Publications by authors named "Jane K Sweeney"
Background: Infants with complex congenital heart disease are at increased risk of impaired fetal brain growth, brain injury, and developmental impairments. The General Movement Assessment (GMA) is a valid and reliable tool to predict cerebral palsy (CP), especially in preterm infants. Predictive properties of the GMA in infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) are unknown.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImportance: Parent training is an essential part of occupational therapy intervention for children with sensory processing and sensory integration (SP-SI) challenges, and parents' learning needs should be considered.
Objective: To identify the extent to which adult learning needs are considered in occupational therapy literature addressing parent training as a part of intervention for children with SP-SI challenges.
Data Sources: Searches were performed of the following databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, and ERIC.
Aims: The scoping review was undertaken to explore comorbidities in infants and children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). The purpose of the review was to inform physical and occupational therapy screening of multiple body systems during the examination of children with NBPP.
Methods: EBSCO Discovery and EMBASE electronic databases were searched for reports published between January 1996 and September 2021 describing comorbidities in children with NBPP between birth and 18 years.
Background: Preterm infants have immature oral feeding skills, affecting length of hospital stay and long-term feeding outcomes. Swaddling has positive effects on pain and stress responses, state regulation, and physiological stability in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Swaddling during bottle feeding may support preterm infant behavioral organization and oral feeding skills.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAim: To evaluate whether infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) have an increased risk of impaired quality of motor behavior and delayed motor milestones.
Method: A cohort of 69 infants with CCHD (43 males, 26 females) were assessed with the Infant Motor Profile (IMP) at three time periods between 6 to 18 months, mean ages in months (SD): 6.4 (0.
Purpose: To describe demographic factors, baseline characteristics, and physical therapy episodes in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), examine groups based on physical therapy completion, and identify implications for clinical practice.
Methods: Retrospective data were extracted from a single-site registry of 445 infants with CMT.
Results: Most infants were male (57%), Caucasian (63%), and firstborn (50%), with torticollis detected by 3 months old (89%) with a left (51%), mild (72%) CMT presentation.
Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of parents of infants diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). A secondary purpose was to compare the experiences of parents of infants with mild grades versus severe grades of involvement based on the CMT severity classification system.
Methods: Through semistructured interviews, a qualitative phenomenological approach of inquiry was used to investigate the lived experiences of 12 parents.
Background: Advances in diagnostic technologies, surgical management, and perioperative care have increased survival for neonates with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD). The success of these advances exposed a heightened risk of brain injury and developmental disabilities. The General Movements Assessment, a non-invasive method, may detect early neurodevelopmental impairments in high-risk infants.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 3 different methods for delivering instruction on infant handling to parents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Methods: Ninety-six parents in the NICU received instruction. Parents were taught the same 3 infant-handling techniques after random assignment to the (1) direct, (2) video, or (3) written-pictorial instructional groups.
Purpose: To establish inter- and intrarater reliability for determining severity grades of the congenital muscular torticollis severity classification system (CMT-SCS).
Methods: A prospective reliability study with 145 physical therapists recorded severity ratings on 24 randomly-ordered patient cases including age of infant, cervical range of motion, and presence or absence of sternocleidomastoid mass. To compute intrarater reliability, cases were randomly reordered and graded by 82 of the original raters.
Purpose: To study the impact of a 5-week supported physical activity (PA) intervention on parental report of sleep qualities, sleep duration, and pain severity in children with medical complexity (CMC).
Methods: Twenty-nine CMC participated in 180 minutes of daily supported PA on weekdays over 5 weeks. A pre- and post-test design was used to collect sleep qualities (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire) and pain severity (Faces Pain Scale- Revised) as reported by parents.
Purpose: To investigate the impact of a 5-week supported physical activity (PA) intervention on parental report of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children with medical complexity (CMC).
Methods: Twenty-nine CMC participated in 180 minutes of supported PA daily. A pre- and post-test design was used to assess HRQL total and domain scores as reported by parents.
Purpose: To examine relationships among age, gender, anthropometrics, and dynamic balance.
Methods: Height, weight, and arm and foot length were measured in 160 children with typical development aged 5 to 12 years. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Pediatric Reach Test (PRT), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS).
Purpose: Parents' perspectives on intervention and functional changes in children were investigated following an intensive neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) program of 1 to 2 weeks (5 consecutive days per week; 2-4 h/d).
Methods: Thirteen parents and their children (aged 1-17 years) with neuromotor conditions participated in a short-term, intensive program conducted by NDT certified pediatric therapists. A mixed-method design was used: a qualitative phenomenological approach of inquiry for parent perspectives and a pre/posttest quasi-experimental design for weekly intervention changes using Goal Attainment Scaling and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.
Neonatal physiological and behavioral stress during neurological assessment.
J Perinat Neonatal Nurs
May 2014
Physiological and behavioral effects of evaluative handling procedures were studied in 72 newborn infants: 36 preterm (30-35 weeks of gestation) and 36 full-term neonates (39-41 weeks of gestation). While the neurological assessment was physiologically and behaviorally destabilizing to both age groups, preterm subjects had higher heart rate (P < .001), greater increase in blood pressure (P < .
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To describe the appropriate experience for entry-level physical therapist students in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Key Points: Care for infants in the NICU represents a subspecialty within pediatric physical therapy delivered in a very complex environment. Recommendations for designing student educational experiences related to the NICU are provided.
Purpose: To describe and evaluate the effects of motor control intervention in young children diagnosed with idiopathic toe walking.
Methods: Five children received motor control intervention in a multiple-case series design using a nonconcurrent, variable baseline. Multiple gait measures were taken before and during the intervention phase.
Purpose: (1) To outline frameworks for neonatal physical therapy based on 3 theoretical models, (2) to describe emerging literature supporting neonatal physical therapy practice, and (3) to identify evidence-based practice recommendations.
Key Points: Three models are presented as a framework for neonatal practice: (1) dynamic systems theory including synactive theory and the theory of neuronal group selection, (2) the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and (3) family-centered care. Literature is summarized to support neonatal physical therapists in the areas of examination, developmental care, intervention, and parent education.
Purpose: To describe clinical training models, delineate clinical competencies, and outline a clinical decision-making algorithm for neonatal physical therapy.
Key Points: In these updated practice guidelines, advanced clinical training models, including precepted practicum and residency or fellowship training, are presented to guide practitioners in organizing mentored, competency-based preparation for neonatal care. Clinical competencies in neonatal physical therapy are outlined with advanced clinical proficiencies and knowledge areas specific to each role.
Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences, perceptions, and needs of caregivers receiving wheelchairs donated for nonambulatory children in a less-resourced country.
Methods: A phenomenological research design was used with purposeful sampling of 14 participants living in urban and rural areas of Guatemala. Data were collected primarily by interviews and supplemented with observations in natural settings, photographs, and record reviews.
Purpose: To validate a 2-step infant developmental screening protocol administered by nonphysician health professionals.
Methods: The Parent Concerns Survey and the Meade Movement Checklist (MMCL) were administered during 5 community clinics. Infant scores at 4 months were compared with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II and Movement Assessment of Infants at 6 months and to the Ages and Stages Questionnaires at 8 months.
Purpose: This study was used to evaluate the efficacy of a neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT)-based sequenced trunk activation protocol for change in gross motor function of infants aged 4 to 12 months with posture and movement dysfunction. Infants who received a dynamic co-activation trunk protocol were compared with a control group who received a parent-infant interaction and play protocol.
Method: A repeated measures randomized block design was used.
Musculoskeletal implications of preterm infant positioning in the NICU.
J Perinat Neonatal Nurs
June 2002
Alignment and shaping of the musculoskeletal system occur during each body position that infants experience while in neonatal intensive care. Neonatal nurses and physical therapists can play a major role in designing, modeling, and teaching positioning strategies that promote skeletal integrity, postural control, and sensorimotor organization. Musculoskeletal maturation processes and adverse musculoskeletal consequences are reviewed with an emphasis on clinical implications for neonatal care, discharge teaching, and follow-up.
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