Parents' Perspectives on a Computer Game–Assisted Rehabilitation Program for Manual Dexterity in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Qualitative Analysis of Expectations, Child Engagement, and Benefits
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Children with motor impairments affecting the upper extremity benefit from task-specific therapy, such as constraint-induced movement therapy. However, there is a need to improve engagement and compliance with task-specific exercise programs that target manual dexterity for children with cerebral palsy (CP). A computer game-based rehabilitation (GRP) platform was developed that combines fine manipulation and gross movement exercises with engaging game activities appropriate for young children with CP. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this qualitative analysis were to compare parents' perspectives and opinions about expectations, challenges, and benefits between 2 interventions. METHODS: A mixed methods, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to examine the feasibility and estimate the effect size of 2 exercise programs for rehabilitation of manual dexterity of children with CP using either GRP or conventional therapy. Parents of 26 of the children who completed the GRP program (n=33) and parents of 15 of the children who completed the conventional therapy program (n=27) participated in the interviews. A general conductive approach was used to analyze the data recorded during the parents' interviews. RESULTS: Five themes captured the range of the parent's experiences, viewpoints, and ideas: (1) parents' expectations, (2) child's engagement with therapy, (3) positive effects of the interventions, (4) challenges, and (5) improving the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Parents from both groups recognized that their expectations related to improving children's object handling and manipulation skills including participation in activities of daily life were addressed during the 16-week therapy program. Parents perceived a change in the children's level of independence in their daily tasks at home, school, and leisure activities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02728375; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02728375.
DOI: 10.2196/24337
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,750
OpenAlex ID: W3155437673