None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This randomized comparison trial will test the efficacy of a novel rehabilitation (Move it to improve it' (MiTii) which involves the use of a web based, intensive, individualized, multi-modal therapy program with therapists acting as virtual trainers, over a 20 week period, and comparing this approach to standard care received in children with acquired brain injury.
Interventions
Mitii: Move it to improve it is an internet- based multimodal therapy which combines upper limb (UL) training within the context of meaningful physical activity that can be accessed in children's homes. Inherent in this approach is the ability to scaffold visual perception skills and cognitive challenge, both important aspects of activity engagement in a virtual training environment.
The program is potentially cost effective as only 3 center based therapists (occupational therapist, physiotherap
Mitii: Move it to improve it is an internet- based multimodal therapy which combines upper limb (UL) training within the context of meaningful physical activity that can be accessed in children's homes. Inherent in this approach is the ability to scaffold visual perception skills and cognitive challenge, both important aspects of activity engagement in a virtual training environment. The program is potentially cost effective as only 3 center based therapists (occupational therapist, physiotherapist, neuropsychologist) are required to provide initial assessment, goal setting and training for families and participating children. Each therapist is then able to remotely moditfy the individualised program each week. The current application proposes to test the efficacy of Mitii in a waitlist randomised controlled trial. We propose to provide Mitii at an intensity of 30 minutes per day for 6 days per week over 20 weeks (total dose 60 hours). All children will therefore receive the therapy within 12 months of being randomised either to commence Mitii immediately or after 5 months, with retention of effects tested at 40 weeks. As current therapy programs are resource intensive and time consuming it its important to determine if gains from Mitii are sustained as this could offer a cost effective model of care, particularly for rural, remote and isolated children with acquired brain injuries.
Sponsors
University of Queensland
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Other
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
8 Years to 16 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
i. Sufficient cooperation, cognitive understanding, visual acuity and verbal communication to perform the assessments and intervention; ii. Minimum 12 months since most recent head injury sustained; iii. Equivalent GMFCS I to II and MACS I to III; (ie independently ambulate and handle most types of objects independently) iv. Classification of Moderate (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 9 to12 and/or neurosurgical intervention) or Severe (GCS score <9 and/or neurosurgical intervention) brain injury. v. Able to participate in the study over a 12 month period (i.e. stable homeenvironment) vi. Screened for eligibility by rehabilitation specialist vii.The child will be considered for the study if the child had a physical impairment following brain injury and now presents with a residual physical impairment (e.g. may only be mild fine motor or high level gross motor, or motor processing difficulties).
Exclusion criteria
i. Unstable brain injury (e.g degenerative or metabolic conditions) ii. Unstable epilepsy (frequent seizures uncontrolled by medication) iii. Have undergone active medical treatment (e.g. radiation or chemotherapy) in past 6 months iv. Have undergone any surgical intervention e.g. orthopaedic or neurosurgical in the past 6 months. Children who have received intramuscular Botulinium Toxin Type A injections will have entry delayed by 1 month after completion of standard care. v. No physical impairment following their brain injury.
Outcome results
None listed