AIMS To systematically map the design, purpose, and outcomes of dance, circus, and physical theater programs designed by allied health professionals for children and youth with disabilities. METHODS Following PRISMA-scoping review guidelines, seven databases were searched up to April 2026 for studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Intervention design was reported using the "INgredients iN ArTs in hEalth" framework. RESULTS Twenty studies were included, featuring ballet (n = 4), dance therapy (n = 4), Indian dance (n = 2), mixed dance styles (n = 5), adapted dance (n = 2), belly dance, hip hop, and tap (each n = 1). Participants ranged from 3 to 23 years of age. Seventy percent of studies focused on school-aged children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism. Programs spanned 6-36 sessions (4-54 h). All studies reported improvements in physical outcome measures. CONCLUSION Allied health professional designed dance programs may positively influence physical outcomes in children and youth with disabilities. Future research should expand on the scope of health conditions, include preschool children and older youth, and focus on higher quality studies that include standardized intervention reporting, address project sustainability, and participant-focused outcomes.
Aims The present study aimed to explore pediatric physiotherapists' beliefs in T & uuml;rkiye regarding early mobility and crawling and how these beliefs influence their clinical practices.Methods Physiotherapists working with children were asked to complete an online survey about their beliefs regarding early mobility and crawling, their clinical approaches to these areas, and their opinions on removing crawling from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developmental milestone checklists.Results Among the 109 physiotherapists who participated, 94.5% (n = 103) believed that crawling was important, and between 82.6% and 100% (n = 90 and n = 109) thought it was linked to various positive developmental outcomes. Additionally, 63% of physiotherapists (n = 68) opposed removing crawling from the CDC checklists.Conclusions These beliefs appeared to influence therapeutic approaches, with many physiotherapists reporting that they would train hands-and-knees crawling when clinically appropriate. At the same time, most did not support discouraging existing alternative mobility strategies. Further research is needed to assess the extent to which pediatric physiotherapists' beliefs and clinical practices align with current scientific evidence.
Aims Children with physical disabilities may have limited access to meaningful leisure during hospitalization. This study examined participation, motivation, and perceived benefits associated with accessible digital gaming in pediatric inpatient rehabilitation. Methods Fifteen inpatients aged 6-17 years participated in a four-week, twice-weekly drop-in gaming program using standard or adapted controllers selected according to individual access needs. Outcomes included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), session records, and a four-week parent follow-up questionnaire. Results Mean COPM performance increased from 4.55 (SD = 1.99) to 6.42 (SD = 1.58; mean change = 1.87, p < .001), and satisfaction increased from 4.48 (SD = 2.31) to 6.59 (SD = 1.52; mean change = 2.11, p = .002). Six participants demonstrated increases of at least 2 points in performance and six in satisfaction. IMI scores indicated high interest/enjoyment (M = 4.66), perceived competence (M = 4.44), and perceived choice (M = 4.48), with low pressure/tension (M = 1.60). All 14 responding parents rated the experience positively, and nine (64.3%) reported continued gaming. Conclusions Accessible digital gaming may provide an age-appropriate and motivating leisure opportunity during pediatric inpatient rehabilitation. Larger controlled studies are needed to examine its effects.
