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

Medipol Health Group

Status: Completed

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

Treatments: Other: Telerehabilitation and Based Sensory Intervention; Other: Sensory-Based Exercises

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06977256

10840098-772.02-4262-587

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 20 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 3 to 7 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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20 participants in 2 patient groups

Sensory-Based Intervention Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

For the Sensory-Based Intervention Group, participants received a 40-minute face-to-face session once a week for 8 weeks, consisting of structured exercise and sensory-based interventions. Sessions were conducted in a therapy room equipped with sensory and activity materials. At the end of each session, caregivers were provided with feedback, their questions were addressed, and individualized home assignments were given. The intervention program for each child was tailored to their individual needs, and the progression of activities was personalized and adjusted based on each child's performance and development throughout the study.

Treatment:

Other: Sensory-Based Exercises

Telerehabilitation-Based Sensory Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

For the Telerehabilitation-Based Sensory Intervention Group, participants received 40-minute in-person sensory-based sessions once a week for 8 weeks, followed by 30-minute telerehabilitation sessions once a week for an additional 8 weeks. Telerehabilitation was delivered via Zoom using a webcam-equipped computer. The online sessions were designed as a continuation of the face-to-face intervention and included individualized activity plans, caregiver coaching, home program recommendations, and ergonomic adjustments. Caregivers were informed in advance about required materials and setup. Each session was adapted to the child's developmental level, with activities progressively structured from simple to complex.

Treatment:

Other: Sensory-Based Exercises

Other: Telerehabilitation and Based Sensory Intervention