Motor-based occupational performance in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Cognitive Orientation of Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is an approach addressing ADHD children's functional goals which aims to improve their motor performance by helping them discover various procedures to remove barriers, enhance support and facilitate activities and participation. We examined the influence of CO-OP on ADHD children's motor-based occupational performance. Outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and the Performance. Prior to the 12-week intervention, COPM was administered to children and parents, to obtain a rating of child's performance. During intervention, children were taught global problem solving strategies, helping them to discover and perform domain-specific strategies. After the intervention period, COPM was performed again by an occupational therapist. Child and Parent Canadian Occupational Performance Measure ratings and visual analysis of Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Performance demonstrated the effectiveness ofCO-OP, supporting therapeutic application of CO-OP for ADHD children.