E-survey of current international physiotherapy practice for children with ataxia following surgical resection of posterior fossa tumour

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine how physio therapists in different countries currently treat child ren with balance/coordination problems following sur gery for a brain tumour. An esurvey, with questions on type of physiotherapy treatment, intensity and ti ming of treatment, and aims and outcomes of phy siotherapy management, was sent to special interest groups, which included physiotherapists with expertise in this area. A total of 96 physiotherapists participated in the survey. The most common physiotherapy treat ments used were balance exercises and gait reedu cation. Mobility aids and orthotics (e.g. splints) were also commonly used. Physiotherapists reported chal lenges to treatment, including lack of availability of physiotherapy following discharge from hospital, lack of evidence to guide treatment, and impact of onco logy treatment (e.g. chemotherapy/radiotherapy) on the child's rehabilitation. In conclusion, there is little evidence in this area. The results of this survey pro vide an initial basis to understand the challenges of treatment and to plan future research. Objective: To determine current international practice regarding physiotherapy input for children with ataxia following surgery for posterior fossa tumour. Design: An e-survey covering the following domains: participant demographics, treatment/ intervention, virtual training, intensity/timing of treatment, and aims and outcomes of physiotherapy management. Participants: Physiotherapists involved in the management of children with ataxia following surgical resection of posterior fossa tumour.

The Care and Management of Children and Young People with Ataxia Telangiectasia Provided by Nurses and Allied Health Professionals: a Scoping Review

“…However, no mention of any anticipated change in these measures or knowledge of minimal clinically important differences (MCID) related to physiotherapy intervention was provided by the respondents. This study provides a unique contribution to the understanding of good areas of practice, including multidisciplinary team rehabilitation and use of individualized treatment planning and standardized outcome measures from the perspective of physiotherapists [ 41 ].…”

“…It is noteworthy that, within the limited evidence identified, discrepancies exist between the perspectives of physiotherapists and parents regarding the value of interventions, emphasizing the importance of gathering multiple viewpoints [ 41 , 42 ]. We did not identify any studies that examined the perspective of the children or young people themselves regarding their health and well-being which presents a significant gap in the field.…”

“…The perspectives of parents and/or physiotherapists on the effects of physiotherapy were reported by three studies [41][42][43]. In an online survey of 96 physiotherapists [41] who treat children with ataxia, the most reported interventions were balance exercises (28%), task-specific training (23%), and proximal control activities (21%) and these were also ranked as the most effective types of treatment. Of the adjunct therapies reported, orthotics and walking/mobility aids (both 31%) were the most common and also ranked as the most effective.…”