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Greetings!
In this issue of CanChild Today, we have highlighted new resources on the CanChild website, as well as recent publications by CanChild scientists, research associates, international collaborators, post doctoral fellows, and PhD students. Please feel free to share CanChild resources and this newsletter with family, friends and colleagues. They can subscribe to the CanChild Today e-Newsletter for free by registering here. Our past issues are archived on the CanChild website, and can be accessed here! Check our What's New page for new postings on our website.
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Reflections on Integrated Knowledge Translation in Childhood Disability
This reflection paper is intended to raise awareness and stimulate thinking about Integrated Knowledge Translation (iKT), an approach that engages stakeholders not only as end users of the knowledge produced, but also as true partners in the creation of the knowledge through the entire research process and the use of the results. The importance of the processes used to generate relevant research questions is discussed, as is the use of appropriate methodologies, analysis and interpretation. Facilitation of knowledge uptake by appropriate audiences (e.g. families, service providers, managers, policy makers) is also an important component. Read more here.
Child and youth participation in leisure activities: Does the environment make a difference?
This Keeping Current, recently posted on the Participation Knowledge Hub, summarizes the research that has been published on the role of the environment in participation for children and youth who are living with a disability. A range of environmental supports and barriers to children's participation are identified along with strategies to move towards building more inclusive communities. Read more...
The Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY): In Brief
The Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) is a new measurement tool designed to help parents, service providers and researchers better understand the participation of children and youth, ages 5 to 17. The PEM-CY is a parent-report measure that asks about participation in the home, school and community, along with environmental factors within each of these settings. This In Brief describes why this new measure was developed, how it was developed, and the potential benefits of using the PEM-CY. Click here to view.
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Recent Publications by CanChild Scientists, Research Associates, International Collaborators, & Post Doctoral Fellows
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Determinants of participation in leisure activities among adolescents with cerebral palsy
This study published in Research in Developmental Disabilities examined the influence of adolescent characteristics and environmental factors as determinants of participation in leisure activities for adolescents with cerebral palsy. Results: 'Adolescent's mastery motivation, self-perception and behavior were individually associated with participation in different activity domains', but did not strongly predict participation. Preferences for activities were strong predictors of participation. Engagement in different types of leisure activities is important for adolescents' development and well-being. Adolescent and family characteristics should be considered to promote participation in leisure activities. Authors: K Shikako-Thomas, M Shevell, N Schmitz, L Lach, M Law, C Poulin, A Majnemer. Abstract.
Characteristics of pain in children and youth with cerebral palsy
In this study published in Pediatrics, 252 primary caregivers of children with cerebral palsy, ages 3-19 years, completed a questionnaire to identify the presence of pain in their children, and the impact on activities. The treating physician then provided a clinical diagnosis for the pain, if applicable. Fifty-five percent of the participants reported some pain on the Health Utilities Index 3, and 24.4% of the caregivers reported their child experienced pain that affected their activities in the preceding two weeks. Physicians identified hip subluxation, dystonia, and constipation as the most frequent causes of pain. Authors: M Penner, WY Xie, N Binepal, L Switzer, D Fehlings. Abstract.
Development of the Mini-Assisting Hand Assessment: Evidence for content and internal scale validity
This article describes the development of the Mini-Assisting Hand Assessment (Mini-AHA) which evaluates functional hand use of children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP), ages 8 - 18 months. A Mini-AHA play session was developed and found to elicit bimanual actions. Results: Rasch analysis confirmed a unidimensional scale construct for 20 items scored on a 4-point rating scale. The Mini-AHA is a valid measure of use of the affected hand during bimanual performance for children with unilateral CP ages 8 to 18 months. Published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. Authors: S Greaves, C Imms, K Dodd, L Krumlinde-Sundholm. Abstract.
Reliability and validity of short-term performance tests for wheelchair-using children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
For children who are able to walk and run independently, the Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST) evaluates anaerobic performance, while the 10 x 5-m sprint test is a marker of agility. The arm-cranking Wingate Anaerobic Test has been used in clinics for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This article published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology identifies the MPST and the 10 x 5-m sprint test as two inexpensive and easy to administer short-term performance wheelchair tests. The MPST is a reproducible and valid anaerobic exercise test for children with CP who self propel a wheelchair. Authors: O Verschuren, M Zwinkels, J Obeid, N Kerkhof, M Ketelaar, T Takken. Abstract.
The leisure activity settings and experiences of youth with severe disabilities
This research, published in Developmental Neurorehabilitation, describes the experiences of youth with severe disabilities in their chosen activity settings and the environmental qualities of these settings. The youth in the study used augmentative and alternative communication, or had complex continuing care needs. Youth completed the Self-Reported Experiences of Activity Settings questionnaire and therapists completed the Measure of Environmental Qualities of Activity Settings Results: youths' selected activity settings provided relatively high opportunities for choice, interaction with adults, and social activities, and the youth experienced relatively high levels of psychological engagement, social belonging, and control and choice. Authors: G King, B Batorowicz, P Rigby, M Pinto, L Thompson, F Goh. Abstract.
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