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Current Neurology and Neuroscience... Feb 2020Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability of childhood, but the rate is falling, and severity is lessening. We conducted a systematic overview of best...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability of childhood, but the rate is falling, and severity is lessening. We conducted a systematic overview of best available evidence (2012-2019), appraising evidence using GRADE and the Evidence Alert Traffic Light System and then aggregated the new findings with our previous 2013 findings. This article summarizes the best available evidence interventions for preventing and managing cerebral palsy in 2019.
RECENT FINDINGS
Effective prevention strategies include antenatal corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, caffeine, and neonatal hypothermia. Effective allied health interventions include acceptance and commitment therapy, action observations, bimanual training, casting, constraint-induced movement therapy, environmental enrichment, fitness training, goal-directed training, hippotherapy, home programs, literacy interventions, mobility training, oral sensorimotor, oral sensorimotor plus electrical stimulation, pressure care, stepping stones triple P, strength training, task-specific training, treadmill training, partial body weight support treadmill training, and weight-bearing. Effective medical and surgical interventions include anti-convulsants, bisphosphonates, botulinum toxin, botulinum toxin plus occupational therapy, botulinum toxin plus casting, diazepam, dentistry, hip surveillance, intrathecal baclofen, scoliosis correction, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and umbilical cord blood cell therapy. We have provided guidance about what works and what does not to inform decision-making, and highlighted areas for more research.
Topics: Cerebral Palsy; Child; Humans
PubMed: 32086598
DOI: 10.1007/s11910-020-1022-z -
The American Journal of Occupational... 2017Occupational therapy practitioners are key health care providers for people with musculoskeletal disorders of the distal upper extremity. It is imperative that... (Review)
Review
Occupational therapy practitioners are key health care providers for people with musculoskeletal disorders of the distal upper extremity. It is imperative that practitioners understand the most effective and efficient means for remediating impairments and supporting clients in progressing to independence in purposeful occupations. This systematic review provides an update to a previous review by summarizing articles published between 2006 and July 2014 related to the focused question, What is the evidence for the effect of occupational therapy interventions on functional outcomes for adults with musculoskeletal disorders of the forearm, wrist, and hand? A total of 59 articles were reviewed. Evidence for interventions was synthesized by condition within bone, joint, and general hand disorders; peripheral nerve disorders; and tendon disorders. The strongest evidence supports postsurgical early active motion protocols and splinting for various conditions. Very few studies have examined occupation-based interventions. Implications for occupational therapy practice and research are provided.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Dupuytren Contracture; Forearm; Hand; Humans; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Occupational Therapy; Orthopedic Procedures; Osteoarthritis; Radius Fractures; Splints; Tendinopathy; Tendon Transfer; Treatment Outcome; Trigger Finger Disorder; Wrist
PubMed: 28027038
DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2017.023234 -
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal Jun 2019Paediatric occupational therapy seeks to improve children's engagement and participation in life roles. A wide variety of intervention approaches exist. Our aim was to...
INTRODUCTION
Paediatric occupational therapy seeks to improve children's engagement and participation in life roles. A wide variety of intervention approaches exist. Our aim was to summarise the best-available intervention evidence for children with disabilities, to assist families and therapists choose effective care.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review (SR) using the Cochrane methodology, and reported findings according to PRISMA. CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, OTSeeker, PEDro, PsycINFO were searched. Two independent reviewers: (i) determined whether studies met inclusion: SR or randomised controlled trial (RCT); an occupational therapy intervention for children with a disability; (ii) categorised interventions based on name, core components and diagnostic population; (iii) rated quality of evidence and determined the strength of recommendation using GRADE criteria; and (iv) made recommendations using the Evidence Alert Traffic Light System.
RESULTS
129 articles met inclusion (n = 75 (58%) SRs; n = 54 (42%)) RCTs, measuring the effectiveness of 52 interventions, across 22 diagnoses, enabling analysis of 135 intervention indications. Thirty percent of the indications assessed (n = 40/135) were graded 'do it' (Green Go); 56% (75/135) 'probably do it' (Yellow Measure); 10% (n = 14/135) 'probably don't do it' (Yellow Measure); and 4% (n = 6/135) 'don't do it' (Red Stop). Green lights were: Behavioural Interventions; Bimanual; Coaching; Cognitive Cog-Fun & CAPS; CO-OP; CIMT; CIMT plus Bimanual; Context-Focused; Ditto; Early Intervention (ABA, Developmental Care); Family Centred Care; Feeding interventions; Goal Directed Training; Handwriting Task-Specific Practice; Home Programs; Joint Attention; Mental Health Interventions; occupational therapy after toxin; Kinesiotape; Pain Management; Parent Education; PECS; Positioning; Pressure Care; Social Skills Training; Treadmill Training and Weight Loss 'Mighty Moves'.
CONCLUSION
Evidence supports 40 intervention indications, with the greatest number at the activities-level of the International Classification of Function. Yellow light interventions should be accompanied by a sensitive outcome measure to monitor progress and red light interventions could be discontinued because effective alternatives existed.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Disabled Children; Occupational Therapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 30968419
DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12573 -
BMJ Open Nov 2019To determine the effect of occupational therapy provided at home on activities of daily living, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and quality of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of occupational therapy provided at home on activities of daily living, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and quality of life (QOL) for people with dementia, and the effect on family carer burden, depression and QOL.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Eight databases were searched to February 2018. Randomised controlled trials of occupational therapy delivered at home for people with dementia and their family carers that measured ADL, and/or BPSD were included. Two independent reviewers determined eligibility, risk of bias and extracted data.
RESULTS
Fifteen trials were included (n=2063). Occupational therapy comprised multiple components (median=8 sessions). Compared with usual care or attention control occupational therapy resulted in improvements in the following outcomes for people with dementia: overall ADL after intervention (standardised means difference (SMD) 0.61, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.05); instrumental ADL alone (SMD 0.22, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.37; moderate quality); number of behavioural and psychological symptoms (SMD -0.32, 95% CI -0.57 to -0.08; moderate quality); and QOL (SMD 0.76, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.24) after the intervention and at follow-up (SMD 1.07, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.55). Carers reported less hours assisting the person with dementia (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.07); had less distress with behaviours (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.05; moderate quality) and improved QOL (SMD 0.99, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.33; moderate quality). Two studies compared occupational therapy with a comparison intervention and found no statistically significant results. GRADE ratings indicated evidence was very low to moderate quality.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that occupational therapy provided at home may improve a range of important outcomes for people with dementia and their family carers. Health professionals could consider referring them for occupational therapy.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42011001166.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Caregivers; Dementia; Humans; Occupational Therapy; Quality of Life
PubMed: 31719067
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026308 -
Clinical Rehabilitation Jan 2022This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effects of strength training program in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy to improve function,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effects of strength training program in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy to improve function, activity, and participation.
DATA SOURCES
Five electronic databases (MEDLINE-Pubmed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched for full-text articles published from inception to 30 June 2021.
REVIEW METHODS
Randomized controlled trials were included, who compared: (i) child population with spastic cerebral palsy population between 0 and 22 years; (ii) studies in which a muscle strength training program was performed and included dosing information; (iii) studies comparing strength training with other physical therapy technique(s) or untreated control group. Studies with similar outcomes were pooled by calculating standardized mean differences. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias and PROSPERO's registration number ID: CRD42020193535.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies, comprising 847 participants with spastic cerebral palsy. The meta-analyses demonstrated significant standardized mean differences in favor of strength training program compared to other physical therapy technique(s) or untreated control group(s) for muscle strength at the knee flexors, at the knee extensor, at the plantarflexors, maximum resistance, balance, gait speed, GMFM (global, D and E dimension) and spasticity.
CONCLUSION
A strength training program has positive functional and activity effects on muscle strength, balance, gait speed, or gross motor function without increasing spasticity for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I, II, and III when adequate dosage and specific principles are utilized.
Topics: Adolescent; Cerebral Palsy; Child; Humans; Muscle Strength; Muscles; Resistance Training; Walking Speed
PubMed: 34407619
DOI: 10.1177/02692155211040199 -
The American Journal of Occupational... 2017People with musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder commonly experience pain, decreased strength, and restricted range of motion (ROM) that limit participation in... (Review)
Review
People with musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder commonly experience pain, decreased strength, and restricted range of motion (ROM) that limit participation in meaningful occupational activities. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence for interventions within the occupational therapy scope of practice that address pain reduction and increase participation in functional activities. Seventy-six studies were reviewed for this study-67 of Level I evidence, 7 of Level II evidence, and 2 of Level III evidence. Strong evidence was found that ROM, strengthening exercises, and joint mobilizations can improve function and decrease pain. The evidence to support physical modalities is moderate to mixed, depending on the shoulder disorder. Occupational therapy practitioners can use this evidence to guide daily clinical decision making.
Topics: Bursitis; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Neck Pain; Occupational Therapy; Range of Motion, Articular; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome; Shoulder Pain; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28027039
DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2017.023127 -
The American Journal of Occupational... Sep 2022Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Occupational therapy... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Occupational therapy practitioners use creative arts interventions for children with ASD, but relevant evidence for these interventions is lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To provide occupational therapists evidence of the benefit of creative arts interventions for children with ASD by evaluating treatment efficacy and connecting the evidence with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (4th ed.; OTPF-4).
DATA SOURCES
We searched peer-reviewed articles in six databases: CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, Ovid, PsycInfo, and Scopus. Eighteen articles published between 2000 and 2020 met Level 1b or 2b evidence criteria and were retrieved for full review; 15 were included in this scoping review.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION
We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to extract data. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Level 1b or 2b study; (2) quantitative data; (3) published in English; (4) population of children (ages <18 yr); (5) primary diagnosis of ASD; and (6) creative arts intervention in the forms of drawing, painting, or coloring; music; or theater.
FINDINGS
Creative arts interventions benefited children with ASD in two OTPF-4 areas (process and social interaction) pertaining to the Performance Skills domain and one OTPF-4 area (body functions) pertaining to the Client Factors domain. We found similar effects for group and individual intervention sessions, and significant improvements required multiple sessions.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Our findings provide evidence for the efficacy of creative arts interventions to enhance occupation-based outcomes for children with ASD. What This Article Adds: Our findings support occupational therapy practitioners' use of creative arts interventions to improve OTPF-4-based client factors and process and social interaction skills for children with ASD.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Communication; Humans; Occupational Therapy; Occupations; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36007137
DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2022.049320 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Apr 2023This statement paper summarises and appraises the evidence on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of common shoulder injuries in sports. We systematically searched... (Review)
Review
Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of common shoulder injuries in sport: grading the evidence - a statement paper commissioned by the Danish Society of Sports Physical Therapy (DSSF).
This statement paper summarises and appraises the evidence on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of common shoulder injuries in sports. We systematically searched Medline and Embase. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool was applied to evaluate the overall quality of evidence.For diagnosis, we included 19 clinical tests from mixed populations. Tests for anterior instability, biceps-labrum complex injuries and full subscapularis rupture had high diagnostic accuracy (low to moderate quality of evidence).For prevention, the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, the Shoulder Control, the FIFA 11+ shoulder injury prevention programmes, and a baseball-specific programme (range of motion, stretching, dynamic stability and strengthening exercises) showed moderate to large effect size in reducing the risk of shoulder injury compared with no intervention (very low to moderate quality of evidence).For treatment, a rehabilitation programme including stretching, ice packs, electrotherapy and compression, and strengthening exercises showed a large effect size in reducing pain and disability compared with no intervention in athletes with subacromial impingement syndrome (very low to moderate quality of evidence). For the treatment of supraspinatus tendinopathy, hyperthermia treatment (heating the skin to 38°C-40°C) resulted in large effect size in reducing pain and disability compared with ultrasound or pendular swinging and stretching exercises (moderate quality of evidence). Strengthening exercise alone or in combination with stretching exercises promoted a large effect in reducing shoulder pain (cohort studies, no comparators) (very low quality of evidence). The quality of evidence for most estimates was low to moderate, indicating that future high-quality research may alter our recommendations for clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Sports; Shoulder Injuries; Exercise Therapy; Shoulder Pain; Denmark
PubMed: 36261251
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105674 -
Occupational Therapy International Dec 2015The use of interventions based on the best available evidence in occupational therapy is essential, and evaluation of research is part of an evidence-based practice. The... (Review)
Review
The use of interventions based on the best available evidence in occupational therapy is essential, and evaluation of research is part of an evidence-based practice. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of studies describing and evaluating the effects of occupational therapy interventions on chronic pain. A systematic review of studies with diverse designs was carried out. A quality assessment was conducted, and the level of evidence was defined using the Research Pyramid Model. Of 19 included studies, three received the highest evidence level, and three were considered to be of high quality. The clinical recommendations that can be derived from this study are the following: occupational therapy interventions should start from the identified needs of the person with chronic pain; no support exists for the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback training as a supplement, more studies are needed to confirm this result; the efficacy of instructions on body mechanics was significant during work-hardening treatment; and occupational therapists need to perform and present more clinical studies of high quality and high-evidence level to build up a trustworthy arsenal of evidence-based interventions, for example, in persons with chronic pain.
Topics: Biofeedback, Psychology; Chronic Pain; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Low Back Pain; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Therapy; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 26076994
DOI: 10.1002/oti.1396 -
JAMA Network Open Oct 2022Loneliness and social isolation are public health concerns faced by older adults due to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that develop with aging. Loneliness... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Loneliness and social isolation are public health concerns faced by older adults due to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that develop with aging. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate interventions, targeting older adults, associated with a reduction in loneliness and social isolation.
DATA SOURCES
OVID, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
Peer-reviewed randomized clinical trials measuring loneliness and social isolation or support in adults aged 65 years or older. Only English language articles were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects models were performed to pool the overall effect size by intervention. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic and by estimating prediction intervals. Data were analyzed from November 2021 to September 2022.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Quantitative measures of loneliness, social isolation, or social support based on an effect size of standardized mean differences.
RESULTS
Seventy studies were included in the systematic review (8259 participants); 44 studies were included in the loneliness meta-analysis (33 in the community with 3535 participants; 11 in long-term care with 1057 participants), with participants' ages ranging from 55 to 100 years. Study sizes ranged from 8 to 741 participants. Interventions included animal therapy, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, multicomponent, counseling, exercise, music therapy, occupational therapy, reminiscence therapy, social interventions, and technological interventions. Most interventions had a small effect size. Animal therapy in long-term care, when accounting for studies with no active controls, had the largest effect size on loneliness reduction (-1.86; 95% CI, -3.14 to -0.59; I2 = 86%) followed by technological interventions (videoconferencing) in long-term care (-1.40; 95% CI, -2.37 to -0.44; I2 = 70%).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this study, animal therapy and technology in long-term care had large effect sizes, but also high heterogeneity, so the effect size's magnitude should be interpreted with caution. The small number of studies per intervention limits conclusions on sources of heterogeneity. Overall quality of evidence was very low. Future studies should consider measures of social isolation in long-term care and identify the contextual components that are associated with a reduction in loneliness.
Topics: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Exercise; Loneliness; Psychotherapy; Social Isolation
PubMed: 36251294
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.36676