Article

AIM: To describe the development of context therapy, a new intervention approach
designed for a randomized controlled trial. METHOD: Therapists were trained to
change task and environmental factors to achieve parent-identified functional
goals for children with cerebral palsy. Therapists did not provide any
remediation strategies to change the abilities of the child. Theoretical
constructs were developed using dynamic systems theory and the principles of
family-centered care. A primary therapist model was used. A three-step
intervention strategy was developed. RESULTS: Therapists adhered to the treatment
protocol. Parents participated in the development of both functional goals and
intervention strategies. INTERPRETATION: A therapy approach focusing on changing
the task and the environment rather than children's impairments can be a viable
treatment strategy and merits further investigation. The detailed description of
the context therapy approach allows replication by both researchers and
clinicians. Such intervention descriptions are an important methodological
consideration in rehabilitation research.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2011 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS