Efficacy of Tele-CO-OP in Children With Organic Acidemia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Telerehabilitation
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Organic acidemia (OAs) presents significant challenges to children's development and participation.
• Occupational therapy interventions are crucial for managing functional deficits in these children.
• Telerehabilitation offers a promising modality to extend healthcare access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a 5-week telerehabilitation-based CO-OP (CO-OP) Approach intervention for children with organic acidemia.
• To compare the outcomes of tele-CO-OP intervention with a standard home program.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 34 children with organic acidemia.
• Intervention group received tele-CO-OP twice weekly plus a home program.
• Control group received only the home program.
• Outcomes assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation, Kid-KINDL, and Assistance to Participate Scale.

Main Results:

• The tele-CO-OP group demonstrated significant improvements (p < .05) compared to the control group.
• Significant benefits were observed on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Performance and Satisfaction scales).
• The intervention group also showed significant gains in Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation, KINDL, and Assistance to Participate Scale scores.

Conclusions:

• The CO-OP Approach delivered via telerehabilitation is effective in enhancing occupational performance and participation in children with organic acidemia.
• These preliminary findings support the use of telerehabilitation for pediatric populations with rare metabolic disorders.
• This study highlights the potential of tele-CO-OP as a valuable intervention strategy.