Outcome evaluation of the Web-based early intervention for children with motor difficulties aged 3-8 years old using multimodal rehabilitation: results of a family-centered pragmatic randomized controlled study.

In 30 seconds

This pragmatic randomized controlled trial compared WECARE, a web-based, family-centered multimodal rehabilitation intervention, with usual care in 118 families of children aged 3–8 years with motor difficulties. The primary outcome was children’s performance on parent-identified goals. There were no statistically significant between-group differences in overall or motor goals achieved. Parents receiving WECARE had higher knowledge and skills scores (adjusted mean difference 0.40; 95% CI 0.09–0.70; p = 0.01) and greater satisfaction with support (mean difference 10.35; 95% CI 7.03–13.66; p < 0.001).

Key findings

• Overall goal achievement did not differ significantly between groups (adjusted mean difference 7.9; 95% CI -0.2 to 16.0; p = 0.06).
• Motor goal achievement did not differ significantly between groups (adjusted mean difference 6.7; 95% CI -2.1 to 15.4; p = 0.14).
• WECARE improved parents’ knowledge and skills scores (adjusted mean difference 0.40; 95% CI 0.09–0.70; p = 0.01).
• Parents in the WECARE group reported greater satisfaction with support (mean difference 10.35; 95% CI 7.03–13.66; p < 0.001).

Why it matters

The findings distinguish parent-focused benefits from child goal outcomes: the web-based intervention improved parents’ knowledge, skills, and satisfaction, but did not demonstrate statistically significant gains in children’s goal performance. This is relevant when evaluating family-centered rehabilitation models, particularly where supporting parents is an intended outcome alongside children’s functional goals.

What to keep in mind

The trial found no statistically significant between-group differences in its child goal outcomes; the abstract does not report follow-up duration.