Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences最新文献

{"title":"Intramuscular hemorrhage during rehabilitation in a post-stroke patient with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case report and review of spasticity-related muscle injury.","authors":"Rina Izumi, Koji Hayashi, Mamiko Sato, Tomohisa Yamaguchi, Asuka Suzuki, Yuka Nakaya, Kazumi Ikeda, Masamichi Ikawa, Yasutaka Kobayashi","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1638656","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1638656","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present the first documented case of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) associated with muscle injury in a spastic muscle following a stroke, which occurred during physical therapy. The patient was a 46-year-old male with a family history of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and aortic dissection, who presented with sudden headache, dysarthria, and left hemiparesis, leading to transport to a nearby hospital. He was diagnosed with arterial dissection and subsequent SAH and cerebral infarction in the right hemisphere using brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He received treatment with antihypertensive and antiplatelet medications. After five weeks, he was admitted for rehabilitation with moderate left-sided hemiparesis and spasticity. Twenty-six weeks post-onset, while participating in passive hamstring stretching, he experienced sudden pain and swelling in his left thigh. Imaging confirmed hematomas in the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles, indicating muscle injury. Clopidogrel was discontinued due to progressive anemia, and the hematoma resolved within five days. He quickly resumed ambulation with increasing independence. One month after the injury, he was discharged home, and subsequent genetic testing at another institution confirmed the diagnosis of vEDS with a pathogenic variant in <i>COL3A1</i>. Patients with vEDS are at an increased risk for injuries due to tissue fragility. A stroke can lead to limb spasticity, making spastic muscles more susceptible to injury during sudden stretching, such as passive stretching. This report highlights the need for clinicians to exercise caution when rehabilitating vEDS patients, especially in the absence of established guidelines. Further case reports and clinical evidence are essential to develop comprehensive rehabilitation standards for vEDS.</p>","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1638656"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12464579/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mixed methods analysis of an interdisciplinary intervention to promote balance confidence in lower limb prosthesis users.","authors":"Noah J Rosenblatt, Kristin L Schneider, Steven A Miller, Kavork Hagopian, Sarah Hagg, Christopher Reddin, Rachel Churchill, Gregory M Dams, John E Calamari, Aaron Stachowiak, Matthew J Major","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1626051","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1626051","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Low balance confidence, i.e., low self-perception in ones' ability to maintain balance while performing activities, is prevalent among lower limb prostheses users (LLPUs) and can affect community participation and quality of life (QoL). Although low balance confidence can manifest from poor function, it also depends on one's beliefs in their abilities to engage in activities, which need not reflect actual abilities. Increasing low balance confidence and associated participation limitations requires approaches that address its' physical and psychological underpinnings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the initial effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention to target balance confidence in LLPU. Nineteen adults with ≥6-months experience using a prosthesis for unilateral, transtibial amputation, and with low balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale scores ≤ 80) completed up to eight intervention sessions following an established protocol, which integrated physical therapy exercises (primarily virtual reality active gaming) and cognitive behavioral therapy strategies, or eight weeks of at home-seated exercises. Outcome measures, collected before randomization, and 0- and 16- weeks after completing the intervention/at-home exercises, addressed four domains: (i) balance confidence-the ABC scale, modified Gait Self Efficacy scale and the Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire; (ii) community participation-sections of the 36-Item Short Form Survey, sections of the Community Reintegration of Injured Servicemembers scale, the Frenchay Activity Index and step counts; (iii) QoL-the wellbeing scale of the Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire; and (iv) function-the Berge Balance Sale and the L-Test of walking. Statistical tests compared baseline and post-training assessment scores between groups, and individual responsiveness was evaluated by comparing change scores to minimum detectable change (MDC).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Overall, results support the initial efficacy of the intervention, with at least one outcome in 3-of-4 domains (balance confidence, community participation and functional mobility) showing strong, significant group-level effects, or individual-level effects (&gt;30% of participants having changes &gt; MDC). Moreover, semi-structured exit interviews suggest participants perceived benefit from the intervention.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Discussion: &lt;/strong&gt;Integrating physical therapy exercises with cognitive behavioral therapy strategies to simultaneously address physical underpinnings and maladaptive cognitions around low balance confidence can meaningfully improve balance and walking confidence, as well as community participation. To the best of our knowledge the current study is the first to evaluate an intervention to specifically target balance confidence in LLPUs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Clinical trial registration: &lt;/strong&gt;","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1626051"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12434030/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145076710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shoulder pain: to image or not to image?","authors":"Fabrizio Brindisino, Paul Salamh, Chad Cook, Jeremy Lewis, Alvisa Palese, Germano Guerra, Jacopo Bonavita, Giacomo Rossettini","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1624056","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1624056","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1624056"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425999/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patient satisfaction and tolerance of virtual reality rehabilitation in subacute ischemic stroke: a pilot study.","authors":"Sarka Banikova, Alice Najsrova, Istvan Szegedi, Katerina Vitova, Iva Fiedorova, Jana Trda, Ondrej Volny","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1660766","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1660766","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation represents a promising technological approach in post-stroke neurorehabilitation, offering immersive, engaging therapy environments. However, limited data exist on patient satisfaction and tolerance in clinical practice, particularly during the subacute phase of stroke recovery.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate patient satisfaction and tolerance of VR rehabilitation in patients with subacute ischemic stroke and assess physiotherapist perceptions of treatment outcomes compared to conventional rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective pilot study was conducted from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic. Patients in the subacute phase of ischemic stroke (≤2 weeks post-stroke) underwent VR rehabilitation using the MDR-certified VR Vitalis® Pro system. Patient satisfaction was measured using the User Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire (USEQ) with individual question analysis. Physiotherapists assessed treatment outcomes on a 5-point scale compared to conventional rehabilitation. Vital signs were monitored pre- and post-intervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nineteen patients (mean age 67.7 ± 11.2 years, 52.6% female) completed VR rehabilitation. The mean USEQ satisfaction score was 25.0 ± 6.8 points (range 7-30). High satisfaction (≥25 points) was achieved in 68.4% of patients, with only 5.3% reporting low satisfaction (<15 points). Individual question analysis revealed highest ratings for information clarity (4.63 ± 0.96) and perceived rehabilitation benefit (4.37 ± 1.12), with excellent tolerability as 63.2% reported no discomfort. Physiotherapists rated 31.6% of patients as showing better outcomes than expected with conventional therapy, while 52.6% showed similar outcomes and 15.8% showed worse outcomes. The mean number of VR sessions per patient was 4.2 ± 4.1. No serious adverse events were recorded.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>VR rehabilitation demonstrated high patient satisfaction and excellent tolerance in subacute stroke patients. Individual USEQ analysis revealed particularly strong acceptance for system clarity and rehabilitation benefit. These findings support the feasibility and acceptability of VR rehabilitation in clinical stroke care.</p>","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1660766"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417458/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145042597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Machine learning predicts improvement of functional outcomes in spinal cord injury patients after inpatient rehabilitation.","authors":"Mohammad Rasoolinejad, Irene Say, Peter B Wu, Xinran Liu, Yan Zhou, Nathan Zhang, Emily R Rosario, Daniel C Lu","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1594753","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1594753","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a significant burden to patients, families, and the healthcare system. The ability to accurately predict functional outcomes for SCI patients is essential for optimizing rehabilitation strategies, guiding patient and family decision making, and improving patient care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective analysis of 589 SCI patients admitted to a single acute rehabilitation facility and used the dataset to train advanced machine learning algorithms to predict patients' rehabilitation outcomes. The primary outcome was the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score at discharge, reflecting the level of independence achieved by patients after comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Tree-based algorithms, particularly Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost, significantly outperformed traditional statistical models and Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) in predicting discharge FIM scores. The RF model exhibited the highest predictive accuracy, with an R-squared value of 0.90 and a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.29 on the training dataset, while achieving 0.52 R-squared and 1.37 MSE on the test dataset. The XGBoost model also demonstrated strong performance, with an R-squared value of 0.74 and an MSE of 0.75 on the training dataset, and 0.51 R-squared with 1.39 MSE on the test dataset. Our analysis identified key predictors of rehabilitation outcomes, including the initial FIM scores and specific demographic factors such as level of injury and prehospital living settings. The study also highlighted the superior ability of tree-based models to capture the complex, non-linear relationships between variables that impact recovery in SCI patients.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This research underscores the potential of machine learning models to enhance the accuracy of outcome predictions in SCI rehabilitation. The findings support the integration of these advanced predictive tools in clinical settings to better guide decision making for patients and families, tailor rehabilitation plans, allocate resources efficiently, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1594753"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12414964/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145031268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Qualitative insights from an online community-based exercise intervention for persons living with HIV.","authors":"Francisco Ibáñez-Carrasco, Kiera McDuff, George Da Silva, Ahmed M Bayoumi, Soo Chan Carusone, Mona Loutfy, Ada Tang, Puja Ahluwalia, Lisa Avery, Kelly K O'Brien","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1602007","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1602007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Online community-based exercise (CBE) is a rehabilitation strategy that can promote health outcomes among people living with HIV. We aimed to describe experiences implementing a community-based exercise (CBE) intervention with adults living with HIV.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a longitudinal qualitative descriptive study involving interviews with adults living with HIV and persons implementing an online tele-coaching CBE intervention. Leveraging community-based research principles, the intervention aimed to improve physical activity engagement and health outcomes through online individualized coaching, online YMCA resources, and wearable fitness technology. We analyzed interviews with adults living with HIV and representatives involved in CBE implementation at baseline (month 0), end of intervention (6 months), and end of follow-up phase (12 months).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirteen adults living with HIV and eight representatives involved in CBE implementation participated in the study (43 interviews total). Key themes included the \"four Cs\": Cost, Care, Comfort, and Convenience that encapsulated participants' perceptions of financial barriers, need for holistic healthcare integration, importance of stigma-free and emotionally supportive environments, and accessibility of health interventions.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Results underscore the critical role of inclusive and adaptable exercise programs in addressing the complex needs of individuals with chronic, episodic conditions such as HIV, and the value of participatory, community-driven methodologies in designing effective and equitable health interventions.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial registration: </strong>NCT05006391.</p>","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1602007"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415039/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145031235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Upper limb motor recovery in chronic stroke-longitudinal aggregate analysis from control group outcomes.","authors":"Fabien Scalzo, Robert A Coker, Lauren Souders, Leo Petrossian, Kern Bhugra, Lauren Sheehan, Eric C Leuthardt, Alexander R Carter","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1448174","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1448174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study examines the effects of regular physical activity on upper extremity motor recovery during the late subacute and chronic phases of stroke.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were aggregated from 20 studies comprising 368 participants in control groups receiving usual care or general rehabilitation without specialized interventions. To isolate the impact of non-specific physical activity, studies involving robotics or task-specific therapies were excluded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The primary outcome was the change in Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) motor scale. The pooled effect size for FMA-UE change was small and non-significant (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.11, 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.26, <i>p</i> > 0.05), indicating that general physical activity alone may result in limited improvements in upper extremity function in chronic stroke. Heterogeneity across studies was low, and no evidence of publication bias was found.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings provide a quantitative benchmark for expected gains from general activity and offer a reference for interpreting outcomes in future stroke rehabilitation trials lacking control groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1448174"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12411421/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145016798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness and cost savings of employing speech therapists in a home artificial nutrition unit.","authors":"Alice Di Battista, Ylenia Di Giancaterino, Lucia Di Palma, Claudia Nunziata, Loredana Gigli, Antonio Vivenzio, Alessandra Matano","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1553818","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1553818","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Home Artificial Nutrition Unit (HANU) deals with both dysphagic patients receiving enteral and parenteral nutrition and patients who can eat orally with restrictions. In the Lazio Region, the HANU prescribes water gels and thickeners, supplied by the National Health Service (NHS), for safe hydration. Before the employment of a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) in the HANU (January 2023), prescriptions were standardized, regardless of the swallowing impairment severity: four jars of thickeners per patient/month and six water gels daily. The Clinical Swallowing Evaluation (CSE) made by the SLP allowed to customize the amount of thickeners and water gels based on the actual needs of the patient. The aim of this study is to investigate the cost savings resulting from the employment of an SLP in the HANU. A descriptive retrospective study was conducted, which analyzed the SLP activity in the HANU of ASL Roma 3 (January-December 2023). The study group consisted of 149 patients (61 males, 88 females with a mean age of 76.2 years) with different pathologies. The cost of each product (thickeners and gelified water) was provided by the Regional Pharmacy. The annual savings were calculated as the difference between the standardized prescription of products (as usual care in our department) and personalized prescription after SLP assessment. Since January 2023, there has been an increasing trend in requests for SLP assessments. The employment of an SLP in the HANU resulted in an annual economic saving of €30,278.67. This preliminary study shows how the employment of an SLP in the HANU can reduce inappropriate prescriptions of thickeners and water gels, thus ensuring cost savings.</p>","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1553818"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12405277/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145002066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global response to physiotherapy services disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of preparedness for the next health emergency.","authors":"Heidi Kosakowski, Peter Skelton, Wouter De Groote, Jonathon Kruger, Flavio Salio","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1614604","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1614604","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic was a global health emergency that severely impacted physiotherapy and other rehabilitation services. The purpose of this study is to describe mitigation strategies developed for physiotherapy service disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of integration of physiotherapy services into health emergency preparedness planning in countries/territories of World Physiotherapy member organisations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The 2022 World Physiotherapy annual membership census (AMC) included questions on health emergency preparedness planning and mitigation strategies in line with WHO recommendations. Quantitative analysis was conducted on response frequencies and disaggregated into World Physiotherapy regions and country/territory income level classifications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>116 out of 125 World Physiotherapy member organisations (MOs) participated in the census. 24% of all participating MOs reported not adopting any of the listed mitigation strategies to overcome physiotherapy service disruptions in their country/territory during the COVID-19 pandemic. 64% of participating MOs reported that physiotherapy services were not included in any health emergency preparedness component for rehabilitation in their country/territory.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>There are low levels of integration of physiotherapy services into national and subnational health emergency preparedness planning. A country's income level does not appear to be a major determinant of emergency preparedness.</p>","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1614604"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12399563/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144994770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using photovoice to engage underserved children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their caregivers in health research: a mixed methods systematic review.","authors":"Miriam Gonzalez, Paul Y Yoo, Samantha E Noyek, Brooke MacLeod, Michelle Kee, Michelle Phoenix, Samantha K Micsinszki, Marion Knutson, Christine J Neilson, Roberta L Woodgate","doi":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1638513","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fresc.2025.1638513","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Limited guidance exists for researchers wanting to use photovoice to engage children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), 0-25 years, and their caregivers in health research. This mixed-methods systematic review synthesized photovoice research with this population with attention to children and caregivers from diverse backgrounds. Diversity of study participants, research areas that have used photovoice with this population, feasibility considerations (adaptations, contextual considerations, practicality), and recommendations provided by study authors were of interest.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched five databases and limited the search to English or French language publications. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. We used a convergent integrated synthesis approach as well as qualitative content analysis to synthesize data from included studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of children and caregivers in selected studies were white. Selected studies focused primarily on autism spectrum disorder (<i>n</i> = 12) followed by intellectual disability (<i>n</i> = 3). Photovoice has been used across six research areas relevant to individual, interpersonal, and organizational level influences on an individual's life. Authors of selected studies faced various contextual considerations (e.g., requiring flexibility) and made adaptations (e.g., using smiley/sad faces to monitor assent) to facilitate research participation. Authors reported photovoice as valuable and useful and provided implementation recommendations (e.g., work one-on-one with participants) and future research directions (e.g., using photovoice with nonverbal children) to advance the use of this methodology.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our findings support using photovoice to explore the lived experience of this population, provide guidance to health and rehabilitation researchers seeking inclusive, person-centred approaches to engaging participants in research, and have direct implications for practice.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://osf.io/3xsak/.</p>","PeriodicalId":73102,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences","volume":"6 ","pages":"1638513"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12394231/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144980979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}