Improving Occupational Performance in Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) requires comprehensive care, yet the role of occupational therapy (OT) is understudied.
• A critical gap exists in understanding the efficacy of OT interventions for pediatric HCT patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of frequent occupational therapy (4-5 sessions/week) on pediatric HCT patients.
• To assess the effect of OT on strength, coordination, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 32 pediatric patients undergoing HCT.
• Occupational therapy interventions included play, therapeutic exercises, fine motor activities, and ADL training.
• Comparison of outcomes between high-frequency (4-5x/wk) and low-frequency OT groups.

Main Results:

• High-frequency OT led to significantly smaller declines in grip strength, fine motor dexterity, and ADL independence.
• Patients receiving high-frequency OT showed quicker recovery of grip strength and ADL function to baseline levels.
• This highlights the positive impact of intensive occupational therapy on functional recovery post-HCT.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy delivered 4-5 times per week positively influences strength, coordination, and ADL independence in pediatric HCT patients.
• Occupational therapists are integral to the interdisciplinary team for pediatric bone marrow transplant care.
• High-frequency OT interventions are crucial for enhancing upper extremity strength and functional independence.