Kindy Moves: a protocol for establishing the feasibility of an activity-based intervention on goal attainment and motor capacity delivered within an interdisciplinary framework for preschool aged children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Introduction: Preschool aged children with cerebral palsy (CP) and like conditions are at risk of performing below their peers in key skill areas of school readiness. Kindy Moves was developed to support school readiness in preschool aged children with CP and like conditions that are dependent on physical assistance and equipment throughout the day. The primary aims are to determine the feasibility of motor-based interventions that are functional and goal directed, adequately dosed and embedded into a play environment with interdisciplinary support to optimise goal-driven outcomes.

Methods and analysis: Forty children with CP and like conditions aged between 2 and 5 years with a Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level of III-V or equivalent, that is, dependent on physical assistance and equipment will be recruited in Western Australia. Participants will undertake a 4-week programme, comprised three, 2-hour sessions a week consisting of floor time, gross motor movement and play (30 min), locomotor treadmill training (30 min), overground walking in gait trainers (30 min) and table-top activities (30 min). The programme is group based with 3-4 children of similar GMFCS levels in each group. However, each child will be supported by their own therapist providing an interdisciplinary and goal directed approach. Primary outcomes of this feasibility study will be goal attainment (Goal Attainment Scale) and secondary outcomes will include Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, 10 metre walk test, Children's Functional Independence Measure, Sleep Disturbance Scale, Infant and Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire, Peabody Developmental Motor Scale and Gross Motor Function Measure. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post intervention (4 weeks) and retention at the 4-week follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval was obtained from Curtin University Human Ethics Committee (HRE2019-0073). Results will be disseminated through published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and public seminars for stakeholder groups.

Trial registration number: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000064101p).

Keywords: community child health; developmental neurology & neurodisability; neurogenetics; neurological injury; rehabilitation medicine.

Figure 1

Study design and outcome measures. WeeFIM, Functional Independence Measure.