A social media-delivered intervention for motor delays: stage-Ib randomized clinical trial and implementation exploration.

Abstract

Background: Early motor delays are common and can have lasting consequences. Gaps between delay identification and caregiver support often cause stress. We hypothesized that a social-media-delivered intervention supporting caregivers of children with motor delays could improve understanding of development/parenting, and self-efficacy; we explored effects on caregiver stress, implementation fit/feasibility.

Methods: This single-blind Phase 1b randomized controlled trial with wait-list control and implementation exploration included caregivers of children 3-36 months corrected age (CA) with motor delays. Interactions occurred via Facebook private groups and REDCap. Knowledge questionnaires, parental-self efficacy scale, Parenting Stress Index and Developmental Assessment of Young Children physical domain (DAYC-2 Phys) were administered pre/post-intervention.

Results: Within the cohort, caregivers (n = 31 intervention, n = 31 waitlist) reported that 13% of children had only motor delays, 63% also had diagnosed cerebral palsy, and 24% also had other types of complex medical conditions (e.g., chronic lung disease, feeding disorder). The intervention group had greater knowledge gains and fewer instances of parental distress scores in the clinical range (p < 0.01) with no effects on self-efficacy. Feasibility and acceptability were high for delivery format and content; positive perceptions, sense of connection and empowerment predominated. Negative feedback concerned technical issues and study design.

Conclusion: This social-media-delivered intervention showed social connection was valued and may reduce parent distress. Implementation and future research are well supported.

Trial registration number and name: NCT05542251, Education Program for Caregivers of Children with Gross Motor Delays.

Impact: Social connection is valued by families of young children with motor delays and impairments. Interventions leveraging social media can decrease stress and increase knowledge for these families. Social media delivered interventions are feasible and acceptable to families as they wait for specialized early intervention services. Further studies are needed to research whether social-medial delivered interventions can also improve the motor outcomes of children with motor delays.