Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Behavioral and Locomotor Measurements Using an Open Field Activity Monitoring System for Skeletal Muscle Diseases
Published on: September 29, 2014
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Children with Neuromuscular Disorders Followed at Penn State Health
Rea Mittal1, Caroline Maltese1, Elizabeth Bolt1
1Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
Insights
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common in pediatric neuromuscular disease patients. Disclosure to neurologists is low, but interest in future CAM use is high among caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in pediatric neuromuscular diseases is unknown.
- Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Care Center Clinics nationwide serve this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine CAM usage prevalence in pediatric patients with neuromuscular diseases.
- Assess caregiver disclosure of CAM use and perceived provider support.
- Identify caregiver interest in future CAM use.
Main Methods:
- Online survey administered to 52 caregivers of pediatric patients at a Pediatric MDA Care Center Clinic.
- Data collected on CAM usage, disclosure to neurologists, and perceived provider support.
Main Results:
- 19.2% of caregivers reported CAM use for their child.
- Less than half (41.5%) of caregivers discussed CAM use with their child's neurologist.
- A majority of respondents (52.8%) expressed interest in future CAM use.
Conclusions:
- Understanding CAM prevalence and disclosure is crucial for safe integration in pediatric MDA clinics.
- Findings highlight a need for improved communication regarding CAM between caregivers and healthcare providers.
- Further research can inform safer CAM practices for children with neuromuscular diseases.
Abstract:
The exact prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is not known in pediatric patients with neuromuscular diseases followed by any of the 150 Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Care Center Clinics nationwide. This study describes the prevalence and variety of CAM usage in this population, while also assessing the prevalence of caregiver disclosure of CAM use and caregiver perception of provider support for CAM. Fifty-two caregivers of pediatric patients seen at Penn State Health's Pediatric MDA Care Center Clinic completed our online survey. Overall, 19.2% of caregivers reported CAM use by their child. Less than half of caregivers reported discussing CAM use with their child's neurologist (41.5%); however, a majority of respondents reported interest in using CAM for their child in the future (52.8%). Understanding the prevalence of CAM usage and disclosure in pediatric MDA clinics may facilitate safer use of CAM in this community.
More Related Videos
09:18Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
07:20Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:21Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:12Alterations in Muscle Tone ll