Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between characteristics of home activities and coaching practices with the adherence of parents of children with motor delays to home activities provided by physical therapists and occupational therapists in early intervention.
Methods
An online survey study was developed and distributed to physical therapists and occupational therapists across the United States. A survey flier was posted online on parent support groups, physical and occupational therapy groups, newsletters and organizations supporting parents of children with disabilities.
Results
A total of 720 respondents participated in the survey. Four hundred forty-six participants from 49 states met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Parents indicated that physical therapists and OTs apply the five coaching practices (joint planning, observation, practice, reflection, feedback). However, parents (63%) reported more time was needed on coaching. Parents’ stated that therapists’ modeling the activities was the most helpful teaching technique that enhanced their adherence to home activities. Coaching practices, appropriateness of the home activities to daily routines and home environment, provision of home activities enjoyed by the child, and parent self-efficacy were all significantly associated (P < 0.5) with adherence to home activities.
Conclusions
Parent’s adherence to home activities is affected not only by the type of coaching used by the therapists but also by the characteristics of the home activities provided for young children with delayed motor development.
Impact statement
The results of this study provide additional evidence supporting individualization of home activities to promote the parent’s continuous provision of learning opportunities to promote their children’s development. There was also support of the therapists’ use of the five coaching practices in EI to support the parent’s application of home activities when the therapists are not present.