Telehealth-Delivered Occupational Performance Coaching for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes from a Single-Case Pilot Study
Iranian Journal of Child Neurology,
Vol. 20 No. 4 (2026),
1 September 2026
,
Page e5
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijcn.v20i4.52644
Abstract
Objectives:
Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) frequently encounter motor limitations that restrict access to in-person rehabilitation services. This study examined the feasibility and preliminary consequences of Telehealth-Delivered Occupational Performance Coaching (Tele-OPC) in improving occupational performance, functional mobility, and parental anxiety. Materials & Methods:
A single-case experimental design was employed, involving five children (aged 3–6 years; GMFCS levels II–III) and their parents in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic in Tehran, Iran. Participants underwent a 12-week intervention consisting of weekly Tele-OPC sessions conducted via Google Meet. Outcomes were assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) at baseline, intervention, and follow-up. Fidelity was monitored using the Occupational Performance Coaching-Fidelity Measure (OPC-FM). Data were analyzed using visual trend analysis and Cohen’s d effect sizes.
Results:
OPC-FM scores increased from 46.59 at session one to 69.23 at session twelve. All five participants achieved large improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction on the COPM, as well as in functional mobility on the GMFM-88, with effect sizes exceeding 2.67. Four parents demonstrated a significant effect size in their anxiety levels, and one had a moderate improvement, with Cohen’s d ranging from 0.87 up to 2.67. When you look at the graphs, the baseline levels stayed steady, and improvements stuck around even later. The PND analysis had mostly perfect non-overlap between different phases—almost 100%—except for one area (COPM satisfaction), where it was 67%.
Conclusion:
Tele-OPC appears feasible and may improve occupational performance, mobility, and parental anxiety. More extensive studies with extended follow-up are recommended
- Occupational Therapy, Telemedicine, Occupational Performance Coaching, Telerehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Tele-OPC.
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