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The Efficacy of a Movement Education Program for Cerebral Palsy Caregivers in Reducing Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Disability: A Pilot Project

Mark Ehioghae, Michael Edgar

Purpose: This educational intervention is specifically directed at caregivers of individuals with CP to help improve poor body mechanics which can lead to the attainment of chronic pain.

Methods: The intervention is presented through two methods: An E-learning module and an in-service program. The E-learning module is an online interactive tool which uses instructional videos and written materials to increase the caregiver’s base knowledge on proper biomechanics. The in-service practical, group session gives caregivers an opportunity to practice proper movement techniques with a trained biomechanical expert. This environment will allow the biomechanical expert to correct improper movements and restructure caregiver thinking and awareness. Bandura’s social cognitive theory is implemented to facilitate behavioural change. Additionally, a biomechanics comprehension test is used to measure caregiver knowledge attainment and assessments of measures such as pain and body mechanics are implemented to acquire a baseline and improvements in successive follow ups.

Results: Caregiver biomechanical knowledge improved by 43% after completion of the in-service practical session which is statistically significant. Caregiver’s ability to identify appropriate biomechanical movements during the completion of caregiver tasks vastly improved. Caregiver’s ability to implement proper mechanics showed improvement.

Conclusion: Implementation of a caregiver biomechanics program helps to reduce degenerative disorders in caregivers by increasing their body movement awareness.