Art and Physical Therapy for Bone Marrow Transplant Patients

Overseen By Cindy Dodds, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

Disqualifiers: CNS impairments, Genetic diseases, Cognitive impairment

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

Duration: 2 weeks

18 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of a combination of art therapy (AT) and physical therapy (PT) to PT only in children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Each child will receive daily AT and PT or only PT for 5 days per week for 2 weeks. These sessions will begin approximately on day 15 following the transplant. Prior to starting the sessions and following 2-weeks of sessions, self-care and mobility skills will be measured. During each session, the following variables will be measured: heart rate variability (i.e., time between heart beats) using a small monitor on the chest (about the size of a quarter), walking distance using an accelerometer (similar to wearing a watch), and self-reported happiness and excitability. Although results cannot be guaranteed, it is expected that each group will benefit and demonstrate improvements in emotional state, self-care, and mobility skills.

Research Team

Cindy Dodds, PhD

Principal Investigator

MUSC College of Health Professions

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children aged 5-18 undergoing bone marrow transplant (HCT) for blood diseases, who are in the hospital treatment phase. It's not suitable for those with brain impairments like cerebral palsy, cognitive issues, or genetic conditions such as Down syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with a blood disorder.

I am undergoing a bone marrow transplant.

I am currently hospitalized for a stem cell transplant.

Exclusion Criteria

I am older than 18.

I have a genetic condition like Down syndrome.

I am under 5 years old.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive daily art therapy and physical therapy or only physical therapy for 5 days per week for 2 weeks

2 weeks

10 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in self-care, mobility, and emotional state after treatment

2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Art and Physical Therapy
• Physical Therapy

Trial Overview The study compares art therapy combined with physical therapy to just physical therapy over two weeks post-transplant. The goal is to see if adding art improves heart rate variability, walking distance, happiness and excitability compared to physical therapy alone.

Participant Groups

Group I: Art and Physical Therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

45-minutes of AT immediately followed by 30 minutes of PT Monday through Friday for 2 weeks. Targeting media that offer fluidity and tactile input, two were chosen for this study: oil pastels week 1 and gouache without brush during week 2.

Group II: Physical Therapy Active Control 1 Intervention

PT Monday through Friday for 2 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Medical University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

994

Recruited

7,408,000+

National Endowment for the Arts, United States

Collaborator

Trials

11

Recruited

2,000+