"IF I HAVE TROUBLE DOING SOMETHING, IT IS NOT A FAILURE, IT IS JUST MAKING A NEW PLAN"- ENHANCING PARTICIPATION IN DAILY LIFE THROUGH COGNITIVE ORIENTATION TO DAILY OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE (CO-OP) IN YOUNG PERSONS WITH SPINA BIFIDA OR CEREBRAL PALSY

Background: Participation occurs in the interaction between the person and the environment in activity. Performing an activity requires motor function and executive function. Research shows that persons with Spina Bifida(SB)... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Participation occurs in the interaction between the person and the environment in activity. Performing an activity requires motor function and executive function. Research shows that persons with Spina Bifida(SB) and with Cerebral Palsy(CP) have activity and participation restriction due both motor- and executive dysfunctions. The Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance(CO-OP) approach guides the persons to master their own activity goals by using strategies for performance and problem-solving discovered by the person with guidance from the therapist. The objective was to investigate if the CO-OP approach is effective for achieving self-identified goals and improvement in self-perceived community participation for young persons with SB or CP.
Method: Ten young persons (16-28 y) participated in a 10 week CO-OP treatment period; 5 with CP and 5 with SB. Evaluations were carried out on baseline, directly after and 6 month after the treatment with outcomes on all ICF-levels. Experiences of the CO-OP approach were captured with interviews.
Results: Preliminary results show considerable improvement in self-rated performance of the goals, with a median of 5 levels increase on a 10-level scale. Both self-rated participation and executive ability to plan and stay focused was rated higher by the majority. In interviews feelings of higher self-efficacy were expressed as participants problem-solving ability increased.
Conclusion: CO-OP is a promising approach to achieve personal goals and enhance participation through strategy use in young persons with SB or CP.
Application to Practice: CO-OP approach provides the opportunity for persons to master everyday life problems by themselves.