Effect of a 3-week intensive therapy intervention on physical performance of children with neurological conditions: a case study series

Nicole Doyle, Nikki Milne, Clare MacFarlane

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Abstract

Aim: To investigate if a 3-week intensive therapy intervention can improve the physical performance of children who have neurological conditions? Design: Prospective case study series. Method: Twelve children (males: n = 6; females: n = 6, aged 2.42 to 4.75 years) diagnosed with neurological conditions participated in intensive modes of therapy (IMOT) for 2-6h/day over 5 days/week for 3 weeks of varied mobility-related interventions. IMOT included MEDEK therapy, NeuroSuit, SpiderCage therapy, Occupational therapy / sensory integration and conventional Physiotherapy. Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were completed with participant’s parent’s pre and post intensive intervention. Results: Mean GAS composite change score represented a 176% increase in physical function relating to mobility goals. A 102% mean increase in performance and 104% mean increase in satisfaction was reported by parents on the COPM for children’s physical goal-related activities. Paired samples t-tests revealed significant (p<0.001) improvements in mean performance for all GAS and COPM goals after completing the 3-week intensive therapy program. Conclusion: A 3-week intensive therapy program demonstrated significant improvements in functional mobility related GAS and COPM outcomes in children with neurological conditions. Due to the small sample size and lack of control group, therapists may consider using these findings with caution, to guide families who are considering participating in intensive therapy programs. Key Practice Points: • Intensive modes of therapy are becoming more common in physiotherapy practice. • An intensive mobility-related intervention delivered over a 3 week period can achieve desired goal-related performance and parent satisfaction.
Original languageEnglish
Pages389
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 19 Oct 2017
EventAPA National Physiotherapy Conference MOMENTUM 2017 - Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney, Australia
Duration: 19 Oct 201721 Oct 2017

Conference

ConferenceAPA National Physiotherapy Conference MOMENTUM 2017
Abbreviated titleAPA
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period19/10/1721/10/17
OtherAustralian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Momentum 2017 is organized by Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and would be held during Oct 19 - 21, 2017 at Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The target audience for this medical meeting basically for Physicians.

Physiotherapists have always been innovators in health, pushing forward to deliver excellent patient outcomes.

As the healthcare landscape becomes more competitive, it is important to keep moving with the changes. MOMENTUM 2017, the APA national conference will empower you to be part of the future of Australian and global physiotherapy.

Join with the rest of the profession to hear from leaders in physiotherapy about the latest clinical research. Meet the people you need to know to help you grow in your profession and discover the newest innovations.

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