Move&Connect - A group study for youth with concussion and their caregivers
Summary
Move&Connect is a program for youth and their caregivers with Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS). Youth will participate in fun exercises, learn new skills to manage their concussion and meet others going through similar experiences!
Call to action
Youth
Are you a youth who’s had a concussion? Are you experiencing symptoms for more than one month? You may be able to participate in our research study to evaluate an active rehabilitation (AR) program for youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms.
Caregiver
Are you a caregiver of a youth with concussion symptoms? You may be able to participate in a research study to participate in a group-based intervention that provides peer support and education on concussion symptoms and related topics for caregivers.
Who can participate
Youth
Youth between the ages of 8-21 with a confirmed diagnosis of concussion by a physician or nurse practitioner who have been experiencing concussion symptoms for > 4 weeks. Youth must read and understand English, be willing to engage in weekly sessions and have access to a reliable internet connection (preferred). Youth with a diagnosis of ASD, a physical (requiring a mobility device) or intellectual disability, a functional neurological disorder (e.g. conversion disorder, somatization, and personality disorder) or an acute psychiatric condition are not eligible for this study
Caregivers
Caregivers whose children have been diagnosed with a concussion by a physician or nurse practitioner and have been experiencing concussion symptoms for > 4 weeks. Caregivers must be able to read and understand English, be willing to engage in weekly sessions and have access to a reliable internet connection. Caregivers with a diagnosis of an acute psychiatric condition that resulted in a recent hospital admission are not eligible for this study.
Funding agency
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
What's involved
Youth will participate in a six week intervention delivered online by a Physiotherapist and Occupational therapist through the video conferencing platform Zoom, or in-person at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (based on preference) once per week for 60 minutes consisting of education related to Persistent Post Concussion symptoms, goal-setting and active rehabilitation. Youth will complete a set of questionnaires on concussion symptoms, emotions, and behaviour routines before and after the intervention and after 3 months. Youth may be asked to share their feedback on the program through a semi-structured exit interview
Caregivers Will participate in a six week intervention delivered virtually by a clinical psychologist and social worker on the video conferencing platform Zoom, or in-person at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (based on preference) once per week for 60 minutes consisting of psychoeducation related to school advocacy, parenting, and stress and daily challenges. Caregivers will complete a set of questionnaires on stress, parenting competency and mental health before and after the program and during a 3-month follow-up. Caregivers may also be invited to give your feedback on Move&Connect-Caregivers in an interview
Both youth and caregivers will receive a small token of appreciation ($40.00 gift card) to thank them for their time.
Interested in participating
If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact thenovellab@hollandbloorview.ca with your interest and a research assistant will get back to you shortly. Contacting us does not obligate you, or your child to participate in the study.
Additional information
Study title: Move and Connect: A holistic, interdisciplinary program of care for youth experiencing persistent symptoms post-concussion and their caregivers
REB# 22-0513
Study recruitment is ongoing.
