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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06977256

The Use of Telerehabilitation to Improve Motor Skills and Participation in Children With Developmental Disorders

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of a traditional sensory-based intervention and a telerehabilitation-based sensory intervention in children aged 3-7 years diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Participants were randomly assigned to either face-to-face or combined face-to-face and telerehabilitation groups. The outcome measures included occupational performance, sensory processing, and functional independence. The study was conducted with ethical approval, and informed consent was obtained from all legal guardians.

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Key information

Conditions

Developmental Coordination Disorder Behavior Exercise Mental Disorders Motor Activity Motor Skills Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders Occupational Therapy Telerehabilitation

Age range

3 year–7 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Günışığı Counseling Center and Istanbul Medipol University

Istanbul, Beykoz, 34815, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of a traditional face-to-face sensory-based intervention and a telerehabilitation-based sensory intervention in children aged 3-7 years diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). A total of 22 participants were randomized into two groups: the Sensory-Based Intervention (SBI) group and the Telerehabilitation-Based Sensory Intervention (TBSI) group.

The SBI group received weekly 40-minute in-person sessions for 8 weeks. The TBSI group received the same 8-week in-person intervention followed by 8 weeks of weekly 30-minute telerehabilitation sessions delivered via Zoom. Both interventions included structured sensory activities tailored to each child's developmental level.

Primary and secondary outcomes were measured before and after the intervention using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Dunn Sensory Profile Parent Questionnaire, and the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM). The study followed CONSORT guidelines and ethical approval was obtained. Written informed consent was provided by all legal guardians.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Having a neurodevelopmental disorder with a confirmed diagnosis of one of the following: autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, developmental delay, communication disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Absence of any condition that may interfere with cooperation during the study
  • Receiving occupational therapy training for a duration between 3 months and 1 year to ensure group homogeneity in terms of prior therapy experience

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of any visual or hearing impairment that could affect study outcomes
  • Having any systemic disease
  • Having a physical disability that may interfere with movement or motor function

Treatment and study plan

Sensory-Based Exercises

Other

Participants in the Sensory-Based Intervention Group received weekly 40-minute face-to-face sessions for 8 weeks, involving structured exercise and sensory-based activities tailored to individual needs, with caregiver feedback and home programs provided after each session.

Telerehabilitation and Based Sensory Intervention

Other

Participants in the Telerehabilitation-Based Sensory Intervention Group received 8 weeks of in-person sessions followed by 8 weeks of weekly 30-minute telerehabilitation sessions, combining individualized sensory-based activities with caregiver coaching and home-based implementation via Zoom. Sessions were personalized, progressively structured, and conducted in a stable virtual environment to support continuity and engagement.

Primary outcomes

  1. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a standardized assessment tool frequently used by occupational therapists to identify problems in occupational performance areas and to measure individuals' perceived performance and satisfaction levels. The COPM is administered through a semi-structured interview and takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. It involves individuals rating their performance and satisfaction in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure activities. The COPM has been adapted and validated across various age groups and diagnostic populations and is commonly used in pediatric settings as well.

  2. Dunn Sensory Profile

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    In this study, the Parent Questionnaire version of the Sensory Profile was administered to assess the sensory processing patterns of participating children. Developed by Winnie Dunn in 1999, the Sensory Profile is designed for children aged 3 to 10 and consists of 125 items evaluating various aspects of sensory development. The tool identifies four sensory response patterns: sensitivity, registration, avoidance, and seeking. Scoring is categorized into three main domains: sensory processing, modulation, and behavioral/emotional responses. The questionnaire includes subscales such as auditory, visual, vestibular, tactile, multisensory, and oral sensory processing, as well as items addressing endurance, posture, activity level, emotional modulation, and social-emotional responses.

  3. Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    The Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) was developed to address the sensitivity and comprehensiveness limitations of the Barthel Index in assessing functional independence. It evaluates both motor and cognitive components of a child's functional abilities and is based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The WeeFIM consists of 18 items, divided into two domains: 13 items in the motor domain and 5 items in the cognitive domain. It is commonly used to assess the level of assistance required by children in daily activities.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Medipol University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Use of Telerehabilitation to Enhance Motor Function, Activity Performance, and Participation in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
May 18, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 3, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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