Outcome evaluation of the Web-based early intervention for children with motor difficulties aged 3-8 years old using multimodal rehabilitation: results of a family-centered pragmatic randomized controlled study.

Abstract

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. This pragmatic randomized control trial divided 118 families of children with motor difficulties into the control or WECARE group. WECARE was delivered <i>via</i> 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. 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; <i>p</i> = 0.06) and motor goals achieved (adjusted mean differences, 6.7; 95%CI, -2.1 to 15.4; <i>p</i> = 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]; <i>p</i> = 0.01) and on satisfaction (mean difference 10.35; 95%CI [7.03-13.66]; <i>p</i> < 0.001). 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.