Changes in the Content of Pediatric Physical Therapy for Infants: A Quantitative, Observational Study

ABSTRACTAims: The aim of our observational longitudinal study is to evaluate changes over time in standard pediatric physical therapy (PPT) for infants at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods: Treatment sessions in two time periods (2003–2005 [n = 22] and 2008–2014 [n = 16]) were video recorded and analyzed quantitatively in five categories: neuromotor actions, educational actions, communication, position, and situation of treatment session. Differences in percentages of time spent on therapeutic actions between periods were tested with Mann–Whitney U and Hodges Lehmann's tests. Results: No significant changes appeared in the main categories of neuromotor actions. Time spent on not-specified educational actions toward caregivers (median from 99% to 81%, p = .042) and not-specified communication (median from 72% to 52%, p = .002) decreased. Consequently, time spent on specific educational actions (caregiver training and coaching; median from 1% to 19%, p = .042) and specific communication (informa...