Effect of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach for children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: The study aimed to examine the effects of "Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance" (CO-OP) approach in terms of performance and satisfaction as well as functional status in children with cerebral palsy (CP) receiving neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and determine the parents' satisfaction level. METHODS: Thirty-two children with CP were randomized to experimental (n = 16) or control (n = 16) groups, with n= 2 dropouts. Therapy was applied twice a week for five weeks. The experimental group received a CO-OP plus NDT, while the control group received only NDT. RESULTS: No baseline differences existed, except for years of schooling, which was higher in the experimental group. After treatment, there were statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in occupational performance and function, favouring children who received 5-weeks of CO-OP plus NDT over NDT alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CO-OP is expected to be beneficial if incorporated into CP rehabilitation.