Exploration of the Effects of Telerehabilitation in a School-Based Setting for At-Risk Youth

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2017.6215

Abstract

This study explored the efficacy and feasibility of a motion-capture program that may be utilized for telerehabilitation purposes. Two children attending a school for at-risk children received 20 sessions of Timocco, with sessions lasting for 30 minutes, under the guidance of research assistants. The researchers employed a mixed methods design to analyze quantitative data and qualitative interviews. Both children improved their fine and gross motor coordination, as measured on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Short Form. To explore feasibly, qualitative verbal reports of the child participants and research assistants were obtained. The children and research assistants reported positive experiences with the utilization of this platform. A collaborative, consultative telerehabilitation model may be a promising delivery mode of services for improving motor skills in children, with frequent input from the child, aide or teacher, and clinician. Further exploration is needed for telerehabilitative service delivery for at-risk children.

  

Author Biographies

Sara Benham, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

Sara Benham, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, has ten years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in the areas of inpatient rehabilitation, long term care, and home care.  Her specialization is in assistive technology and she holds an advanced certification as Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.  Her research agenda includes studying how the use of technology enables clients to participate in their meaningful occupations across the lifespan.

Varleisha Gibbs, Wesley College

Varleisha Gibbs is currently the chair and director of the inaugural masters of occupational therapy program at Wesley College, which is also the first ever in the state of Delaware. She co-authored Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders, this has provided families with strategies to understand and care for their children.

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Published

2017-06-29

How to Cite

Benham, S., & Gibbs, V. (2017). Exploration of the Effects of Telerehabilitation in a School-Based Setting for At-Risk Youth. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 9(1), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2017.6215

Issue

Vol 9, No 1: Spring 2017

Section

School Telepractice

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