Occurrence of gross motor behaviors and attainment of motor objectives in children with cerebral palsy participating in conductive education

ABSTRACT

This exploratory study investigated the frequency of occurrence of gross motor behaviors by nine children with cerebral palsy (CP) participating in an 11 -month conductive education (CE) program and the attainment of their gross motor objectives. The intervention team determined gross motor objectives for each child. Activities to achieve those objectives were fully integrated into the child's daily routines. Interval by interval recording was used to observe eight stability, seven mobility, and six transfer behaviors during four school days for each child. The interrater reliability using a kappa statistic was 0.73–0.93 for the observed behaviors. An independent evaluator determined that the children achieved 83% of their gross motor objectives for the first term and 89% for the second term of the year. Of the objectives initially not achieved, three related to stair climbing, an activity not observed being practiced. Stability behaviors, mainly sitting, occurred at substantially higher rates than all mobility and transfer behaviors. All stability and transfer objectives that were practiced were achieved. The children spent the majority of their day in sitting. While the children achieved the majority of their motor objectives, the limited active mobility seen in this and other preschools warrants further investigation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A special thanks is extended to the children, their parents, and the staff who assisted in this investigation. We are deeply grateful for the support of Clare Fung, PT, former superintendent of the Spastics Association of Hong Kong Jockey Club Conductive Learning Centre. Dr. Cecilia Webb, of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University assisted in obtaining grant support and access to the children. Dr. Sing Kai Lo, formerly of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, provided statistical support.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.