Parents' perceptions of functional electrical stimulation as an upper limb intervention for young children with
Emma Swaffield1,2, Jaynie F Yang3,4, Patricia Manns3
1Lyndhurst Centre, KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
Insights
Parents found functional electrical stimulation (FES) beneficial for their children with hemiparesis, noting physical, functional, and psychological improvements. They desire increased access to this therapy for continued use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurorehabilitation
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Hemiparesis in young children often results from perinatal stroke, impacting upper extremity (UE) function.
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an intervention aimed at improving UE function in this population.
- Understanding parental perceptions is crucial for optimizing therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore parents' perceptions of an upper extremity (UE) intervention using functional electrical stimulation (FES) for young children with hemiparesis.
- To identify parental goals, perceived benefits, and challenges associated with FES therapy.
- To gather insights for improving FES intervention delivery and accessibility.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory qualitative study involving nine mothers of children (3-6 years) with hemiparesis.
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted one week after a 12-week FES intervention.
- Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative conventional content analysis.
Main Results:
- Parents set functional, exploratory, and realistic goals, initially apprehensive about FES.
- Observed physical, functional, and psychological improvements, with noted potential for further gains.
- Key themes included program structure, therapist and child factors, limited access to intensive therapy, and socioeconomic challenges.
Conclusions:
- Mothers perceived significant physical, functional, and psychological benefits from FES for their children.
- The desire for continued FES highlights a critical need to enhance access to this therapy for young children.
- Parental input offers valuable strategies for optimizing FES program structure and delivery.
Background/Objective:
To explore parents' perceptions of an upper extremity (UE) intervention using functional electrical stimulation (FES) for young children with hemiparesis.
Methods:
Parents of children aged 3-6 years with a history of perinatal stroke, impaired UE function, and participation in a 12-week FES intervention delivered at a hospital were included in this exploratory qualitative study. Nine mothers participated in a semi-structured interview < 1 week after their child completed the FES intervention (MyndMove®, MyndTec Inc.) targeting the hemiparetic UE. Open-ended questions queried parents' goals, perceived benefits, and challenges of the FES intervention. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative conventional content analysis was used to analyze the transcripts.
Results:
Five themes were identified. 1) Parents' expectations for the FES intervention. Mothers described setting functional, exploratory, and realistic goals, yet feeling initial apprehension towards FES. 2) Perceived improvement. Physical, functional, and psychological improvements were observed with FES; however, there was still room for improvement. 3) Factors influencing the FES intervention. Program structure, therapist factors, and child factors influenced perceived success. 4) Lack of access to intensive therapy. Mothers noted that FES is not provided in mainstream therapy; however, they wanted access to FES outside of the study. They also highlighted socioeconomic challenges to accessing FES. 5) Strategies to facilitate participation. The mothers provided suggestions for program structure and delivery, and session delivery.
Conclusions:
Mothers perceived the FES intervention to have physical, functional and psychological benefits for their children. Interest in continuing with FES highlights a need to improve access to this therapy for young children.
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