Purpose: Evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based Early intervention for Children using multimodAl REhabilitation (WECARE) in improving the performance of children (aged 3-8 years) with motor difficulties.
Method: This pragmatic randomized control trial divided 118 families of children with motor difficulties into the control or WECARE group. WECARE was delivered via a web-based platform; the control group received usual care. The primary outcome assessed children's performance on parent-identified goals (COPM). Secondary outcomes included parents' knowledge and skills (PKSQ) and satisfaction with supports received. Mixed modelling was used for analysis.
Results: No statistical significance between-group differences were found in the proportion of overall goals (adjusted mean differences, 7.9; 95%CI, -0.2 to 16.0; p = 0.06) and motor goals achieved (adjusted mean differences, 6.7; 95%CI, -2.1 to 15.4; p = 0.14). Parents in the WECARE group scored statistically significantly higher on the PKSQ (adjusted mean differences, 0.40; 95%CI [0.09-0.70]; p = 0.01) and on satisfaction (mean difference 10.35; 95%CI [7.03-13.66]; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Although no significant between-group differences were observed in children's motor goal performance, the WECARE intervention significantly improved parents' knowledge, skills, and satisfaction with the support received, highlighting its clinical value in supporting parents of children with motor difficulties.
Keywords: Telerehabilitation; children; early intervention; motor difficulties; motor function; pediatrics; pragmatic randomized controlled trial; telehealth.
Parents’ knowledge and skills about their child’s motor condition can be improved by a web-based interventionA web-based intervention can support parents of children with motor difficulties, who are waiting for or do not have access to services.Web-based interventions should be considered as part of a comprehensive family-centered early intervention rehabilitation service delivery model.