The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experience of adolescents who live with chronic pain. All 10 participants were between the ages of 13 and 17 and have lived with chronic pain for at least 6 months. Data sources for the study were two interviews for each participant, participant drawn depictions of their chronic pain, and researcher journaling. The person-environment-occupation model was used to frame the research design. The study found four main themes among the data: pain identity, invisible disease, occupational loss, and uphill climb to regain life. Each theme described the essence of the common experience of adolescents living with chronic pain. Occupational therapists can benefit from incorporating this knowledge base into their practice when providing intervention for individuals living with chronic pain to improve their overall quality of life and occupational performance.

Purpose: Although pediatric physical therapists may evaluate and treat infants with both congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), a literature review found only 1 article suggesting a connection between these diagnoses. This study investigates a correlation between CMT and GERD. Methods: A retrospective chart review spanning 5 years including 2519 infants younger than 12 months examined the correlation between CMT, GERD, and other comorbidities including developmental dysplasia of the hip, oligohydramnios, multiparity, and breech positioning. Results: The CMT cohort had a significantly higher rate of GERD versus the general population. For all age groups, the GERD rate was significantly higher in the CMT population than in the reference population. The rate of developmental dysplasia of the hip, oligohydramnios, and breech positioning was higher in infants with both CMT and GERD. Conclusions: The increased likelihood of infants with CMT also having GERD has clinical implications for the pediatric physical therapist.

Date Presented 4/8/2016 Custom hand therapy video games with contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation is an experimental device that may improve fine motor, dexterity, and upper body use, leading to improved occupational engagement and performance. Primary Author and Speaker: Ryan Suder Additional Author and Speaker: Anna Curby Contributing Author: Michael Fu, Jayme Knutson

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