The clinical effectiveness and personal experience of supported standing for children with cerebral palsy: a comprehensive systematic review protocol

Abstract

Review question/objective The overall aim of this systematic review is to explore the uptake, clinical effectiveness, and personal experience of standing frame use for children with cerebral palsy. The quantitative objectives are to identify: 1.the clinical effectiveness of standing frame use for children with cerebral palsy on impairments, activities, participations, and quality of life. 2.the level of uptake of, and adherence to, regular standing frame programs The qualitative objectives are to identify, for children with cerebral palsy, and their families/caregivers: 1.their experience of using a standing frame program 2.the enablers and barriers of using a standing frame program Quantitative component inclusion criteria Types of participants Quantitative studies that include children and adolescents (aged < 18 years) with cerebral palsy will be considered. Types of intervention(s) Studies that evaluate standing frame interventions in comparison to either usual care or other specific physiotherapy interventions will be considered. Types of outcomes The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health will be used as the framework on which to classify the outcomes measured in the reviewed studies. Many physiotherapy approaches or interventions are directed at the “body functions and structures” domain of the The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health with the aim of hopefully improving the activities and participation of the child. However, it is often not known whether improvements at the impairment level will transfer into functional gains or gains to a child’s level of participation. This SR will attempt to identify whether this is the case. To ensure categorization to the correct The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domain we will use the http://apps.who.int/classifications/icfbrowser/ tool. Listed below are the outcomes of interest:- Impairments of the child and adolescent with cerebral palsy: • contracture • range of motion • spasticity • spasms • muscle strength • muscle bulk • pain • balance • pressure areas/pressure sores • hip migration index • bone mineral density • bladder symptoms • bowel symptoms/bowel evacuation • sensory • respiration • confidence • self-esteem Activities of the child and adolescent with cerebral palsy • motor function • standing ability • activities of daily living • walking/gait • standing • transfers • mobility • communication • upper limb function • head control Participations of the child and adolescent with cerebral palsy • community mobility • education • leisure pursuits • social life In addition, the following outcomes data will also be extracted: • carer TRUNCATED AT 350 WORDS