No abstract

Infants with developmental delays must be detected early in their development to minimize the progression of motor and neurological impairments. Our objective is to quantify how sensorized toys in a natural play environment can promote infant-toy physical interactions. We created a hanging elephant toy, equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a pressure transducer, and multiple feedback sensors, to be a hand-grasping toy. We used a 3 DoF robotic model with inputs from the IMU to calculate multiple kinematic metrics and an equation to calculate haptic metrics from the pressure transducer. Six typical infants were tested in the gym set-up. Three infants interacted with the toy for more than half the trial time. The youngest infant exhibited the largest toy displacement with ΔD = 27.6 cm, while the oldest infant squeezed the toy with the largest mean pressure of 4.5 kPa. More data on on both typical and atypical infants needs to be collected. After testing atypical infants in the SmarToyGym set-up, we will be able to identify interaction metrics that differentiate atypical and typical infants.

Pediatric hemiplegia, caused by a unilateral brain injury during childhood, can lead to motor deficits such as weakness and abnormal joint torque coupling patterns which may result in a loss of independent joint control. It is hypothesized that these motor impairments are present in the paretic lower extremity, especially at the hip joint where extension may be abnormally coupled with adduction. Previous studies investigating lower extremity isometric joint torques in children with spastic cerebral palsy used tools that limited data collection to one degree of freedom, making it impossible to quantify these coupling patterns. We describe the adaptation of a multijoint lower extremity isometric torque measurement device to allow for quantification of weakness and abnormal joint torque coupling patterns at the hip in the pediatric population. We also present preliminary data in three children without hemiplegia to highlight how the presence of atypical femoral bony geometry, often observed in childhood hemiplegia, can be accounted for in the Jacobian transformations and affect joint torque measurements at the hip.

Objective(s) Our objective was to investigate the motivators and barriers associated with the individual or family decision to participate in cerebral palsy research. Based on this information, we offer suggestions to increase the likelihood of participation in future CP studies. Methods A digital survey was administered to stakeholders affected by cerebral palsy across the US. Our analysis focused on variables related to personal interests, travel, and study-specific elements. Statistical tests investigated the effects of responder type, cerebral palsy type, and Gross Motor Function Classification System level on travel and study-specific element variables. Recommendations were informed by responses reflecting the majority of respondents. Results Based on 233 responses, we found that respondents highly valued research participation (on average 88.2/100) and compensation (on average 62.3/100). Motivators included the potential for direct benefit (62.2%) and helping others (53.4%). The primary barriers to participation were schedule limitations (48.9%) and travel logistics (32.6%). Schedule limitations were especially pertinent to caregivers, while individuals with more severe cerebral palsy diagnoses reported the necessity of additional items to comfortably travel. Conclusions Overall, we encourage the involvement of stakeholders affected by cerebral palsy in the research process. Researchers should consider offering flexible study times, accommodating locations, and compensation for time and travel expenses. We recommend a minimum compensation of $15/hour and a maximum time commitment of 4 hours/day to respect participants’ time and increase likelihood of research participation. Future studies should track how attitudes toward research change with time and experience.

Objective(s): Our objective was to investigate the motivators and barriers associated with the individual or family decision to participate in cerebral palsy research. Based on this information, we offer suggestions to increase the likelihood of participation in future CP studies. Methods: A digital survey was administered to stakeholders affected by cerebral palsy across the US. Our analysis focused on variables related to personal interests, travel, and study-specific elements. Statistical tests investigated the effects of responder type, cerebral palsy type, and Gross Motor Function Classification System level on travel and study-specific element variables. Recommendations were informed by responses reflecting the majority of respondents. Results: Based on 233 responses, we found that respondents highly valued research participation (on average 88.2/100) and compensation (on average 62.3/100). Motivators included the potential for direct benefit (62.2%) and helping others (53.4%). The primary barriers to participation were schedule limitations (48.9%) and travel logistics (32.6%). Schedule limitations were especially pertinent to caregivers, while individuals with more severe cerebral palsy diagnoses reported the necessity of additional items to comfortably travel. Conclusions: Overall, we encourage the involvement of stakeholders affected by cerebral palsy in the research process. Researchers should consider offering flexible study times, accommodating locations, and compensation for time and travel expenses. We recommend a minimum compensation of $15/hour and a maximum time commitment of 4 hours/day to respect participants' time and increase likelihood of research participation. Future studies should track how attitudes toward research change with time and experience.