforce.

<h1>Reframe the Behaviour: Evaluation of a training intervention to increase capacity in managing detained youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental impairments</h1> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Passmore+HM&amp;cauthor_id=35530127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hayley M Passmore</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Mutch+RC&amp;cauthor_id=35530127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raewyn C Mutch</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Watkins+R&amp;cauthor_id=35530127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rochelle Watkins</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Burns+S&amp;cauthor_id=35530127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sharyn Burns</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Hall+G&amp;cauthor_id=35530127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guy Hall</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Urquhart+J&amp;cauthor_id=35530127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Urquhart</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Carapetis+J&amp;cauthor_id=35530127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jonathan Carapetis</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Bower+C&amp;cauthor_id=35530127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carol Bower</a> Affiliations expand<ul><li>PMID: 35530127</li><li>PMCID: <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc9067986/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PMC9067986</a></li><li>DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2020.1780643" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10.1080/13218719.2020.1780643</a></li></ul>Free PMC articleAbstract The first study to investigate the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) within an Australian juvenile detention centre has identified the highest known prevalence of FASD among a justice-involved population worldwide. However, there has been limited investigation into the capacity of the custodial workforce to identify and manage young people in Australian detention centres with FASD or other neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), and no published interventions aiming to develop environments appropriate for those with FASD in justice settings.  Using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist, this study describes the conception, implementation and evaluation of a training intervention aiming to upskill the custodial workforce in the management of youth with FASD and NDI; 117 staff participated in the intervention, and 109 completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. Improvements were seen across almost all knowledge and attitude items, and the intervention was considered highly necessary, appropriate and valuable by the workforce.

Episode 46 (Dr Hayley Passmore)

The Neurological Hand Deformity Classification: Construct validity, test-retest, and inter-rater reliabilitySimon Garbellini, Melinda Randall, Michael Steele, Catherine Elliott, Christine ImmsAbstractBackground: The Neurological Hand Deformity Classification (NHDC) is an impairment-based tool that classifies hand deformity into one of two ordinal scales: flexion or extension deformities. Classification is made from live observation or from recorded video footage. Differentiation between the levels is determined by wrist position and wrist and finger movement.Purpose: To examine aspects of validity and reliability of the NHDC.Study design: A measurement study design.Methods: Data from a convenience sample of 127 children with cerebral palsy, 66 males: 61 females, ranging in age from 8 months to 15 years, across all Manual Ability Classification System levels I to V, were analyzed. Construct validity was assessed by testing predetermined hypotheses of relationships between the NHDC and measures of body function and activity measures with observed performance using the Chi Squared Test of Independence and Spearman Correlation Coefficient. Test-retest and inter-rater reliability were assessed by calculating agreement between repeated measures and paired raters using weighted kappa and Cohen's kappa with 95% confidence intervals.Results: Predicted hypotheses for the NHDC were met in nine of 10 Spearman's rho correlations with body structure measures and in 2 of 7 correlations with activity measures. Test-retest for flexion deformities: κw = 0.84; 95% CI 0.70-0.98; and extension deformities: κ = 1.0; 95% CI 1.0-1.0 was good to excellent; inter-rater reliability for flexion deformities: κw = 0.76; 95% CI 0.67-0.85; and extension deformities κ = 0.75; 95% CI 0.43-1.0 was moderate to excellent.Conclusion: Expected relationships between the NHDC and other measures, stability between repeated measures and acceptable between-rater agreement supports confidence classifying hand deformity in children with cerebral palsy with the NHDC.

<h1>The Neurological Hand Deformity Classification: Construct validity, test-retest, and inter-rater reliability</h1> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Garbellini+S&amp;cauthor_id=34011469" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simon Garbellini</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Randall+M&amp;cauthor_id=34011469" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Melinda Randall</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Steele+M&amp;cauthor_id=34011469" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Steele</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Elliott+C&amp;cauthor_id=34011469" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catherine Elliott</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Imms+C&amp;cauthor_id=34011469" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christine Imms</a>Abstract Background: The Neurological Hand Deformity Classification (NHDC) is an impairment-based tool that classifies hand deformity into one of two ordinal scales: flexion or extension deformities. Classification is made from live observation or from recorded video footage. Differentiation between the levels is determined by wrist position and wrist and finger movement.Purpose: To examine aspects of validity and reliability of the NHDC.Study design: A measurement study design.Methods: Data from a convenience sample of 127 children with cerebral palsy, 66 males: 61 females, ranging in age from 8 months to 15 years, across all Manual Ability Classification System levels I to V, were analyzed. Construct validity was assessed by testing predetermined hypotheses of relationships between the NHDC and measures of body function and activity measures with observed performance using the Chi Squared Test of Independence and Spearman Correlation Coefficient. Test-retest and inter-rater reliability were assessed by calculating agreement between repeated measures and paired raters using weighted kappa and Cohen's kappa with 95% confidence intervals.Results: Predicted hypotheses for the NHDC were met in nine of 10 Spearman's rho correlations with body structure measures and in 2 of 7 correlations with activity measures. Test-retest for flexion deformities: κw = 0.84; 95% CI 0.70-0.98; and extension deformities: κ = 1.0; 95% CI 1.0-1.0 was good to excellent; inter-rater reliability for flexion deformities: κw = 0.76; 95% CI 0.67-0.85; and extension deformities κ = 0.75; 95% CI 0.43-1.0 was moderate to excellent.Conclusion: Expected relationships between the NHDC and other measures, stability between repeated measures and acceptable between-rater agreement supports confidence classifying hand deformity in children with cerebral palsy with the NHDC.

Episode 45 (Dr Simon Garbellini)

ResearchWorks is designed for health professionals in the area of child health, where we discuss emerging, modern, evidence based research - the behind the scenes stories, interviews with world renowned authors and researchers, material that never made the papers and a breakdown on how you can implement this into your clinical practice.

SPORTS STARS: a practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention for ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Activity and participation outcomes of a randomised controlled trialGeorgina L Clutterbuck, Megan L Auld, Leanne M JohnstonAbstractPurpose: To investigate the effectiveness of a practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention for children with CP at GMFCS Level I-II.Method: Children with CP (GMFCS I-II; 6-12 years) were randomised to Sports Stars or waitlist-control groups. Sports Stars included eight-weeks (eight hours) of physiotherapist-led, sports-specific gross motor activity training, sports education, teamwork development and confidence building. Sports participation was measured using self-identified participation goals (modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (mCOPM)). Physical competence was measured with mCOPM activity goals and high-level gross motor batteries (Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2); GMFM-Challenge) and walking (Timed-Up-and-Go), running (Muscle Power Sprint Test; 10x5m Sprint Test), jumping (Standing Broad Jump; Vertical Jump) and throwing (Seated Throw) items. General participation and quality of life were also measured. Outcomes were measured pre, post and 12-weeks post-intervention. Data were analysed using linear mixed models.Results: Fifty-four children were randomised into Sports Stars (n = 29; GMFCS I = 7, II = 22; male = 19; 8.9 ± 2 years) or waitlist-control groups (n = 25; GMFCS I = 10, II = 15; male = 14; 8.6 ± 2 years). The Sports Stars group improved sports participation and activity goals (mCOPM F = 5.49-10.29, p &lt; 0.001) and sports-specific physical competence (TGMD-2, F = 3.45-5.19, p = 0.001-0.009) compared to the waitlist-control.Conclusion: Sports Stars is effective for improving sports-specific participation and physical competence for children with CP.Implications for rehabilitationSports Stars improves performance and satisfaction in sports-specific participation and activity goals for ambulant children with CP.Sports Stars improves sports-specific physical activity competence in locomotor and object control skills.Sport-specific interventions should incorporate sport-specific gross motor activity training as well as sports education, confidence building and teamwork.

<h1>SPORTS STARS: a practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention for ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Activity and participation outcomes of a randomised controlled trial</h1> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Clutterbuck+GL&amp;cauthor_id=32603238" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Georgina L Clutterbuck</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Auld+ML&amp;cauthor_id=32603238" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Megan L Auld</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Johnston+LM&amp;cauthor_id=32603238" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leanne M Johnston</a>AbstractPurpose: To investigate the effectiveness of a practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention for children with CP at GMFCS Level I-II.Method: Children with CP (GMFCS I-II; 6-12 years) were randomised to Sports Stars or waitlist-control groups. Sports Stars included eight-weeks (eight hours) of physiotherapist-led, sports-specific gross motor activity training, sports education, teamwork development and confidence building. Sports participation was measured using self-identified participation goals (modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (mCOPM)). Physical competence was measured with mCOPM activity goals and high-level gross motor batteries (Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2); GMFM-Challenge) and walking (Timed-Up-and-Go), running (Muscle Power Sprint Test; 10x5m Sprint Test), jumping (Standing Broad Jump; Vertical Jump) and throwing (Seated Throw) items. General participation and quality of life were also measured. Outcomes were measured pre, post and 12-weeks post-intervention. Data were analysed using linear mixed models.Results: Fifty-four children were randomised into Sports Stars (n = 29; GMFCS I = 7, II = 22; male = 19; 8.9 ± 2 years) or waitlist-control groups (n = 25; GMFCS I = 10, II = 15; male = 14; 8.6 ± 2 years). The Sports Stars group improved sports participation and activity goals (mCOPM F = 5.49-10.29, p &lt; 0.001) and sports-specific physical competence (TGMD-2, F = 3.45-5.19, p = 0.001-0.009) compared to the waitlist-control.Conclusion: Sports Stars is effective for improving sports-specific participation and physical competence for children with CP.Implications for rehabilitationSports Stars improves performance and satisfaction in sports-specific participation and activity goals for ambulant children with CP.Sports Stars improves sports-specific physical activity competence in locomotor and object control skills.Sport-specific interventions should incorporate sport-specific gross motor activity training as well as sports education, confidence building and teamwork.

Episode 44 (Dr Georgina Clutterbuck)

Peer mentor training: Pathway to competency for facilitators of Healthy Mothers Healthy Families workshopsHelen M. Bourke-Taylor, Sarah Grzegorczyn, Kahli S. JoyceAbstractBackgroundHealthy Mothers Healthy Families (HMHF) is a women's health and empowerment programme designed to promote the health and well-being of mothers of children with a disability. An ongoing need to extend the reach of HMHF to more mothers, and increase scalability, resulted in development of a training programme based in principles of adult and transformative learning, to credential mothers as HMHF facilitators. The current study evaluated the process and outcomes of the competency training programme for new facilitators.MethodsA pretest and posttest design with midway data collection point was implemented to evaluate the facilitators' competence following the training programme. Surveys contained specifically designed demographic questions, open-ended questions, self-report of competency and estimation of need for education/training. Fifteen predetermined criteria enabled self-ratings. Training of facilitators occurred alongside delivery of 23-day HMHF workshops. Workshop participants provided anonymous objective evaluation of the facilitators' competencies. Triangulation enabled comparison of self-ratings, workshop participant ratings and author evaluation of new facilitators.ResultsFacilitators (N = 7) completed all theory and practical elements of the HMHF facilitator education package and were successfully credentialed in May 2020. Overall, facilitators' competency ratings were highest at Time 3, which followed successful co-facilitation of at least three HMHF workshops. As expected, facilitators rated their highest need for education/training at baseline. At Time 3, facilitators self-reported a lower need for education/training for all competency criteria. All facilitators received mean anonymous competency ratings from workshop participants (N = 294), above the predetermined benchmark that was required to become credentialled.ConclusionsThe HMHF competency training programme, based on principles of adult and transformative learning, was effective in training seven HMHF facilitators who were mothers and had suitable professional backgrounds to deliver HMHF workshops. Training supports the fidelity of the HMHF intervention. Further research to evaluate maternal outcomes for participants attending the facilitator-lead workshops is warranted.

<h1>Peer mentor training: Pathway to competency for facilitators of Healthy Mothers Healthy Families workshops</h1> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorRaw=Bourke-Taylor%2C+Helen+M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Helen M. Bourke-Taylor</a>, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorRaw=Grzegorczyn%2C+Sarah" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah Grzegorczyn</a>, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorRaw=Joyce%2C+Kahli+S" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kahli S. Joyce</a>AbstractBackgroundHealthy Mothers Healthy Families (HMHF) is a women's health and empowerment programme designed to promote the health and well-being of mothers of children with a disability. An ongoing need to extend the reach of HMHF to more mothers, and increase scalability, resulted in development of a training programme based in principles of adult and transformative learning, to credential mothers as HMHF facilitators. The current study evaluated the process and outcomes of the competency training programme for new facilitators.MethodsA pretest and posttest design with midway data collection point was implemented to evaluate the facilitators' competence following the training programme. Surveys contained specifically designed demographic questions, open-ended questions, self-report of competency and estimation of need for education/training. Fifteen predetermined criteria enabled self-ratings. Training of facilitators occurred alongside delivery of 23-day HMHF workshops. Workshop participants provided anonymous objective evaluation of the facilitators' competencies. Triangulation enabled comparison of self-ratings, workshop participant ratings and author evaluation of new facilitators.ResultsFacilitators (N = 7) completed all theory and practical elements of the HMHF facilitator education package and were successfully credentialed in May 2020. Overall, facilitators' competency ratings were highest at Time 3, which followed successful co-facilitation of at least three HMHF workshops. As expected, facilitators rated their highest need for education/training at baseline. At Time 3, facilitators self-reported a lower need for education/training for all competency criteria. All facilitators received mean anonymous competency ratings from workshop participants (N = 294), above the predetermined benchmark that was required to become credentialled.ConclusionsThe HMHF competency training programme, based on principles of adult and transformative learning, was effective in training seven HMHF facilitators who were mothers and had suitable professional backgrounds to deliver HMHF workshops. Training supports the fidelity of the HMHF intervention. Further research to evaluate maternal outcomes for participants attending the facilitator-lead workshops is warranted.

Episode 43 (Associate Professor Helen Bourke-Taylor)

Multiple doses of umbilical cord blood cells improve long-term brain injury in the neonatal ratTayla R Penny, Yen Pham, Amy E Sutherland, Jamie G Mihelakis, Joohyung Lee, Graham Jenkin, Michael C Fahey, Suzanne L Miller, Courtney A McDonaldAbstractBackground: Hypoxic ischemic (HI) insults during pregnancy and birth can result in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy. We have previously shown that a single dose of umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells is effective at reducing short-term neuroinflammation and improves short and long-term behavioural outcomes in rat pups. A single dose of UCB was not able to modulate long-term neuroinflammation or brain tissue loss. In this study we examined whether multiple doses of UCB can modulate neuroinflammation, decrease cerebral tissue damage and improve behavioural outcomes when followed up long-term.Methods: HI injury was induced in postnatal day 10 (PND10) rat pups using the Rice-Vannucci method of carotid artery ligation. Pups received either 1 dose (PND11), or 3 doses (PND11, 13, 20) of UCB cells. Rats were followed with behavioural testing, to assess both motor and cognitive outcomes. On PND50, brains were collected for analysis.Results: HI brain injury in rat pups caused significant behavioural deficits. These deficits were significantly improved by multiple doses of UCB. HI injury resulted in a significant decrease in brain weight and left hemisphere tissue, which was improved by multiple doses of UCB. HI resulted in increased cerebral apoptosis, loss of neurons and upregulation of activated microglia. Multiple doses of UCB modulated these neuropathologies. A single dose of UCB at PND11 did not improve behavioural or neuropathological outcomes.Conclusions: Treatment with repeated doses of UCB is more effective than a single dose for reducing tissue damage, improving brain pathology and restoring behavioural deficits following perinatal brain injury.

<h1>Multiple doses of umbilical cord blood cells improve long-term brain injury in the neonatal rat</h1><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Penny+TR&amp;cauthor_id=32585139" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tayla R Penny</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Pham+Y&amp;cauthor_id=32585139" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yen Pham</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Sutherland+AE&amp;cauthor_id=32585139" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amy E Sutherland</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Mihelakis+JG&amp;cauthor_id=32585139" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jamie G Mihelakis</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Lee+J&amp;cauthor_id=32585139" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joohyung Lee</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Jenkin+G&amp;cauthor_id=32585139" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Graham Jenkin</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Fahey+MC&amp;cauthor_id=32585139" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael C Fahey</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Miller+SL&amp;cauthor_id=32585139" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suzanne L Miller</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=McDonald+CA&amp;cauthor_id=32585139" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Courtney A McDonald</a>Abstract Background: Hypoxic ischemic (HI) insults during pregnancy and birth can result in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy. We have previously shown that a single dose of umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells is effective at reducing short-term neuroinflammation and improves short and long-term behavioural outcomes in rat pups. A single dose of UCB was not able to modulate long-term neuroinflammation or brain tissue loss. In this study we examined whether multiple doses of UCB can modulate neuroinflammation, decrease cerebral tissue damage and improve behavioural outcomes when followed up long-term.Methods: HI injury was induced in postnatal day 10 (PND10) rat pups using the Rice-Vannucci method of carotid artery ligation. Pups received either 1 dose (PND11), or 3 doses (PND11, 13, 20) of UCB cells. Rats were followed with behavioural testing, to assess both motor and cognitive outcomes. On PND50, brains were collected for analysis.Results: HI brain injury in rat pups caused significant behavioural deficits. These deficits were significantly improved by multiple doses of UCB. HI injury resulted in a significant decrease in brain weight and left hemisphere tissue, which was improved by multiple doses of UCB. HI resulted in increased cerebral apoptosis, loss of neurons and upregulation of activated microglia. Multiple doses of UCB modulated these neuropathologies. A single dose of UCB at PND11 did not improve behavioural or neuropathological outcomes.Conclusions: Treatment with repeated doses of UCB is more effective than a single dose for reducing tissue damage, improving brain pathology and restoring behavioural deficits following perinatal brain injury.

Episode 42 (Dr Tayla Penny)

Ben Jackson

The science of persuasion and communicationWhen it comes to communication, crafting messages, harnessing the power of people and providing support around healthy living through health promotional strategies, it is important to understand that there is a whole body of work and science behind motivation. Evidence tells us that those services/programs/initiatives are only useful if people adhere to and engage with them. A wonderful example of this is the work that has been done by PAHL (Psychology of Active Healthy Living) https://www.jcu.edu.au/pahl The science and research PAHL undertakes is around understanding what helps or stops people from engaging in health promotion initiatives. For example, losing weight, eating better, being more physically active. PAHL’s work is in the development and delivery of the health promotion initiatives, underpinned by Ben and his team’s understanding of motivation, communication and persuasion, social support and resilience/dealing with setbacks. So what we talked about with Ben in this episode is the science of persuasion and communication. There are some fantastic key takeaways that we can incorporate into the way we, as clinicians, communicate information, the evidence for why we do what we do along with the careful guidance we provide for families that we work with.

The science of persuasion and communication When it comes to communication, crafting messages, harnessing the power of people and providing support around healthy living through health promotional strategies, it is important to understand that there is a whole body of work and science behind motivation.  Evidence tells us that those services/programs/initiatives are only useful if people adhere to and engage with them. A wonderful example of this is the work that has been done by PAHL (Psychology of Active Healthy Living)  <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/pahl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.jcu.edu.au/pahl</a> The science and research PAHL undertakes is around understanding what helps or stops people from engaging in health promotion initiatives. For example, losing weight, eating better, being more physically active.  PAHL’s work is in the development and delivery of the health promotion initiatives, underpinned by Ben and his team’s understanding of motivation, communication and persuasion, social support and resilience/dealing with setbacks.  So what we talked about with Ben in this episode is the science of persuasion and communication. There are some fantastic key takeaways that we can incorporate into the way we, as clinicians, communicate information, the evidence for why we do what we do along with the careful guidance we provide for families that we work with.

Episode 41 (Associate Professor Ben Jackson)

Ashleigh Thornton

The Experience of Locomotor Training From the Perspectives of Therapists and Parents of Children With Cerebral PalsyDayna Pool 1,2,3*,  Catherine Elliott 1,3,4,  Claire Willis 5 and Ashleigh Thornton 4,61 School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia2 The Healthy Strides Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia3 Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia4 Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia5 School of of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia6 UWA Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, AustraliaObjective: The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of intensive locomotor training from the perspective of therapists and parents of children with cerebral palsy.Design: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was employed to capture perspectives following an intensive locomotor training intervention. Data were analyzed thematically, systematically coding and interpreted by grouping information into themes and sub-theme categories.Participants: Five therapists and seven parents of children with high daily physical assistance and equipment needs participated in the study.Setting: A pediatric tertiary hospital.Results: Experiences of locomotor training were described with relation to the suitability of locomotor training with sub-themes of intervention length and time, engagement within sessions, the importance of support, and the utility of locomotor training beyond a research context. Motivation for participating in locomotor training was described in relation to the enjoyment of movement and for increasing activity level. The barriers and facilitators who participated in locomotor training provided environmental and personal factor subthemes. Finally, the outcomes from the intervention were related to improvements in physical health, sleep, affect and emotion, and ambulation in daily activities.Conclusion: The experience of intensive locomotor training from the perspectives of parents of children who have high physical assistance and equipment needs and the therapists providing the intervention was described. Future studies should consider outcome measures beyond motor capacity to quantify the perceived outcomes of interventions that are meaningful to families.

<h1>The Experience of Locomotor Training From the Perspectives of Therapists and Parents of Children With Cerebral Palsy</h1> <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/people/u/1236235" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dayna Pool</a> 1,2,3*,  Catherine Elliott 1,3,4,  <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/people/u/1344706" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claire Willis</a> 5 and Ashleigh Thornton 4,6<ul><li>1 School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia</li><li>2 The Healthy Strides Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia</li><li>3 Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia</li><li>4 Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia</li><li>5 School of of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia</li><li>6 UWA Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia</li></ul> Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of intensive locomotor training from the perspective of therapists and parents of children with cerebral palsy.Design: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was employed to capture perspectives following an intensive locomotor training intervention. Data were analyzed thematically, systematically coding and interpreted by grouping information into themes and sub-theme categories.Participants: Five therapists and seven parents of children with high daily physical assistance and equipment needs participated in the study.Setting: A pediatric tertiary hospital.Results: Experiences of locomotor training were described with relation to the suitability of locomotor training with sub-themes of intervention length and time, engagement within sessions, the importance of support, and the utility of locomotor training beyond a research context. Motivation for participating in locomotor training was described in relation to the enjoyment of movement and for increasing activity level. The barriers and facilitators who participated in locomotor training provided environmental and personal factor subthemes. Finally, the outcomes from the intervention were related to improvements in physical health, sleep, affect and emotion, and ambulation in daily activities.Conclusion: The experience of intensive locomotor training from the perspectives of parents of children who have high physical assistance and equipment needs and the therapists providing the intervention was described. Future studies should consider outcome measures beyond motor capacity to quantify the perceived outcomes of interventions that are meaningful to families.

Episode 40 (Dr Ashleigh Thornton)

After Producer Ed gave us his highlights, the Dr's are back to host the final episode of Season 1 of the ResearchWorks podcast! Far from just being a highlights show, we cover off not just the amazing guests we've hosted, interviewed, interrogated and had the immense privilege of speaking with but we break them down for you into the various themes and content groups.If you missed an episode, if you were trying to remember which topics we covered off, if you wanted to know just how the F-words (all the G-rated ones) fit into each episode, then this one is for you.Be warned though - Ed just makes a cameo appearance in this one! But Dayna, Ash, Ed and some incredible guests from all over the globe will be back in Season 2 of the pod in early 2022!Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and thank you to all the thousands of listeners who have come along for the ride with the RW team in 2021. It is our pleasure to bring this content to you - it will continue to remain free of charge - we would encourage you to share the pod, leave us a review (it will help others to find the pod) and even drop the team an email - we'd love to hear from you.

After Producer Ed gave us his highlights, the Dr's are back to host the final episode of Season 1 of the ResearchWorks podcast!  Far from just being a highlights show, we cover off not just the amazing guests we've hosted, interviewed, interrogated and had the immense privilege of speaking with but we break them down for you into the various themes and content groups. If you missed an episode, if you were trying to remember which topics we covered off, if you wanted to know just how the F-words (all the G-rated ones) fit into each episode, then this one is for you. Be warned though - Ed just makes a cameo appearance in this one!  But Dayna, Ash, Ed and some incredible guests from all over the globe will be back in Season 2 of the pod in early 2022! Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and thank you to all the thousands of listeners who have come along for the ride with the RW team in 2021. It is our pleasure to bring this content to you - it will continue to remain free of charge - we would encourage you to share the pod, leave us a review (it will help others to find the pod) and even drop the team an email - we'd love to hear from you.

Holiday Special - the year in review (2021)

It's the penultimate episode of Season 1 of the ResearchWorks podcast!We've had an incredible time interviewing researchers from across the globe. Thank to our many thousands of listeners - we hope you get as much joy from listening to our episodes as we do making them!Ash and Dayna will return with one final episode next week before a well deserved Summer/Christmas and New Year break and the team will return in 2022 with some fantastic guests, even better icebreaker questions, amazing Q and A's with authors from around the world and of course, more of your very favourite "Tell it to Ed" segments! ;) 

It's the penultimate episode of Season 1 of the ResearchWorks podcast! We've had an incredible time interviewing researchers from across the globe. Thank to our many thousands of listeners - we hope you get as much joy from listening to our episodes as we do making them! Ash and Dayna will return with one final episode next week before a well deserved Summer/Christmas and New Year break and the team will return in 2022 with some fantastic guests, even better icebreaker questions, amazing Q and A's with authors from around the world and of course, more of your very favourite "Tell it to Ed" segments! ;)

Holiday Special No. 1 (2021)

KONTAKT® social skills group training for Australian adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trialBahareh Afsharnejad, Marita Falkmer, Melissa H Black, Tasha Alach, Fabian Lenhard, Anna Fridell, Christina Coco, Kelly Milne, Sven Bölte, Sonya GirdlerPMID: 34052908DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01814-6AbstractWhile there is a large body of evidence drawn from randomised controlled trials supporting the efficacy of SSGT in autistic adolescents, the control arms of these studies are almost exclusively treated either as usual or waitlist. Addressing this limitation, 90 verbal autistic adolescents (70% male) aged 12-17 years (M = 13.77, SD = 1.6) with IQ &gt; 70 participated in this pragmatic two-armed randomised controlled trial design study evaluating the efficacy of sixteen 90-min sessions of SSGT KONTAKT® (n = 46) in comparison to a manualised interactive group cooking programme (n = 44) of equal dosage controlling for the potentially confounding effects of exposure to a social group context. The primary outcome was the adolescents' progress towards achieving their personally meaningful social goals at follow-up. Secondary outcomes were changes in autistic traits, quality of life, facial emotion recognition skills, social anxiety, and loneliness. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post intervention and 12-week follow-up. The interaction between time point and group allocation was investigated through a random-effects regression model (linear mixed model) to examine changes in the dependent outcomes. While intention-to-treat analysis (N = 90) demonstrated that both SSGT (ES = 1.36, p &lt; .001) and active control (ES = 1.10, p &lt; .001) groups made progress towards their personally meaningful social goals at follow-up, KONTAKT® participants demonstrated greater progress in social goal attainment than their peers in the active control group (ES = 0.35, p = .04). Findings suggest that KONTAKT® is efficacious in supporting autistic adolescents to achieve their personally meaningful social goals compared to other prosocial group activities.Trial registration: (1) Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12617001117303, registered 31 July 2017, anzctr.org.au (2) ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03294668 registered 22 September 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov

<h1>KONTAKT® social skills group training for Australian adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial</h1> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Afsharnejad+B&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bahareh Afsharnejad</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Falkmer+M&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marita Falkmer</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Black+MH&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Melissa H Black</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Alach+T&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tasha Alach</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Lenhard+F&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fabian Lenhard</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Fridell+A&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna Fridell</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Coco+C&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christina Coco</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Milne+K&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kelly Milne</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=B%C3%B6lte+S&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sven Bölte</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Girdler+S&amp;cauthor_id=34052908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sonya Girdler</a><ul><li>PMID: 34052908</li><li>DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-021-01814-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10.1007/s00787-021-01814-6</a></li></ul>Abstract While there is a large body of evidence drawn from randomised controlled trials supporting the efficacy of SSGT in autistic adolescents, the control arms of these studies are almost exclusively treated either as usual or waitlist. Addressing this limitation, 90 verbal autistic adolescents (70% male) aged 12-17 years (M = 13.77, SD = 1.6) with IQ &gt; 70 participated in this pragmatic two-armed randomised controlled trial design study evaluating the efficacy of sixteen 90-min sessions of SSGT KONTAKT® (n = 46) in comparison to a manualised interactive group cooking programme (n = 44) of equal dosage controlling for the potentially confounding effects of exposure to a social group context. The primary outcome was the adolescents' progress towards achieving their personally meaningful social goals at follow-up. Secondary outcomes were changes in autistic traits, quality of life, facial emotion recognition skills, social anxiety, and loneliness. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post intervention and 12-week follow-up. The interaction between time point and group allocation was investigated through a random-effects regression model (linear mixed model) to examine changes in the dependent outcomes. While intention-to-treat analysis (N = 90) demonstrated that both SSGT (ES = 1.36, p &lt; .001) and active control (ES = 1.10, p &lt; .001) groups made progress towards their personally meaningful social goals at follow-up, KONTAKT® participants demonstrated greater progress in social goal attainment than their peers in the active control group (ES = 0.35, p = .04). Findings suggest that KONTAKT® is efficacious in supporting autistic adolescents to achieve their personally meaningful social goals compared to other prosocial group activities. Trial registration: (1) Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12617001117303, registered 31 July 2017, <a href="http://anzctr.org.au" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">anzctr.org.au</a> (2) <a href="http://ClinicalTrials.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ClinicalTrials.gov</a>: <a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03294668" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NCT03294668</a> registered 22 September 2017, <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://clinicaltrials.gov</a>

Episode 37 (Professor Sonya Girdler)

Dave Parsons

A Randomised Controlled Trial of an Information Communication Technology Delivered Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Living in Regional AustraliaDave Parsons, Reinie Cordier, Hoe Lee, Torbjorn Falkmer, Sharmila Vaz PMID: 30209645DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3734-3AbstractThis exploratory randomised controlled trial tested the effectiveness of a tablet-based information communication technology early intervention application to augment existing therapy with the aim of improving visual motor, imitation, language and social skills in young children with ASD who reside in regional areas. Fifty-nine participants were recruited and randomised to either a therapy-as-usual group or intervention group. With the exception of the expressive language subscale on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, no significant between-group differences were recorded for visual motor, imitation, receptive language and social skills of participants between baseline and post-intervention. When all participants were pooled and measured over time, improvements were shown in receptive and pragmatic language and social skills; these gains were maintained, thus suggesting skill acquisition.

<h1>A Randomised Controlled Trial of an Information Communication Technology Delivered Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Living in Regional Australia</h1> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Parsons+D&amp;cauthor_id=30209645" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Parsons</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Cordier+R&amp;cauthor_id=30209645" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reinie Cordier</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Lee+H&amp;cauthor_id=30209645" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hoe Lee</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Falkmer+T&amp;cauthor_id=30209645" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Torbjorn Falkmer</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Vaz+S&amp;cauthor_id=30209645" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sharmila Vaz</a> <ul><li>PMID: 30209645</li><li>DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3734-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10.1007/s10803-018-3734-3</a></li></ul>AbstractThis exploratory randomised controlled trial tested the effectiveness of a tablet-based information communication technology early intervention application to augment existing therapy with the aim of improving visual motor, imitation, language and social skills in young children with ASD who reside in regional areas.  Fifty-nine participants were recruited and randomised to either a therapy-as-usual group or intervention group. With the exception of the expressive language subscale on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, no significant between-group differences were recorded for visual motor, imitation, receptive language and social skills of participants between baseline and post-intervention.  When all participants were pooled and measured over time, improvements were shown in receptive and pragmatic language and social skills; these gains were maintained, thus suggesting skill acquisition.

Episode 36 (Dr Dave Parsons)

Microstructural changes in the spinal cord of adults with cerebral palsyMichael P Trevarrow, Sarah E Baker, Tony W Wilson, Max J KurzAbstractAim: To quantify the microstructural differences in the cervical-thoracic spinal cord of adults with cerebral palsy (CP).Method: Magnetic resonance imaging of the proximal spinal cord (C6-T3) was conducted on a cohort of adults with CP (n=13; mean age=31y 11mo, standard deviation [SD] 8y 7mo; range=20y 8mo-47y 6mo; eight females, five males) and population norm adult controls (n=16; mean age=31y 4mo, SD 9y 9mo; range=19y 4mo-49y 5mo; seven females, nine males). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the spinal cord, gray and white matter, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), and fractional anisotropy of the cuneatus and corticospinal tracts were calculated.Results: The total spinal cord CSA and proportion of the spinal cord gray matter CSA were significantly decreased in the adults with CP. The corticospinal tracts' MTR was lower in the adults with CP. Individuals that had reduced gray matter also tended to have reduced MTR in their corticospinal tracts (r=0.42, p=0.029) and worse hand dexterity clinical scores (r=0.53, p=0.004).Interpretation: These results show that there are changes in the spinal cord microstructure of adults with CP. Ultimately, these microstructural changes play a role in the extent of the hand sensorimotor deficits seen in adults with CP. What this paper adds Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) have a reduced spinal cord cross-sectional area (CSA). Spinal cord gray matter is reduced in adults with CP. Spinal cord CSA is associated with hand dexterity. Magnetization transfer ratio of corticospinal tracts was lower in adults with CP.

<h1>Microstructural changes in the spinal cord of adults with cerebral palsy</h1><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Trevarrow+MP&amp;cauthor_id=33719037" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael P Trevarrow</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Baker+SE&amp;cauthor_id=33719037" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah E Baker</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Wilson+TW&amp;cauthor_id=33719037" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tony W Wilson</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Kurz+MJ&amp;cauthor_id=33719037" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Max J Kurz</a> Abstract Aim: To quantify the microstructural differences in the cervical-thoracic spinal cord of adults with cerebral palsy (CP).Method: Magnetic resonance imaging of the proximal spinal cord (C6-T3) was conducted on a cohort of adults with CP (n=13; mean age=31y 11mo, standard deviation [SD] 8y 7mo; range=20y 8mo-47y 6mo; eight females, five males) and population norm adult controls (n=16; mean age=31y 4mo, SD 9y 9mo; range=19y 4mo-49y 5mo; seven females, nine males). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the spinal cord, gray and white matter, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), and fractional anisotropy of the cuneatus and corticospinal tracts were calculated.Results: The total spinal cord CSA and proportion of the spinal cord gray matter CSA were significantly decreased in the adults with CP. The corticospinal tracts' MTR was lower in the adults with CP. Individuals that had reduced gray matter also tended to have reduced MTR in their corticospinal tracts (r=0.42, p=0.029) and worse hand dexterity clinical scores (r=0.53, p=0.004).Interpretation: These results show that there are changes in the spinal cord microstructure of adults with CP. Ultimately, these microstructural changes play a role in the extent of the hand sensorimotor deficits seen in adults with CP. What this paper adds Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) have a reduced spinal cord cross-sectional area (CSA). Spinal cord gray matter is reduced in adults with CP. Spinal cord CSA is associated with hand dexterity. Magnetization transfer ratio of corticospinal tracts was lower in adults with CP.

Episode 35 (Dr Michael Trevarrow)

The ResearchWorks Podcast

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Practical Philosophy & How To Live

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!