Parent and therapist perceptions of an intense model of physical therapy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine parent and therapist perceptions regarding the effect of an intense model of physical therapy for children with cerebral palsy.


METHODS
Informants included 5 parents, 5 therapists, and 5 children with cerebral palsy who previously participated in an intense program (ie, strengthening and functional activities 4 hours/day, 5 days/week for 3 weeks). Parents and therapists were interviewed, and children were observed. Data were collected and analyzed using qualitative methodology.


RESULTS
Five common themes emerged, based on perceptions: (1) improvement in motor function, (2) improvement in confidence and independence, (3) stress during the program but a time of no therapy between sessions, (4) increased participation in the community, and (5) fatigue during the program but perceived rapid attainment of goals.


CONCLUSIONS
The constructs identified should be considered by clinicians in program development and by researchers for further study.
Christy
Jennifer Braswell
JB
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35243, USA. JBraswel@uab.edu
Saleem
Naja
N
Turner
Penny H
PH
Wilson
Jenny
J
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011594:Psychometrics; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013637:Tape Recording; D016896:Treatment Outcome