Development and content validation of the Upper Limb-Motor Learning Strategy Tool for cerebral palsy

Purpose: To describe the development and content validation of the Upper Limb-Motor Learning Strategy Tool (UL-MLST) that aims to guide clinicians on how to implement and document the motor learning strategies used in the upper limb therapy approaches for children with cerebral palsy. Methods: The study consists of two main stages (1) item generation and development and (2) content validation and refinement. The UL-MLST Online Training Program, Manual and Checklist were developed by the authorship group in stage one. In stage 2, two experts evaluated the UL-MLST regarding the Relevance, Coherence, and Significance of the individual strategies and whether the tool is Relevant, Comprehensive, and Clinically useful. Results: Of sixty-two strategies included in the UL-MLST, 52 strategies were rated as being either “Moderately” or “Highly” Relevant, Coherent, and Significant. Ten strategies did not achieve mutual agreement; however, they did not meet the criteria for deletion and were revised according to expert feedback. Overall, the UL-MST was judged to be Relevant, Comprehensive, and Clinically useful. Conclusions: The UL-MLST provides a valid tool to support clinicians in the implementation of the motor learning strategies for children with cerebral palsy.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The Upper Limb- Motor Learning Strategy Tool (UL-MLST) Online Training Program, Manual, and Checklist provide a comprehensive package of resources to support the application of motor learning strategies in upper limb therapy for children with cerebral palsy. The UL-MLST provides clinicians with a valid tool for self-appraising the implementation of motor learning-based therapies. The tool has the potential to improve fidelity, enhance the quality, and ensure consistency of evidence-based, task-focused approaches of therapy.