Article

A goal of physical therapy interventions for children and youth with
acquired brain injury (ABI) is the learning and relearning of motor skills.
Therapists can apply theoretically derived and evidence-based motor learning
strategies (MLSs) to structure the presentation of a task and organize the
environment in ways that may promote effective, transfer-oriented practice.
However, little is known about how MLSs are used in physical therapy
interventions for children with ABI. The purpose of this study was to
develop and validate an observer-rated Motor Learning Strategy Rating Instrument
(MLSRI) quantifying the application of MLSs in physical therapy interventions for
children with ABI. DESIGN:
A multi-stage, iterative, item generation and
reduction approach was used. METHODS: An initial list of MLS items was generated
through literature review. Seven experts participated in face validation to
confirm item comprehensiveness. In a content validation process, 12 physical
therapists with pediatric ABI experience responded to a questionnaire evaluating
feasibility and importance of items. Six physical therapy sessions with clients
with ABI were videotaped at a children's rehabilitation center. The 12 physical
therapists participated in a session where they:
(1) rated session videos to test
the MLSRI and (2) provided verbal feedback. RESULTS: Revisions were made
sequentially to the MLSRI based on these processes. LIMITATIONS: The MLSRI was
scored during videotape observation rather than being given a live rating, which
may be onerous in certain settings and may influence therapist or child behavior.
CONCLUSIONS: Further reliability investigations will determine whether the
33-item MLSRI is of help in documenting strategy use during intervention, as an
evaluation tool in research, and as a knowledge transfer resource in clinical practice.

Langue : ANGLAIS