Using interactive computer play in physical therapy and occupational therapy clinical practice: an explanatory sequential mixed methods study.

This study explored the extent to which an interactive computer play system, Bootle Blast, supports motor learning in a clinical context and examined clinicians' perceptions of their therapeutic role in the system's use as an intervention tool. In this observational sequential explanatory mixed methods study, five children with cerebral palsy [mean age 9.4 years (SD, 0.5), Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels I-III] used Bootle Blast during a single video-recorded therapy session with their treating clinicians (physical therapists, occupational therapists, and therapy assistants). Children played one Bootle Blast mini game independently (without clinician involvement) before clinicians carried out therapy sessions with the game as per usual care. The type and extent of motor learning strategies (MLS) delivered by Bootle Blast and clinicians were rated from video recordings by a trained assessor using the 22-item Motor Learning Strategies Rating Instrument. Semi-structured interviews with clinicians were conducted to gain insights into MLS use and clinicians' perceived role during Bootle Blast use. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed independently by two researchers using thematic analysis. Quantitative and qualitative data were merged and reported using narrative and joint display approaches. Bootle Blast provided eight MLS, with clinicians adding or enhancing another eight. Four themes reflected clinicians' perspectives: (1) Bootle Blast disguises therapy as play, (2) clinicians give Bootle Blast the human touch; (3) home use of Bootle Blast is promising; and (4) Bootle Blast is not always the right fit but some shortcomings could be addressed. Agreement was found for nine MLS and disagreement for four MLS when quantitative and qualitative findings were merged. Bootle Blast delivers several MLS as part of game play and clinicians can enhance and provide additional MLS to suit the child's needs/abilities. Further game refinements that were identified in this study may optimize its clinical use.

Informations de copyright

© 2024 Petrevska, Ryan, Sert, Munce, Wright and Biddiss.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Holland Bloorview is supporting the creation of a company called Pearl Interactives to commercialize Bootle Blast so that it can be made widely available to those who can benefit from it. EB is a shareholder in Pearl Interactives and may financially benefit from this interest if Pearl Interactives is successful in marketing Bootle Blast. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Toronto in accordance with its policy on objectivity in research and will continue to be actively monitored to mitigate and manage any conflicts of interest. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.