Article

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of parents of
children with cerebral palsy (CP) who participated in an intensive cognitive
orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP) group program addressing
child chosen goals. METHOD: Participants were six parents of children with CP who
participated in a CO-OP upper limb task-specific training program. Parents
participated in semi-structured interviews conducted via phone. A grounded theory
approach was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded to identify
categories and overarching themes of the parent experience of CO-OP. RESULTS: The
theory of CO-OP for children with CP was one of offering a unique and motivating
learning experience for both the child and the parent, differing from other
therapeutic approaches that families had previously been involved in. Five
categories were identified: the unique benefits of CO-OP; the importance of
intensity; the child's motivation; challenging the parent role; and the benefits
and challenges of therapy within a group context. CONCLUSION: Parents felt that
CO-OP was a worthwhile intervention that leads to achievement of goals involving
upper limb function and had the capacity to be transferred to future goals.
Intensity of therapy and a child's motivation were identified as important
factors in improvements. Further studies using quantitative research methods are
warranted to investigate the benefits of CO-OP for children with neurological
conditions. Implications for rehabilitation The cognitive orientation to daily
occupational performance (CO-OP) is a promising upper limb cognitive motor
training intervention for children with cerebral palsy. In a small sample,
parents perceived that CO-OP leads to achievement of upper limb goals. Intensity
of therapy, the child's motivation and the parents' ability to "step-back" were
identified as important to the success of CO-OP.

Langue : ANGLAIS