Shari L Wade1, Megan E Narad2, Emily L Shultz2,3, Brad G Kurowski4, Aimee E Miley2, Jessica M Aguilar2, Anna-Lynne R Adlam5. 1. Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA - shari.wade@cchmc.org. 2. Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 3. Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 4. Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 5. Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), children experience a variety of physical, motor, speech, and cognitive deficits that can have a long-term detrimental impact. The emergence and popularity of new technologies has led to research into the development of various apps, gaming systems, websites, and robotics that might be applied to rehabilitation. The objective of this narrative review was to describe the current literature regarding technologically-assisted interventions for the rehabilitation of motor, neurocognitive, behavioral, and family impairments following pediatric TBI. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a series of searches for peer-reviewed manuscripts published between 2000 and 2017 that included a technology-assisted component in the domains of motor, language/communication, cognition, behavior, social competence/functioning, family, and academic/school-based functioning. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Findings suggested several benefits of utilizing technology in TBI rehabilitation including facilitating engagement/adherence, increasing access to therapies, and improving generalizability across settings. There is fairly robust evidence regarding the efficacy of online family problem-solving therapy in improving behavior problems, executive functioning, and family functioning. There was less compelling, but still promising, evidence regarding the efficacy other technology for motor deficits, apps for social skills, and computerized programs for cognitive skills. Overall, many studies were limited in the rigor of their methodology due to small heterogeneous samples and lack of control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Technology-assisted interventions have the potential to enhance pediatric rehabilitation after TBI. Future research is needed to further support their efficacy with larger controlled trials and to identify characteristics of children who are most likely to benefit.
INTRODUCTION: Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), children experience a variety of physical, motor, speech, and cognitive deficits that can have a long-term detrimental impact. The emergence and popularity of new technologies has led to research into the development of various apps, gaming systems, websites, and robotics that might be applied to rehabilitation. The objective of this narrative review was to describe the current literature regarding technologically-assisted interventions for the rehabilitation of motor, neurocognitive, behavioral, and family impairments following pediatric TBI. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a series of searches for peer-reviewed manuscripts published between 2000 and 2017 that included a technology-assisted component in the domains of motor, language/communication, cognition, behavior, social competence/functioning, family, and academic/school-based functioning. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Findings suggested several benefits of utilizing technology in TBI rehabilitation including facilitating engagement/adherence, increasing access to therapies, and improving generalizability across settings. There is fairly robust evidence regarding the efficacy of online family problem-solving therapy in improving behavior problems, executive functioning, and family functioning. There was less compelling, but still promising, evidence regarding the efficacy other technology for motor deficits, apps for social skills, and computerized programs for cognitive skills. Overall, many studies were limited in the rigor of their methodology due to small heterogeneous samples and lack of control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Technology-assisted interventions have the potential to enhance pediatric rehabilitation after TBI. Future research is needed to further support their efficacy with larger controlled trials and to identify characteristics of children who are most likely to benefit.
Authors: Karin Brütsch; Alexander Koenig; Lukas Zimmerli; Susan Mérillat-Koeneke; Robert Riener; Lutz Jäncke; Hubertus J A van Hedel; Andreas Meyer-Heim Journal: J Rehabil Med Date: 2011-05 Impact factor: 2.912
Authors: Shari L Wade; Megan E Narad; Kathleen M Kingery; H Gerry Taylor; Terry Stancin; Michael W Kirkwood; Keith O Yeates Journal: Rehabil Psychol Date: 2017-08
Authors: Brad G Kurowski; Shari L Wade; Michael W Kirkwood; Tanya M Brown; Terry Stancin; H Gerry Taylor Journal: JAMA Pediatr Date: 2014-06 Impact factor: 16.193