The Effectiveness of Play TherapyB ased Physiotherapy Programs versus Conventional Programs in Treatment Adherence and Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy GMFCS Level III-IV: A Randomised Controlled Trial Protocol

Abstract

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently struggle with gross motor function, which can interfere with their daily activities and quality of life. Although physiotherapy is an important intervention for improving gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy, adherence to treatment remains a challenge. Physiotherapy programs based on play therapy have been proposed as a new alternative approach to improving treatment adherence and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this research protocol is to compare the efficacy of play therapy-based physiotherapy programs compared to traditional physiotherapy programs in improving treatment adherence and gross motor function in children with CP GMFCS level III-IV. Methods: This study will be a randomized controlled trial with a sample size of 64 children aged 4-12 with CP GMFCS level III-IV. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a play therapy-based physiotherapy or conventional physiotherapy program 45 minutes twice a week for a period of 16 weeks. Treatment adherence will be measured using a combination of physiotherapy session attendance rates, an adherence logbook and the Goal Attaindance Scale (GAS). Gross motor function will be assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and Quality of life will be measured using the CPQoL-Child, all this will be measured at baseline, 5 weeks, 10 weeks and 16 weeks of intervention and a follow-up at 24 weeks will be done. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANCOVA and correlations.