Dynamic Standing Exercise in a Novel Assistive Device Compared with Standard Care for Children with Cerebral Palsy Who Are Non-Ambulant, with Regard to Quality of Life and Cost-Effectiveness
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Abstract
Children with cerebral palsy who are non-ambulant cannot stand or walk independently. In Sweden, daily static standing is part of standard care for these children even though it is timeconsuming and costly, and while it may benefit the well-being of many children, it is inconvenient for others. A novel stander enables dynamic standing through walking movements. The aim of this study was to compare dynamic and static standing regarding quality of life and cost-effectiveness. Twenty children with cerebral palsy who were non-ambulant were included in this randomized
controlled study with a cross-over design. Mean age of the participants was 11.6 ± 3.6 years, nine were female. They participated in four months of static and four months of dynamic standing. Quality of life was assessed with the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD), which has been shown to be valid and reliable, and is tailored to children with severe cerebral palsy. Information about other aspects of quality of life and about cost-effectiveness was collected by study-specific questionnaires. Dynamic standing was the preferred alternative from the family perspective, as it cost less (€64, p < 0.01) and had greater benefits than standard (static standing) care. From societal and healthcare provider perspectives, dynamic standing had benefits but higher
costs than static standing (€290 and €354 respectively, p < 0.01). These findings may contribute to the development of individualized standing recommendations.
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Katarina Lauruschkus,
Katharina Fasth Gillstedt,
Åsa B. Tornberg,
Johan Jarl,
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Who Is Responsible for Students’ Challenging Behaviour? A Study of the Causal Attributions of Teachers to Challenging Behaviour in Primary Schools in West Bengal, India
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to understand the causal attributions of teachers to challenging behaviours in primary classrooms in West Bengal, India. Data from 21 teachers from government and private primary schools were collected using semistructured interviews. The study investigated the types of challenging behaviours as perceived by teachers, their causal attributions, and the strategies suggested by the teachers for managing them. The participants described challenging behaviour broadly, and it was divided into four categories: aggression, disruption, talking, and noncompliance.They reported the causes of challenging behaviours in five broad categories: home- and parent-related
causes (family violence, busy parents); social causes (socioeconomic conditions); student-related causes (disabilities); school- and teacher-related causes (large class sizes); and government- and policy-related causes (banning corporal punishment). The teachers predominantly recommended employing proactive strategies, such as improving teaching strategies, collaborating with parents, and building relationships with students. A small group of teachers recommended using reactive (e.g., discipline and threats) strategies to manage challenging behaviours in their classrooms.
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Susmita Patnaik,
Umesh Sharma,
Pearl Subban,
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Physical Activity Experiences of People with Multiple Sclerosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, government and health officials introduced measures such as social distancing and facility closures that amplified barriers to physical activity. Certain groups, including people with multiple sclerosis (MS), have been underserved during the pandemic. In this qualitative study we aimed to: (1) explore the physical activity experiences of people with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) identify the facilitators and barriers to physical activity during COVID-19 for people with MS; and (3) make recommendations for inclusive physical activity policy and programming. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 adults (9 women) with MS during January and February 2021. Following an inductive thematic analysis, three themes were developed: (1) changing opportunities and adapting to new opportunities; (2) social isolation and physical activity; and (3) adapting physical activity to stay safe from COVID-19. Common facilitators identified included having knowledge and resources to adapt activities, social connections, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities. Identified barriers included fear and anxiety related to the spread of the virus, a loss of in-person activity options, and the closure of physical activity spaces. Online and at-home opportunities for physical activity were a valued and accessible way to address
barriers to physical activity for people with MS, and should be maintained post-pandemic while considering flexibility to accommodate variable support needs.
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Alanna Koopmans,
Chelsea Pelletier,
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I Be Africa Man Original: Towards a Contextual Conceptualization of Father Involvement in the Education of Children with Disabilities in Kenya
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Abstract
Father involvement could play a significant role in the lives of children with disabilities. Research is scarce on father involvement in the education of children with disabilities in Africa. We seek to provide a context for father involvement in the formal education of children with disabilities in Kenya, with the aim of contributing to the development of a conceptual understanding for father involvement in such a circumstance. We examine general research on father involvement in Kenya, explore the policy frameworks that guide fatherhood in the country, and look at the specific area of involvement in education. We then present a case study that examines father involvement in the formal education of children with disabilities in Kenya. Our analysis flags up a key opportunity in the pursuit of education for children with disabilities when fathers are involved; they can support their children with disabilities’ access, participation and success in education. We highlight the need for research that builds upon the voices of fathers to illuminate their role in education and we also make some suggestions toward a conceptual lens that will highlight the contextual realities involved, particularly in regard to the education of children with disabilities.
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Amani Karisa,
Judith McKenzie,
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