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In Vivo Protocol of Controlled Subconcussive Head Impacts for the Validation of Field Study Data
Published on: April 18, 2019
Head Control Changes After Headpod Use in Children With Poor Head Control: A Feasibility Study
Julie E Brown1, Mary Thompson, Kelli Brizzolara
1Fort Worth Independent School District (Dr Brown), Fort Worth, Texas; School of Physical Therapy (Drs Thompson and Brizzolara), Texas Woman's University, Dallas, Texas.
Insights
Headpod use for children with cerebral palsy (CP) significantly improved head control. Six months of daily use showed apparent positive changes, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neuromotor Impairments
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) often involves impaired head control, particularly in individuals with severe motor deficits (Gross Motor Function Classification System level V).
- Effective interventions are needed to enhance functional independence and quality of life for these children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the Headpod device in improving head control for children with CP (GMFCS level V).
- To quantify changes in head control metrics following a 6-month Headpod intervention.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving children aged 3-11 years with CP and poor head control.
- Video analysis measured active head upright time and head bobs before and after 3 and 6 months of daily Headpod use.
- Parental feedback was collected to gauge perceived changes.
Main Results:
- Fourteen children enrolled, with a 43% attrition rate.
- Significant improvements were observed in active head upright time, with greater gains at 6 months compared to baseline and 3 months.
- A decrease in head bobs was noted, though not statistically significant. Parents reported noticeable positive changes.
Conclusions:
- Six months of daily Headpod use (45 minutes/day) is feasible for children with CP (GMFCS level V).
- The Headpod demonstrates a large effect on improving active head control.
- Further investigation via a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Purpose:
To determine the feasibility of Headpod use to improve head control in children with cerebral palsy classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System level V.
Methods:
Children (3-11 years) with poor head control were video recorded before and after 3 and 6 months of Headpod use. Head control without Headpod was measured by active time children could hold head upright and number of head bobs in 5 minutes.
Results:
Fourteen children enrolled with 43% attrition rate. While average active time increased, average head bobs decreased and there were significant improvements in active time, but not head bobs. Active times were higher at 6 months compared with 3 months and baseline. Surveyed parents reported that the changes were apparent, supporting the large quantitative treatment effect.
Conclusions:
Six months of Headpod use, 45 minutes per day, appears to be feasible, has a large effect on active head control, and merits a larger randomized controlled trial.
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