Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 1,000 children and causes motor disability , with sometimes sensorymotor disability which have consequences on daily life. The aim of rehabilitation for people with cerebral palsy is to improve patients' independence and quality of life. A major stake for these people is therefore to learn new behaviors by fostering motor, cognitive, and psychosocial development. Dance is a relevant activity, as it is a physical and enjoyable learning activity and a multisensory environment. Moreover, scientific literature suggests motor and psycho-affective benefits associated with dance practice in children with cerebral palsy, especially when it involves rhythmic stimulation. The aim of this project is therefore to assess the effect of a rhythm-based dance program on motor learning ability, as rhythmic auditory stimulation can improve motor control in patients with other neurological disorders (e.g., Thaut, 2015). We suppose that being able to synchronize through the practice of rhythmic dance could facilitate the learning of cognitive and psychosocial motor skills. To reach this goal, we will conduct a Single Case Experimental Study (SCED). Using this individual analysis method, we will repeatedly evaluate a target behavior to determine whether a dance program facilitates motor, cognitive, and psychosocial learning for each participant. The dance program will take place over two weeks. Three instructors will lead dance classes (two 2-hour sessions per day with breaks) during the first week, and three one-hour dance classes during the second week. Assessments will be conducted before (baseline, phase A), during (intervention, phase B), after the dance workshop (follow-up phase, FU), and far from it (final study visit).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
6
It is a multiple baseline SCED study with four successive phases (A-B-Follow UP) for each participant. Repeated assessments take place for 8 consecutive weeks, with the final assessments taking place up to one week after the end-of-year show
CHU Toulouse - Hôpital Raymonde Fournet
Toulouse, Occitanie, France
RECRUITINGEvolution of the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) score throughout the study
The main criterion is the evolution of the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) score throughout the study. The GAS corresponds to the individual goals set with each child at the beginning of the study. Three individualized and specific goals will be defined for each child, covering motor, cognitive, and psychosocial domains. These measurements will be assessed repeatedly during the dance program: reference phase (baseline, phase A), during the dance program (intervention, phase B), and after the dance program (follow-up phase, FU), with a final assessment at a distance from the intervention phase (final study visit).
Time frame: From baseline to the final study visit (up to approximately 9 weeks)
Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) scores
Children's perceptions will be assessed using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory adapted for children with cerebral palsy ). This questionnaire evaluates interest and enjoyment in performing an activity, skills involved perception, perceived value and activity usefulness, the feeling of freedom and choice, and perceived pressures and tensions. These measurements will be assessed repeatedly during the dance program: reference phase (baseline, phase A), during the dance program (intervention, phase B), and after the dance program (follow-up phase, FU), with a final assessment at a distance from the intervention phase (final study visit).
Time frame: From baseline to the final study visit (up to approximately 9 weeks)
Physical activity levels measured by heart rate monitoring
Physical activity levels will be measured using a heart rate monitor. These measurements will be assessed repeatedly during phase A, during the dance program (phase B), and after the dance program (follow-up phase, FU). A final assessment will be conducted remotely after the intervention phase (final study visit).
Time frame: From baseline to the final study visit (up to approximately 9 weeks)
Socio-demographic characteristics
Socio-demographic characteristics is a composite measure derived age, sex, practice habits (Physical Activity (PA), dance, PA related to rhythm) will be collected via an interview grid at the beginning of the study.
Time frame: baseline
Initial perceptions of the children
The initial perceptions of the children and their parents regarding their self-image in relation to dance (perceived ability and expected progress) and the effects of the dance program will be collected at the beginning of the study using a semi-structured interview, and the evolution of these perceptions will be analyzed qualitatively
Time frame: baseline
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