ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND.: Evidence-based approaches to improve function in individuals with cerebral palsy are needed. PURPOSE.: To investigate the effectiveness of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance approach™ (CO-OP) to improve performance on self-chosen, functional goals as compared to traditional occupational therapy for cerebral palsy. METHOD.: Crossover design with 12 participants, aged 6-15 years, randomly assigned to CO-OP and traditional intervention groups, followed by crossover and a 3-month follow-up. The participants identified three occupation-based goals for CO-OP and each group received ten 45-minutes intervention twice weekly in clinical context. Occupational performance, manual dexterity and Gross Motor Function Measures were analysed using generalized estimating equations. FINDINGS.: There were clinical and statistically significant improvements in functional goals following CO-OP and not traditional therapy. There were gains in dexterity but not in gross motor skills. IMPLICATIONS.: CO-OP was effective to improve functional performance in young people with cerebral palsy and should be more utilized.
