Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Brunton, Laura

Abstract

Home exercise programs (HEP) are a form of treatment for children with delayed motor, sensory, cognitive, or speech skills. Studies show improvement in developmental and barriers that affect adherence, there is still a lack of standardized rehabilitation models that can address this issue. This interpretive phenomenology study explores the lived experiences of caregivers of children with developmental delays regarding adherence to HEPs. Participating caregivers interacted with therapists using an Applied Coaching Model (ACM), a model of multiple theories focusing on holistic rehabilitative care. Qualitative results of this mixed-methods study identified specific factors that affect adherence to HEPs. Quantitative results found that adherence was associated with increased exposure to the ACM. With these findings, future rehabilitative interventions may be improved by integrating an applied coaching model to increase adherence to HEPs.

Summary for Lay Audience

Home exercise programs (HEP) are a form of treatment for children with delayed motor, sensory, cognitive, or speech skill development. Studies show improvement in outcomes for these children if their families adhere to home exercises. Despite the many barriers that affect adherence, there is still not a specific rehabilitation program model that can address this issue. This study explores the lived experiences of caregivers of children with developmental delays regarding adherence to home exercises using the Applied Coaching Model (ACM), a model that combines multiple theories focusing on holistic care. This study found specific factors that affect adherence to HEPs, and that adherence was associated with increased exposure to the ACM. With these findings, future rehabilitative interventions may be improved to increase adherence level to home exercises.

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