Cognitive approach to rehabilitation in children with hyperkinetic movement disorders post-DBS

This proof-of-concept feasibility trial examined the potential of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance Approach (CO-OP) to augment deep brain stimulation (DBS) outcomes in childhood-onset hyperkinetic movement disorders (HMD) including dystonia and dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

This is a single case experimental design using multiple baseline as n-of-1 trial comprising 10 intervention sessions, with replications across participants (n = 10). Treatment focused on 3 participant-selected goals. Transfer was assessed on 2 additional untreated goals. Individuals enrolled were 6-21 years of age and had DBS in situ and sufficient manual ability. Primary outcome was functional performance change on the Performance Quality Rating Scale-Individualized (PQRS-i) measured before, during, and posttreatment, and at 3-month follow-up. Assessors of outcome were blinded to time of assessment, number of intervention session, and treatment allocation. To measure effect size, a nonoverlapping index, Tau-U, was used. Feasibility measures were captured.

One participant withdrew before baseline assessment. Effect sizes of at least 0.66 were seen at both posttreatment and follow-up with all participants showing improvements in at least one trained goal in PQRS-i. Six participants improved on all 3 goals and 2 improved on 2 trained goals. Two children showed deterioration in one trained goal each. Transfer to untrained goals was observed in 3 participants for a total of 5 goals. CO-OP was feasible and acceptable to all participants.

A cognitive-based, task-oriented approach to support performance of personally relevant functional skills enabling participation is acceptable in childhood-onset HMD post-DBS. Further, preliminary efficacy to improve outcomes and proof of concept with CO-OP has been established in this population.

This study provides Class IV evidence that for children with HMD who had undergone DBS, CO-OP improves performance of personally relevant functional skills.