Community-Based Activity Program for Physical Disabilities

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByDana Anaby, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: McGill University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Participation in community-based activities is essential to the health and well-being of youth with physical disabilities; yet, it is extremely restricted. Emerging treatment approaches aimed at improving participation have shifted from focusing only on impaired body functions towards the performance of functional meaningful activities within the youth's natural environment. Investigators' initial results from studies in Quebec show that targeting intervention at the activity/participation level can result in improvement of impaired body functions (e.g., balance, attention, anxiety) - important components to address in rehabilitation. Investigators' team aims to continue studying the impact of participation by launching a larger more rigorous study. Investigators have partnered with major organizations providing rehabilitation services for youth as well as key community-based stakeholders including youth, clinicians, and managers, and together investigators plan to further examine whether engaging in an 8-week community-based activity individually chosen by the youth (e.g., sledge hockey, drawing, playing a musical instrument) can lead to a significant improvement in three key body functions: motor, behavioral and emotional. One hundred and fifty youth with physical disabilities living in Quebec and Ontario will participate and engage in an activity of choice. Changes in their body functions (e.g., movement, attention, mood) will be measured multiple times before, during and after engagement in the chosen activity. Findings of this study can guide clinicians, families and policy-makers to select effective approaches that not only promote participation but also facilitate additional motor and mental benefits from a single intervention. Such 'real-world' treatment approaches involving activities of choice can also increase motivation, compliance and reduce burden on the healthcare system and on the youth and families.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for youth with physical disabilities like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or juvenile arthritis in Quebec or Ontario. Participants should have restricted mobility but can't join if they're recovering from severe brain injury, recent orthopedic surgery, botulinum toxin treatment within the last 6 months, have degenerative disorders or untreated severe mental health conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a physical disability like cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury.

Patients living in the province of Quebec or Ontario

I have cognitive, communication issues, or intellectual delays and will use a proxy for assessments.

+2 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am a young person with a degenerative disorder.

Youth with a severe untreated mental health condition will also be excluded based on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6)

I am a young person recovering from a severe brain injury or had orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin treatment within the last 6 months.

Participant Groups

The study tests an 8-week personalized community-based activity program to see if it improves motor skills and emotional and behavioral functions among youths with physical disabilities. The activities are chosen by the participants themselves to gauge motivation and overall well-being improvement.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Community-based activity programExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Engagement in 8-week community-based activity program.