A parent-centred approach to physiotherapy for their handicapped children.

A study was made of a parent-centred model for physiotherapy for a group of handicapped children in a sparsely inhabited region in northern Sweden. The parents were responsible for daily therapy, supervised by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. A questionnaire sent to all the parents showed that in 26 of the 39 families who responded the child was receiving daily therapy. Both parents took part in all but three cases, but eight families reported difficulties with the training. The authors conclude that the parents were not overstrained by their high degree of involvement, provided there was close supervision and adequate economic and emotional support.