ORCID

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate feasibility and impact of an individualised rebound therapy programme on chest health in children with complex neurodisability.Methods and materialsA single-case ABA design was conducted over 18 weeks with five children aged 5–15 years with complex neurodisability. Intervention involved twice weekly rebound therapy for six consecutive weeks in school. Summary outcomes included parent/carer-reported chest health, quality-of-life and clinician-observed motor ability. Serial weekly outcomes included chest health observations, usual care changes, adherence and adverse events. Parents completed a semi-structured interview after follow-up. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsWithin-case and across-case findings indicated improvement in motor ability following rebound therapy intervention. Additional trends of improvement were noted in parent/carer-reported chest health and quality-of-life, but these changes were not specific to the intervention phase. Improvements in motor ability, chest health and quality-of-life indicators were verified through qualitative interview data.ConclusionCo-design successfully informed an inclusive, feasible intervention study for children with complex neurodisability. However, overall improvement in parent/carer-reported chest health, quality-of-life and observed motor ability were not limited to the intervention phase. Measurement tools lacked published thresholds to determine if changes were clinically significant.

Publication Date

2025-03-22

Publication Title

Disability and Rehabilitation

Volume

47

Issue

24

ISSN

0963-8288

Acceptance Date

2025-03-05

Deposit Date

2025-05-02

Funding

The lead author (RKL), Pre-Doctoral Integrated Clinical Academic Research Fellow, NIHR301008 is funded by the Health Education England/National Institute of Health and Care Research for this project. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the NIHR, NHS or the UK Department of Health and Social Care. The authors would like to acknowledge the five participants and their families for their commitment to this research study. The authors would like to thank parents of the parent carer advisory group who co-designed this study and the special school staff who supported the delivery of this study.

Keywords

Cerebral palsy, chest health, children, motor function, quality of life, rebound therapy, respiratory health

First Page

6384

Last Page

6395

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