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Published on: June 20, 2020
Early intervention physical therapy using "Parent Empowerment Program" for children with Down syndrome in Pakistan:
Zehra Habib-Hasan1, Memoona Salman Sheikh2, Zahra Hoodbhoy1
1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Insights
The Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) effectively improved gross motor function in children with Down syndrome. Parents found the program beneficial and manageable, highlighting its potential in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Disabilities
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Down syndrome presents challenges in developmental activities and gross motor function.
- Parental involvement is crucial for early intervention effectiveness.
- Resource-limited settings require scalable and sustainable support programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP).
- To evaluate PEP's role in enhancing developmental activities and gross motor function in children with Down syndrome.
- To determine parental satisfaction and program adherence.
Main Methods:
- A 14-month program involving parents of children with Down syndrome.
- Training sessions conducted 1-4 times monthly.
- Outcomes measured by changes in Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) from baseline to assessment one.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in GMFM-88 scores observed (p<0.001).
- Forty-eight families participated; children's mean age was 16.2 months.
- Previous hospitalization was a significant factor affecting GMFM scores.
Conclusions:
- The PEP is effective in improving gross motor function for children with Down syndrome in Pakistan.
- Parents reported satisfaction with outcomes and program feasibility.
- PEP shows promise as a supportive tool for physical therapy services in resource-poor countries.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) to help caretakers deliver a home program to promote developmental activities and gross motor function in their children with Down syndrome.
Methods:
Parents attended a 14-month program with training sessions 1-4 times a month. Outcomes were measured using a change in the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) at baseline and assessment one.
Results:
Forty-eight families participated in the PEP. Children's mean age was 16.2 ± 10.8 months. There were significant changes in GMFM-88 scores between baseline and assessment one; t (30) =-9.158, p< 0.001; 95% CI -14.6 - -22.9. Previous hospitalization significantly affected GMFM scores.
Conclusion:
This study describes a clinically applied research that focuses on program design, development and evaluation. Findings indicate that the PEP is effective in improving gross motor function in children with Down's syndrome in Pakistan. Parents were satisfied with the program outcomes and were able to cope with the requirements at home. The PEP had favorable outcomes and may be an effective method to support PT services in resource poor countries.
