NCT06977256

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

The Use of Telerehabilitation to Enhance Motor Function, Activity Performance, and Participation in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (actual)
• Sponsor: Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 3 Years – 7 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Conditions

• Developmental Coordination Disorder
• Telerehabilitation
• Exercise
• Occupational Therapy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Sensory-Based Exercises	Participants in the Sensory-Based Intervention Group received weekly 40-minute face-to-face sessions for 8 weeks, involving structured exercise and sensory-based activities tailored to individual needs, with caregiver feedback and home programs provided after each session.
OTHER	Telerehabilitation and Based Sensory Intervention	Participants in the Telerehabilitation-Based Sensory Intervention Group received 8 weeks of in-person sessions followed by 8 weeks of weekly 30-minute telerehabilitation sessions, combining individualized sensory-based activities with caregiver coaching and home-based implementation via Zoom. Sessions were personalized, progressively structured, and conducted in a stable virtual environment to support continuity and engagement.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-07-20
• Primary completion: 2024-12-05
• Completion: 2024-12-20
• First posted: 2025-05-18
• Last updated: 2025-06-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)