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A Tele-Rehabilitation Home Exercise Program for Ambulatory Adults with Cerebral Palsy: A Feasibility Study
Margaret E O'Neil1, Mary E Gannotti2, Lauren Winterbottom3
1Department of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA.
Aims:
Examine adherence, facilitators and barriers, satisfaction and trends in effectiveness of a telerehabilitation home exercise program (TRHExP) with remote coaching for adults with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
Six ambulatory adults with CP (range: 21-38 years, mean: 27, SD: 6.9; 4 females), participated in an 8-week TRHExP designed to increase physical activity (PA) to 150 min per week (min/wk). Pre, post, and process measures included functional mobility tests, patient reported measures, semi-structured interviews, and exercise observation. Individualized programs were based on clinical guidelines and personal goals. Weekly coaching sessions reviewed adherence, performance, and progression.
Results:
Four of six participants completed the 8-week program; two dropped out midway through due to life circumstances. PA frequency was a median of 4 ×/wk and a median of 150 min/wk. TRHExP was the primary contributor to PA. Participant time and energy were barriers. Completing activity logs and perceived improvement were facilitators. Personal goal performance increased to 75% and satisfaction to 100%. Changes to self-report measures and functional tests were equivocal.
Conclusion:
Ambulatory adults with CP may benefit from individualized TRHExP with weekly remote coaching to increase PA. Tailored telerehabilitation PA programs with remote coaches may foster health promotion for adults with CP.
