Effects of an mHealth Occupational Therapy Intervention on Functional Performance: A Pilot Study

Neurodevelopmental disorders are one of the most prevalent conditions today, and among the limitations in activity and restrictions in the participation of children and their families, we find intervention in activities of daily living; therefore, research focused on outcome measurement is one of the most active lines, and after COVID-19, telerehabilitation has garnered special interest.

The study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) application in improving the performance of activities of daily living in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group, using a fully remote mHealth-based intervention. The instruments used were a sociodemographic ad hoc, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer, Family Outcomes Survey, Family Confidence Scale, and System Usability Scale. The final sample consisted of 13 participants.

The mHealth intervention showed significant improvements in occupational performance in the experimental group, especially in the global score and in the Responsibility dimension of the PEDI-CAT. No relevant differences were observed in the CON-FAN and FOS scales between groups, although the latter showed improvements over time. The usability of the app was rated positively (SUS = 69.75).

The developed application presents good usability for families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, but to obtain better outcome measures, the intervention should combine face-to-face sessions and the use of mHealth, as well as employing the family-centered model.