The effect of mothering handling training at home on the motor function of children with cerebral palsy: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ABSTRACTAim: The present study aimed to examine the effect of mothering handling training (mothers learn to provide caring in the more right manner) at home on the motor functions of children with cerebral palsy (CP).Methods: In this single-blind randomized control trial study, 40 children with CP (6–72 months old) were recruited from rehabilitative clinics of Tehran; Iran and were divided randomly into two groups of intervention (with mothering handling training and home adaptation) and control. The Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM-66) and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale Test (PDMS-R) were used to collect data. analysis of covariance test was used for data analysis.Results: There was a significant difference in terms of gross motor function improvement between the two groups and it was greater in the intervention group (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in the fine motor development between the two groups (p = 0.064).Conclusion: Although mothering handling training is not a common practice worldwide it can improve gross motor function of children with CP and for a more enhanced level of evidence it is suggested to conduct the same study on a larger population.