I was so excited to find this recent research. Finally, some strong statistics supporting that occupational therapy home programs make a significant difference in a child's life. Pediatrics published research on children with cerebral palsy who received occupational therapy home programs. There was 36 children in the study (mean age of 7.7 years old) with gross motor classification levels I through V. Eighty five percent of the children exhibited spasticity, 14% dyskinesia and 3% with ataxia. A double blind, randomized controlled study was done comparing groups of children who received 8 weeks of an OT home program and a control group. At the end of the 8 week session, the children who participated in the OT home program exhibited statistically significant improvements in function and parent satisfaction with function. The researchers concluded that pediatricians should recommend a collaborative, evidence based OT home program which should be carried out 17.5 times per month for 16.5 minutes per session.
Reference: Novak, Iona, Cusick, Anne, Lannin, Natasha Occupational Therapy Home Programs for Cerebral Palsy: Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial Pediatrics 2009 124: e606-e614
Need activity ideas for occupational therapy home programs? Check out Therapeutic Activities for Home and School.
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