Community-Based Activity Program for Physical Disabilities

Overseen By Dana Anaby, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McGill University

Disqualifiers: Severe brain injury, Orthopedic surgery, Botulinum toxin, Degenerative disorders, Severe untreated mental health, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how community-based activities, such as sledge hockey or drawing, can improve motor, behavioral, and emotional functions in youth with physical disabilities. The goal is to determine if these activities enhance body functions like movement, attention, and mood. Youth with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida, who face mobility challenges, are ideal candidates. The trial occurs in Quebec and Ontario, involving an 8-week engagement in activities chosen by the participants. Findings may guide families, clinicians, and policymakers in selecting effective treatment approaches that promote participation and additional benefits. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to explore new ways to improve their quality of life through engaging activities.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on participation in community activities rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this program is safe for youth with physical disabilities?

Research has shown that community activity programs are generally safe and well-received by people with physical disabilities. These programs can improve health in various ways without major safety issues. Activities like sledge hockey or playing a musical instrument, for example, can enhance balance, mood, and focus.

Additionally, one study found that joining these programs can lower stress and boost energy levels. Another study demonstrated that exercise programs in the community, led by trained professionals, result in positive health benefits.

Overall, while experiences may differ, these programs are designed to be safe and helpful, providing a supportive space for participants to enhance their physical and emotional well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the community-based activity program for individuals with physical disabilities because it offers a new approach by integrating social and physical engagement in a supportive community setting. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus on medical or isolated physical therapy, this program emphasizes real-world activities and peer interaction, which can enhance motivation and improve outcomes. This approach not only aims to improve physical abilities but also boosts mental well-being by fostering a sense of community and belonging.

What evidence suggests that this community-based activity program is effective for improving body functions in youth with physical disabilities?

Research shows that participating in community activities can enhance the well-being of young people with physical disabilities. Studies have found that these activities positively affect thinking skills, such as focus and mood. Physical abilities also improve with regular participation in these programs. This trial will evaluate the effects of an 8-week community-based activity program on movement, behavior, and emotional well-being in young participants. ^{4 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Dana Anaby, PhD

Principal Investigator

McGill University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for youth with physical disabilities like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or juvenile arthritis in Quebec or Ontario. Participants should have restricted mobility but can't join if they're recovering from severe brain injury, recent orthopedic surgery, botulinum toxin treatment within the last 6 months, have degenerative disorders or untreated severe mental health conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a physical disability like cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury.

Patients living in the province of Quebec or Ontario

I have cognitive, communication issues, or intellectual delays and will use a proxy for assessments.

Exclusion Criteria

I am a young person with a degenerative disorder.

Youth with a severe untreated mental health condition will also be excluded based on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6)

I am a young person recovering from a severe brain injury or had orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin treatment within the last 6 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Initial assessment of body functions and activity performance before intervention

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in an 8-week community-based activity program individually chosen by the youth

8 weeks

Weekly check-ins (virtual or in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in body functions and activity performance after the intervention

14 weeks

Multiple assessments (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Engagement in a 8-week community-based activity program

Trial Overview The study tests an 8-week personalized community-based activity program to see if it improves motor skills and emotional and behavioral functions among youths with physical disabilities. The activities are chosen by the participants themselves to gauge motivation and overall well-being improvement.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Community-based activity program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Engagement in 8-week community-based activity program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McGill University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

421

Recruited

1,017,000+

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Collaborator

Trials

1,417

Recruited

26,550,000+

McMaster University

Collaborator

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Drexel University

Collaborator

Trials

160

Recruited

48,600+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916019/

Impacts of Participation in Community-Based Physical Activity ... Based on the findings from this scoping review, physical activity appears to have a favorable impact on the cognitive outcomes of children and youth with NDD.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950273X24000511

Enhancing health-related fitness, self-efficacy, and quality ... This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of integrating structured exercise and mindfulness techniques in a community-based exercise program tailored ...

3. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0323707

Effects of group-based physical activity programs on children ... The programs' outcomes show that they positively influence multiple aspects of the well-being of youths with disabilities, most especially, physical and motor ...

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00225/full

Outcomes of Participation in a Community-Based Physical ... Both the raw data and the model-based estimates of TUG times demonstrated that as age and attendance increase, greater improvements in TUG times were observed.

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/3/299

A Systematic Review of Community-Based Exercise ... Multi-component community-based interventions are more effective at improving PA levels in adults with intellectual disabilities than walking-only studies.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10952332/

Community‐based physical activity interventions for ... Data were extracted on the implementation and safety of physical activity interventions for adolescents and adults with CP, classified in ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12101651/

Effects of group-based physical activity programs on children ... Additional positive outcomes include a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases, stress reduction, increased energy levels, and enhanced ...

8. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2022.836655/full

Mobility Disability and Exercise: Health Outcomes of an ... This study provides evidence that an accessible community-based exercise program, with a transitional component supported by trained professionals, can support ...