Robotic Therapy for Hospitalized Children
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to:Aim 1: Evaluate the feasibility \[consent and refusal rates, attrition rates, length, and number of completed therapy sessions\], and acceptability \[interviews with children and guardians, overall patient and guardian satisfaction\] during inpatient physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) sessions. Hypothesis: Animal-assisted interaction (AAI) with Paro, a robotic baby harp seal, during pediatric inpatient PT/OT sessions will be feasible and acceptable.Aim 2: Assess preliminary efficacy of AAI during PT/OT sessions with Paro on behavior (anxiety and affect) and motivation to participate in rehabilitation in hospitalized children. Hypothesis: Children who use Paro will demonstrate less anxiety, more positive affect, and greater motivation to participate in therapy than those who do not use Paro.Aim 3: Test the stress, anxiety, and depression levels of parents/guardians of children who use Paro inpatient physical and occupational therapy sessions. Hypothesis: In addition, parents and guardians of children that use Paro will report less stress, anxiety, and depression compared to parents/guardians of children that do not use Paro.
Research Team
Breanna D Hetland, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Nebraska
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for children aged 5-18 hospitalized at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, NE. They must be awake, alert, able to follow commands and communicate verbally, with an active PT or OT consult request. A parent or guardian needs to be available, and they should not have significant vision/hearing issues or delirium.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in 10-30 minute semi-structured, prescriptive physical and occupational therapy sessions with or without the Paro robot, focusing on speech, balance and endurance, memory, self-esteem, fine motor skills, and sensory stimulation.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including chart reviews for hospital-acquired infections and other health metrics.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Paro Robot
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Nebraska
Lead Sponsor