Effectiveness of Facilitation, Arrangement of Task and Situation, (Non-)verbal Communication, and Counseling of Caregivers in Children with Neuromotor Disorders: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives: The techniques facilitation of activities, arrangement of task or situation, verbal and non-verbal communication, and counseling and empowerment of parents and caregivers are applied in different therapy approaches to improve motor function in children with neuromotor disorders. This review quantitatively examines the effectiveness of these four techniques allocated to pre-defined age groups and levels of disability. Methods: We followed the systematic review methodology proposed by the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM). The search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, PEDro, OT Seeker, ERIC, and CINAHL. The main outcomes of the included articles were allocated to the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (body functions, activities, and participation). Results: The search yielded eleven studies for facilitation, 22 for arrangement of task or situation, three for verbal and non-verbal communication, and three studies for counseling and empowerment. The effect sizes indicated strong evidence for body function and activity outcomes for the use of facilitation in newborns until the age of 2 years and the arrangement of tasks in children between 2 and 5 years with cerebral palsy. Conclusions: Thus, while some evidence exist for facilitation and arrangement of task or situation, further research is needed on the effectiveness of verbal and non-verbal communication and counseling and empowerment of parents and caregivers to improve motor function, activities, and participation. Systematic review registration.: PROSPERO CRD42017048583.