The Use of Telerehabilitation to Improve Motor Skills and Participation in Children With Developmental Disorders

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Developmental Coordination Disorder; Exercise; Telerehabilitation; Occupational Therapy

• Registration Number: NCT06977256
• Lead Sponsor: Istanbul Medipol University Hospital

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of a traditional sensory-based intervention and a telerehabilitation-based sensory intervention in children aged 3-7 years diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Participants were randomly assigned to either face-to-face or combined face-to-face and telerehabilitation groups. The outcome measures included occupational performance, sensory processing, and functional independence. The study was conducted with ethical approval, and informed consent was obtained from all legal guardians.

Detailed Description

This single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of a traditional face-to-face sensory-based intervention and a telerehabilitation-based sensory intervention in children aged 3-7 years diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). A total of 22 participants were randomized into two groups: the Sensory-Based Intervention (SBI) group and the Telerehabilitation-Based Sensory Intervention (TBSI) group.

The SBI group received weekly 40-minute in-person sessions for 8 weeks. The TBSI group received the same 8-week in-person intervention followed by 8 weeks of weekly 30-minute telerehabilitation sessions delivered via Zoom. Both interventions included structured sensory activities tailored to each child's developmental level.

Primary and secondary outcomes were measured before and after the intervention using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Dunn Sensory Profile Parent Questionnaire, and the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM). The study followed CONSORT guidelines and ethical approval was obtained. Written informed consent was provided by all legal guardians.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-07-20
• Primary Completion: 2024-12-05
• Study Completion: 2024-12-20
• Study First Submitted: 2025-05-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-05-15
• Study First Posted: 2025-05-18
• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-02
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-03

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 20

Inclusion Criteria

• Having a neurodevelopmental disorder with a confirmed diagnosis of one of the following: autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, developmental delay, communication disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Absence of any condition that may interfere with cooperation during the study
• Receiving occupational therapy training for a duration between 3 months and 1 year to ensure group homogeneity in terms of prior therapy experience

Exclusion Criteria

• Presence of any visual or hearing impairment that could affect study outcomes
• Having any systemic disease
• Having a physical disability that may interfere with movement or motor function

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks	The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a standardized assessment tool frequently used by occupational therapists to identify problems in occupational performance areas and to measure individuals' perceived performance and satisfaction levels. The COPM is administered through a semi-structured interview and takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. It involves individuals rating their performance and satisfaction in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure activities. The COPM has been adapted and validated across various age groups and diagnostic populations and is commonly used in pediatric settings as well.
Dunn Sensory Profile	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks	In this study, the Parent Questionnaire version of the Sensory Profile was administered to assess the sensory processing patterns of participating children. Developed by Winnie Dunn in 1999, the Sensory Profile is designed for children aged 3 to 10 and consists of 125 items evaluating various aspects of sensory development. The tool identifies four sensory response patterns: sensitivity, registration, avoidance, and seeking. Scoring is categorized into three main domains: sensory processing, modulation, and behavioral/emotional responses. The questionnaire includes subscales such as auditory, visual, vestibular, tactile, multisensory, and oral sensory processing, as well as items addressing endurance, posture, activity level, emotional modulation, and social-emotional responses.
Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM)	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks	The Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) was developed to address the sensitivity and comprehensiveness limitations of the Barthel Index in assessing functional independence. It evaluates both motor and cognitive components of a child's functional abilities and is based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The WeeFIM consists of 18 items, divided into two domains: 13 items in the motor domain and 5 items in the cognitive domain. It is commonly used to assess the level of assistance required by children in daily activities.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Günışığı Counseling Center and Istanbul Medipol University; 🇹🇷 Istanbul, Beykoz, Turkey