Full metadata record
| DC Field | Value | Language |
|---|---|---|
| dc.contributor | Department of Rehabilitation Sciences | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Wong, Thomson (RS) | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Ng, Shamay (RS) | en_US |
| dc.creator | Eguia, Ma Kathlynne Fernandez | - |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14575 | - |
| dc.language | English | en_US |
| dc.publisher | Hong Kong Polytechnic University | en_US |
| dc.rights | All rights reserved | en_US |
| dc.title | Translating focus of attention (FOA) knowledge to telehealth physiotherapy for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Motor learning research supports the benefits of an external focus of attention (FOA) for delivering instructions and feedback to individuals learning movement skills. Such evidence may apply to children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) during physiotherapy to address impaired movement control, coordination, or acquisition of new motor skills. However, two gaps exist: (i) a gap in synthesised knowledge and (ii) a gap between knowledge and practice. Little is known about how FOA is utilised by physiotherapists in developing countries within the Southeast Asian region, particularly in the Philippines. Moreover, despite telehealth's potential to enhance physiotherapy accessibility, strategies to mitigate telehealth-related challenges are needed. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | To address these gaps and needs, this research aims to (i) synthesise current evidence on motor learning and FOA among children, (ii) describe physiotherapists' use of FOA in the Philippines, and (iii) examine paediatric physiotherapists' use of FOA in delivering instructions and feedback for children with NDDs via telehealth in the Philippines. The overall purpose of this research is to support knowledge translation so that FOA strategies may be suitably utilised among children with NDDs. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | This research comprises five studies. The first two, published scoping reviews, addressed the gap in synthesised knowledge. Emerging research generally supports external FOA advantages for children; however, limited studies focus on children with NDDs, and research on motor learning strategies in this population has focused on those with primary motor impairments such as cerebral palsy. The synthesised evidence suggests that further exploration of FOA use in clinical settings is needed. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | The latter three studies addressed the gap between knowledge and practice. In our published survey study, physiotherapists in the Philippines (n=182) were found to prefer internal FOA when delivering instructions and feedback, regardless of educational or professional background and including those delivering telehealth services. About half of the respondents reported familiarity with the FOA concept. A subsequent structured observational study of telehealth sessions for children with NDDs showed physiotherapists preferred internal FOA when delivering feedback and external FOA when delivering instructions. Although external FOA was preferred for instructions during telehealth, its use remains just above 50% of instructions, indicating the potential to increase its use in practice. The survey indicated no association between physiotherapists' characteristics and FOA preferences, but the observational study showed that higher physical and cognitive development levels in children were linked to a preference for internal FOA. Telehealth instructions and feedback were categorised by audience (child/caregiver) and modality (verbal/visual/both). | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Recognising the need to translate motor learning knowledge into physiotherapy practice in the Philippines, the fifth study used a sequential mixed-methods knowledge translation study design. Following a workshop delivered by a motor learning expert for paediatric physiotherapists (n=126), significant improvements in self-reported knowledge, self-efficacy, and intention to implement external FOA in practice were found. Interviewed participants (n=6) found FOA helpful in overcoming telehealth instruction challenges and considered client characteristics and home resource availability when choosing between internal and external FOA. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | This thesis followed a stepwise approach to addressing research gaps. Synthesised evidence facilitated knowledge translation, demonstrating a pathway to impact where motor learning research is translated into physiotherapy practice. | en_US |
| dcterms.extent | xxii, 261 pages : color illustrations | en_US |
| dcterms.isPartOf | PolyU Electronic Theses | en_US |
| dcterms.issued | 2026 | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | Ph.D. | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | All Doctorate | en_US |
| dcterms.accessRights | open access | en_US |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14575