PREP Intervention for Youth with Physical Disabilities

Overseen By Dana Anaby, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McGill University

Disqualifiers: Severe intellectual disabilities, complex communication issues

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to help young people with physical disabilities improve their ability to join and enjoy activities they love in their communities. Participants will collaborate with an occupational therapist to select a fun activity, such as music, sports, or painting, and will receive support to overcome any barriers for 8 weeks. After a break, they will try another activity independently before receiving additional help if needed. This study is ideal for youth with physical disabilities that make independent movement challenging. It helps them gain confidence and independence in activities they choose through the Pathways and Resources to Engagement and Participation (PREP) program. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for participants to receive personalized support and enhance 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.

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

Research has shown that the Pathways and Resources to Engagement and Participation (PREP) program is generally safe for young people with disabilities. In one study, participants reported no major safety issues or serious side effects. The program assists young people with physical disabilities in engaging in activities they enjoy, such as music or sports, with the support of an occupational therapist. This supportive and flexible approach helps minimize risks. The program has been tested in various settings and versions, consistently demonstrating safety. Although PREP has not yet been widely tested in real-world clinical settings, early results suggest it is safe for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Pathways and Resources to Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention for youth with physical disabilities because it emphasizes community-based engagement rather than traditional clinical or therapy settings. Unlike standard options that often focus on in-clinic physical therapy or medical interventions, PREP encourages participation in an 8-week community-based activity program. This approach not only aims to improve physical abilities but also fosters social connections and independence, offering a holistic benefit that extends beyond physical health.

What evidence suggests that this participation-based intervention is effective for building capacity in youth with physical disabilities?

Research has shown that the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) program helps young people with physical disabilities become more involved in community activities. PREP changes the environment and removes obstacles, facilitating participation. In one study, participants improved their involvement by working with a therapist to set goals and adjust activities. Another study found that PREP is practical and can be tailored for young adults with complex disabilities. Overall, evidence supports that PREP can help youth become more active in their communities. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

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 young people with physical disabilities like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or musculoskeletal disorders. They should be able to move around but may need some help with surfaces and stairs. It's not for those who've had the PREP program before or have severe intellectual or communication challenges.

Inclusion Criteria

I need help or tools to walk or climb stairs.

I have a physical disability like cerebral palsy or spina bifida.

Exclusion Criteria

I have previously undergone the PREP intervention.

I have severe intellectual disabilities or communication issues.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Initial Goal Setting and Intervention

The occupational therapist meets with youth to set a community-based leisure goal and works with them to identify and remove barriers for 8 weeks.

8 weeks

Weekly site visits by OT

Break and Independent Activity

Youth take a 4-week break and then choose a second activity to pursue independently for 8 weeks.

12 weeks

No visits during break; independent activity

Supported Activity

The occupational therapist provides support for 6 weeks if needed to help youth with their second activity.

6 weeks

As needed support by OT

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Pathways and Resources to Engagement and Participation (PREP)

Trial Overview The study tests the 'PREP' intervention where youth work with therapists to pick and do a community activity they choose, like sports or arts, first with support then on their own. The goal is to see if this helps them start new activities independently.

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+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29405282/

improving participation of adolescents with physical ... This study examined the effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention in improving the participation of ...

2. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dmcn.13682

The effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for ... Aim. This study examined the effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention in improving ...

3. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2024.2397083

Full article: A stakeholder-involved adaptation of pathways ... We investigated the feasibility of implementing PREP with young adults (18–30 years) with complex disability in Australia.

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/337301335_Pathways_and_Resources_for_Engagement_and_Participation_PREP_Improving_the_Participation_of_Youth_With_Disabilities_in_Community-Based_Occupations

Improving the Participation of Youth With Disabilities in ... This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention among ultra ...

5. edu.eacd.org edu.eacd.org/node/611

The Participation Ripple Effect': Implementing Pathways ... PREP has demonstrated effectiveness in improving participation for adolescents with physical disabilities through environmental modification as opposed to ...

6. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/23/8736

Experiences of Using Pathways and Resources for ... PREP offers emerging evidence when working with youth with physical disabilities; however, it has not yet been studied in a real-life clinical ...