Efficacy of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach with and without parental coaching on activity and participation for children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

BackgroundCognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is recommended for its effectiveness in improving activity performance in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Since parental support is a key element in CO-OP, parental coaching seems relevant to be investigated. AimsCompare the efficacy of the CO-OP Approach with and without additional parental coaching to improve activity and participation in children with DCD. Methods and proceduresRandomized clinical trial with 7–12-years-old children with DCD, randomly assigned to experimental (E-group) or active control (AC-group) groups, with 11 children each. Both groups received traditional CO-OP, E-group received four additional parental group-coaching sessions. Occupational performance and satisfaction on intervention goals were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Participation, motor performance and executive function were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Outcomes and resultsCO-OP with and without additional parental coaching resulted in improved occupational performance according to children, parents, and external evaluators. Children showed statistically significant gains in motor performance and cognitive flexibility. Participation measures did not change. Conclusions and implicationsAs coaching did not add additional gains, parent’s required participation in CO-OP might be enough to support children’s occupational performance.