IDENTIFICATION OF MOTOR LEARNING STRATEGIES USED IN THE INTERACT PROTOCOL IN CHILDREN WITH SPASTIC CEREBRAL PALSY AND GMFCS LEVELS I AND II: A FIDELITY STUDY

• Grant number: 24/04048-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira Rocha
• Grantee: Rafaela Campos
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of movement and posture disorders, with spasticity being the most common dysfunction related to muscle tone. Children with CP classified as levels I and II in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) may present difficulties in gait, balance, and postural dysfunctions, as well as limitations in motor activities. To improve functionality, the INTERACT Protocol is an example of intervention that combines task-specific training with augmented reality, aiming to fulfill the principles of motor learning. However, it is necessary to assess the fidelity of this protocol to verify how faithful it is to the therapeutic principles on which it is based, in the dimension of adherence. To our knowledge, there are no studies evaluating the fidelity of intervention protocols based on motor learning strategies in children with spastic CP and GMFCS levels I and II. Objective: To verify the fidelity of the INTERACT protocol, in the dimension of adherence, by identifying the motor learning strategies trained in children with spastic CP and GMFCS levels I and II. Methods: Children with unilateral and bilateral spastic CP, with GMFCS levels I and II, of both sexes and aged between 6 and 12 years will participate in the study. Three participants will be analyzed during 6 sessions with the INTERACT Protocol, totaling 18 video analyses, based on the principles of motor learning and task-specific training. Continuous data will be presented using median and interquartile range, and categorical data will be presented using frequency and percentage. This study will be important for ensuring the effective implementation of the intervention, delivering all the promised benefits.