Motivation in pediatric motor rehabilitation: A systematic search of the literature using the self-determination theory as a conceptual framework

Objective: Motivation is suggested as an important factor in pediatric motor rehabilitation. Therefore, we reviewed the existing evidence of (motivational) motor rehabilitation paradigms, and how motivation influences rehabilitation outcome using self-determination theory as conceptual framework. Methods: PubMed and Web-of-Science databases were systematically searched until June 2015. Data were independently extracted and critiqued for quality by three authors. Studies reporting motivational aspects were included. Most studies examined new technology (e.g., virtual reality [VR]). Results: Out of 479 records, three RCT, six case-control, and six non-comparative studies were included with mixed quality. Motivation was rarely reported. Training individualization to the child’s capabilities with more variety seemed promising to increase motivation. Motivation increased when the exercises seemed helpful for daily activities. Conclusions: Motivation in pediatric rehabilitation should be comprehensively assessed within a theoretical framework as there are indications that motivated children have better rehabilitation outcomes, depending on the aspect of motivation.     

The Blackboard or Virtual Reality

Abstract

Instructional technology used effectively can enhance significantly what we do in the classroom. Used thoughtlessly, it can confuse and annoy the student. This article presents a series of specific examples and caveats while exploring the creation and use of electronic resources in a variety of classes. The electronic resources covered in this article include Web pages, virtual reality (specifically, a MOO), and interactive exercises. While examples are drawn primarily from the author's experience teaching Classics, the lessons learned apply to all fields. The article concludes with a case study of how to develop materials for a class on the story of Baucis and Philemon from Ovid's Metamorphoses.     

Virtual Reality Simulators: Valuable Surgical Skills Trainers or Video Games?

BackgroundVirtual reality (VR) and physical model (PM) simulators differ in terms of whether the trainee is manipulating actual 3-dimensional objects (PM) or computer-generated 3-dimensional objects (VR). Much like video games (VG), VR simulators utilize computer-generated graphics. These differences may have profound effects on the utility of VR and PM training platforms. In this study, we aimed to determine whether a relationship exists between VR, PM, and VG platforms.MethodsVR and PM simulators for laparoscopic camera navigation ([LCN], experiment 1) and flexible endoscopy ([FE] experiment 2) were used in this study. In experiment 1, 20 laparoscopic novices played VG and performed 0° and 30° LCN exercises on VR and PM simulators. In experiment 2, 20 FE novices played VG and performed colonoscopy exercises on VR and PM simulators.ResultsIn both experiments, VG performance was correlated with VR performance but not with PM performance. Performance on VR simulators did not correlate with performance on respective PM models.ConclusionsVR environments may be more like VG than previously thought.     

Virtual reality as a therapeutic modality for children with cerebral palsy

Objective: The evidence for using virtual reality (VR) with children with cerebral palsy (CP) was examined.

Methods: A search of 13 electronic databases identified all types of studies examining VR as an intervention for children with CP. The most recent article included was published in October 2008. For each study, the quality of the methods was assessed using the appropriate scale. A total of 19 articles were retrieved. Thirteen studies from 11 articles were included in the final analysis.

Results: Outcomes documented brain reorganization/plasticity, motor capacity, visual-perceptual skills, social participation and personal factors. Two studies were randomized controlled trials. These reported conflicting results regarding motor outcomes. Twelve of the 13 studies presented positive outcomes in at least one domain.

Conclusions: VR has potential benefits for children with CP. However, the current level of evidence is poor and empirical data is lacking. Future methodologically rigorous studies are required.     

Evaluating the accuracy of resection planes in mandibular surgery using a preoperative,intraoperative, and postoperative approach

In mandibular surgery, three-dimensionally printed patient-specific cutting guides are used to translate the preoperative virtually planned resection planes to the operating room. This study was performed to determine whether cutting guides are positioned according to the virtual plan and to compare the intraoperative position of the cutting guide with the resection performed. Nine patients were included. The exact positions of the resection planes were planned virtually and a patient-specific cutting guide was designed and printed. After surgical placement of the cutting guide, intraoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed. Postoperative CT was used to obtain the final resection planes. Distances and yaw and pitch angles between the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative resection planes were calculated. Cutting guides were positioned on the mandible with millimetre accuracy. Anterior osteotomies were performed more accurately than posterior osteotomies (intraoperatively positioned and final resection planes differed by 1.2 ± 1.0 mm, 4.9 ± 6.6°, and 1.8 ± 1.5°, respectively, and by 2.2 ± 0.9 mm, 9.3 ± 9°, and 8.3 ± 6.5° respectively). Differences between intraoperatively planned and final resection planes imply a directional freedom of the saw through the saw slots. Since cutting guides are positioned with millimetre accuracy compared to the virtual plan, the design of the saw slots in the cutting guides needs improvement to allow more accurate resections.     

A case-control comparison of traditional and virtual-reality training in laparoscopic psychomotor performance

Learning hand-eye coordination is a crucial part of the training programme for junior laparoscopic surgeons. This study compares laparoscopic psychomotor performance from traditional standard abdominal box-training and virtual-reality training. Twenty-four right-hand dominant subjects with no experience in laparoscopy were required to complete a novel laparoscopic task. Eight subjects completed all six tasks on the Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer Virtual Reality (MIST VR) training program. Another 16 subjects were case-matched to these subjects for gender, sight-corrected status and age (± 2 years). Eight of these subjects spent the same amount of time as their yoked MIST VR counterpart training on a traditional laparoscopic cutting task. The other eight subjects, the control group, received no training. Individuals who trained on the MIST VR program made significantly more correct incisions than their case-matched counterparts in the standard trained group (p < 0.05) and control group (p < 0.0001) and were also significantly more likely to use both hands to perform the task (p < 0.02). Virtual reality appears to offer potential as a laparoscopic laboratory-training tool for the acquisition of psychomotor skills that transfer to novel laparoscopic tasks.     

丙泊酚脂肪乳注射液生物等效性研究实施和管理的专家共识

丙泊酚脂肪乳注射液是临床上广泛使用的静脉用麻醉药。近年来国内丙泊酚临床需求不断增加,丙泊酚生物等效性研究数量持续攀升,然而其设计、实施、管理尚缺乏共识和指南。本专家组共同研讨,达成此共识,旨在为国内开展丙泊酚生物等效性研究提供参考和指导。     

ON STATISTICAL POWER FOR AVERAGE BIOEQUIVALENCE TESTING UNDER REPLICATED CROSSOVER DESIGNS

In its recent guidance on bioequivalence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a two-sequence, four-period (2×4)replicated crossover design be used for assessment of population and individual bioequivalence [FDA. Guidance for Industry on Statistical Approaches to Establishing Bioequivalence; Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration: Rockville, MD, 2001]. The recommended replicated crossover design not only allows estimates of both the inter-subject and the intra-subject variabilities and the variability due to subject-by-formulation interaction, but also provides an assessment of average bioequivalence (ABE). In this article, power function for assessment of ABE under a general replicated crossover design (i.e., a 2×2mreplicated crossover design) based on the traditional analysis of variance model and the mixed effects model as suggested by the FDA are studied. It is found that the power of a 2×2mreplicated crossover design depends upon the variability due to subject-by-formulation interaction and the number of replicates. Based on the derived power function, formula for sample size calculation for assessment of ABE under a 2×2mreplicated crossover design is also provided.