LCSH

Arm--Paralysis; Children with disabilities--Care--United States; Children with disabilities--Rehabilitation; Medical personnel--caregiver relationships; Caregivers--Family relationships--United States

Abstract

Objective: Modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT) is a technique for treating children with unilateral neurological motor impairments by constraining a child’s unaffected upper extremity to force the use of the affected upper extremity. Outcomes from mCIMT camp participation reported in the literature tend to be heavily overrepresented by quantitative measures. When included, qualitative information was anecdotal and lacked the depth and rigor necessary to recognize psychosocial changes as a meaningful camp outcome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience of a mCIMT camp, as reported by parents and children who participated in a mCIMT camp.

Method: In order to gather empirical qualitative information regarding the mCIMT camp experience, two focus groups were held with camp participants: one with 4 children and one with 5 parents.

Results: The four themes that emerged to describe the experience were relationships, fun, empowerment, and frustrations. The relationships and fun experienced during camp created a social context in which therapeutic activities occurred, which facilitated the development of empowerment. Frustrations tended to be logistical and were not deterrents to pursuing future camp opportunities.

Conclusion: The results from this qualitative study validated the importance of gathering data on any psychosocial changes attained during camp in addition to the typical quantitative changes. Suggestions provided by both the care providers and child participants may assist occupational therapists in the development of a more consistent, family-friendly mCIMT camp.

First Advisor

Lucretia Berg, MSOT, OTR/L

Second Advisor

Tatiana Kaminsky, PhD, OTR/L

Date of Completion

Spring 2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Format

PDF

URI

http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ms_occ_therapy/99

Language

English

Degree Name

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

Date of Award

Spring 2014

Department

Occupational Therapy

Institution

University of Puget Sound

Share

COinS