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MiYoga: a randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness movement programme based on hatha yoga principles for children
Catherine Mak1,2, Koa Whittingham1,2, Ross Cunnington2
1Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre (QCPRRC), The University of Queensland Child Health Research Centre (UQ-CHRC), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
This study investigates the MiYoga intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP) to improve attention and well-being. Results are pending, but the intervention aims to enhance cognitive and emotional outcomes for affected children and their families.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Child Psychology
- Mind-Body Interventions
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability, often accompanied by cognitive challenges like attention deficits.
- These cognitive impairments significantly impact a child's daily functioning, education, and social integration.
- A novel family-centered intervention, MiYoga, is being evaluated to address these needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of the MiYoga program in enhancing sustained attentional ability in children with CP.
- To evaluate the impact of MiYoga on other child outcomes, including attentional control, physical function, behavior, and well-being.
- To examine the effects of MiYoga on parent outcomes, specifically mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and well-being.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 36 child-parent dyads with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System I-III).
- Participants were assigned to either the 8-week MiYoga group or a waitlist control group.
- Data collected at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up using Conner's Continuous Performance Test II and other measures.
Main Results:
- Recruitment for the study is complete, with 36 child-parent dyads enrolled.
- Data collection is ongoing and is anticipated to conclude by February 2017.
- Preliminary findings are not yet available as data analysis is pending.
Conclusions:
- The MiYoga intervention protocol has been established and ethically approved.
- If effective, MiYoga has the potential to complement existing therapies for children with CP.
- The intervention aims to improve attention and reduce stress for children with CP and their families.
Introduction:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability, with life-long impacts for 1.77 in 1000 children. Although CP is primarily a physical disability, children with CP have an increased risk of experiencing cognitive difficulties, particularly attention and executive function deficits. Impairment in cognitive abilities can lead to subsequent impairment in independent functioning, education, employment and interpersonal relationships. This paper reports the protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a novel family-centred lifestyle intervention based on mindfulness and hatha yoga principles (MiYoga). MiYoga aims to enhance child and parent outcomes for children with CP.
Methods And Analysis:
The aim is to recruit 36 child-parent dyads (children aged 6-16 years; bilateral or unilateral CP; Gross Motor Function Classification System I-III), who will be randomly assigned to two groups: MiYoga andwaitlistt control. The MiYoga programme will be facilitated in a group format for 8 weeks. Assessments will be administered at baseline, prior to MiYoga, following completion of MiYoga, and at 6-month follow-up (retention). The primary outcome will be the child's sustained attentional ability as measured by the Conner's Continuous Performance Test II. Other outcomes of interest for children with CP consists of attentional control, physical functioning, behavioural and well-being. For parents, the outcomes of interest are mindfulness, psychological flexibility and well-being. Data will be analysed using general linear models, specifically analysis of covariance and analysis of variance.
Ethics And Dissemination:
Full ethical approval for this study has been obtained by the Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service Research Ethics Committee (HREC/12/QRCH/120) and The University of Queensland (2012000993). If MiYoga is proven effective, its dissemination would assist children with CP and complement their ongoing therapy by improving the ability of the child to pay attention at school and in therapy, and alleviating environmentalstressorss for both the child and his/her parents.
Trial Registration Number:
ACTRN12613000729729; Pre-results.http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12613000729729.aspx DATE OF TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospectively registered on 2 July 2013-present (ongoing).
Findings To Date:
Recruitment is complete. Data are still being collected at present. We aim to complete data collection by February 2017.
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