Assessing the relationship between the WNSSP and therapeutic participation in adolescents in low response states following severe traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the relationship between scores on the Western Neuro Sensory Stimulation Profile (WNSSP) and therapeutic participation as it relates to rehabilitation readiness (RR) in adolescents with low response following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).


METHODS
This is a serial observational design using multiple measures of clinical status and participation.


METHODS
Ten children, mean age 16.7 years, who remained in a low response state (30 days or more) were assessed with the WNSSP and videotaped during physical and occupational therapy sessions. Associations were evaluated between WNSSP scores and participation scores related to arousal, awareness and communication.


RESULTS
The WNSSP was only associated with the communication score (p < 0.0001). The arousal and awareness scores had no significant impact on the WNSSP score.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that scores on the WNSSP may be related to the return of communication skills in adolescents in low response states as one part of assessing their therapeutic participation and ultimate rehabilitation readiness. This ability may assist in making decisions regarding care planning.
Patrick
Peter D
PD
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Pediatric, 2270 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901, USA. pdp2n@virginia.edu
Wamstad
Julia Buch
JB
Mabry
Jennifer L
JL
Smith-Janik
Shannan
S
Gurka
Matthew J
MJ
Buck
Marcia L
ML
Blackman
James A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D001364:Awareness / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult