The goal-oriented collaborative approach with postural management strategies intervention via telehealth for children with non-ambulant cerebral palsy: Feasibility randomized clinical trial protocol

• Published in: Research in developmental disabilities 2024-12, Vol.155, p.104869, Article 104869
• Main Authors: Christovão, Isabella Saraiva, Chagas, Paula Silva de Carvalho, Ferreira, Lorena Costa, Paleg, Ginny, Leite, Hércules Ribeiro, Camargos, Ana Cristina Resende
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Assistive technology; Brazil; Cerebral palsy; Cerebral Palsy - rehabilitation; Child, Preschool; Developmental disabilities; Feasibility Studies; Female; Goal-oriented training; Goals; Humans; Infant; Low-cost technology; Male; Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Parents; Physical therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postural Balance; Postural management; Posture; Telehealth; Telemedicine
• ISSN: 0891-4222; 1873-3379; 1873-3379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104869

Children with non-ambulant Cerebral Palsy (CP), have limitations in terms of self-mobility and require the use of assistive technology with extensive adaptations. However, purchasing assistive technology equipment is expensive and difficult to access in low- and middle-income countries, like Brazil. Guidelines recommend a postural management program to children with CP and emphasize the need for high doses of practice to achieve functional goals. Furthermore, collaborative practices are recommended, with active parental participation in the intervention. This study describes a protocol for assessing the feasibility of a future randomized clinical trial using a goal-oriented collaborative approach with postural management strategies via telehealth for non-ambulant children with CP. Eighteen children (1–5 years) with CP and their families will be randomized into two groups for 12 weeks: (A) goal-oriented collaborative approach with postural management strategies intervention via telehealth associated with conventional physical therapy or (B) conventional physical therapy. Feasibility measures will be verified, and outcomes will include parents' perceptions of performance and satisfaction, gross motor function, postural control, goal achievement and participation at home, preschool, and community. The findings will inform the planning and preparation of a future randomized clinical trial of interventions for non-ambulant CP children via telehealth. •Goal-oriented collaborative approach with postural management strategies intervention via telehealth for non-ambulant CP.•Postural management program with at low-cost assistive technology.•Feasibility of a future RCT aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the intervention.