May 6, 2022
This article presents a model to guide activity-focused motor
interventions as a component of early
intervention services for physical and occupational therapists
working with infants and young children with neurological
conditions and other developmental disabilities. Activity-focused
interventions involve structured practice and repetition of
functional actions, and are directed toward the
learning of motor tasks that will increase the child’s
participation in daily routines. According to
this model, the pediatric physical therapist or occupational
therapist, as a member of the intervention team, develops
activity-related goals in collaboration with the child’s family.
The therapist
plans activity-focused interventions by (1) using guidelines based
on principles from motor learning and motor development, (2)
adapting these guidelines, when necessary, to address the young
child’s individual strengths and needs, and (3) integrating
impairment-focused interventions with
activity-focused interventions, optimally within the context of
everyday routines and activities.
The elements of this model will be discussed through an example
that is applicable to early intervention.