Frequency of Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapy

QUESTION #1:
Are you a school based OT/COTA or PT/PTA? Please click on school based OT or school based PT?

SURVEY RESULTS FOR
FREQUENCY

QUESTION #2: What is the most common frequency of therapy sessions (group or individual) that
you provide for your students? Only click one button please. Response: 1x/wk, 2x/wk, 3x/wk,
1/month or other?

For OT/ COTA's:
72% of OT/COTA's responded that the most common
frequency of OT was 1x/week
14% reported 2x/week
14% reported other frequency

For PT/PTA's:
62% of PT/PTA's responded that the most common frequency
of PT was 1x/week
38% reported 2x/week

OVERALL PT/PTA and OT/COTA:
68% reported 1x/week
23% reported 2x/week
9% reported other

Commentary: The results of this survey seem to coincide with some research that indicates that higher frequencies does
not necessarily indicate improved results. When we look at the basic treatment techniques we use as therapists such as
muscle strengthening and motor control we know that repetition and practice is crucial. This is difficult to accomplish with a
direct treatment frequency of 1x/week. Therefore, perhaps our focus should be on indirect treatments teaching school staff
and parents techniques to support children's sensory motor development.

REFERENCES: Bower, E, Mitchell D, Burnett, M et al. Randomized Controlled Trial of Physiotherapy in 56 Children with Cerebral Palsy followed for 18 Months.
Dev Med Child Neurol. 2001; 43:4-15.

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post responses.