Tele-rehabilitation Improves Gross Motor Development in Children with Developmental Delay: A Quasi-experimental Study

Slamet Basuki; Mianti Nurrizky Sutejo; Deasy Virka Sari; Laksmita Dewi Adzillina

doi:10.24843/

Authors

Slamet Basuki Undergraduate Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Telogorejo University, Semarang, Indonesia Author
Mianti Nurrizky Sutejo Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Telogorejo University, Semarang, Indonesia Author
Deasy Virka Sari Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Telogorejo University, Semarang, Indonesia Author
Laksmita Dewi Adzillina Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Telogorejo University, Semarang, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/

Keywords:

Developmental Delay, Exercise Therapy, Motor Skills, Physical Therapy Modalities, Telerehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Developmental delay is characterized by delayed achievement of developmental milestones, particularly gross motor skills, which may adversely affect children's functional independence and long-term development. Home Exercise Programs (HEPs) are widely used in pediatric physiotherapy; however, caregiver adherence remains challenging. Tele-rehabilitation may improve treatment continuity through remote supervision and ongoing therapist-caregiver communication.
Objective: To evaluate changes in gross motor development following a tele-rehabilitation-supported HEP among children aged 3 months to 2 years with developmental delay.
Methods: This quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest study included 30 children recruited using purposive sampling. Participants completed a four-week tele-rehabilitation-supported HEP three times weekly. Gross motor development was assessed using the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST), while the Maternal and Child Health Handbook (KIA) was used as a developmental screening instrument. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.
Results: Mean DDST scores increased from 9.43 ± 1.68 to 13.60 ± 2.62, with a mean improvement of 4.17 points. KIA scores increased from 6.20 ± 1.46 to 10.63 ± 2.94. Wilcoxon analysis demonstrated significant improvement following the intervention (Z = −4.736; p < 0.001). Effect size and confidence intervals could not be reported because the original dataset was unavailable.
Conclusion: A four-week tele-rehabilitation-supported HEP was associated with improved gross motor development in children with developmental delay. Controlled studies with comprehensive statistical reporting are recommended.