Occupational Therapy and Its Impact on Motor Delay in Children from the Perspective of Physical Therapists in the City of Tripoli.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of occupational therapy on motor delay in children from the perspective of physical therapists in Tripoli, with a focus on understanding the nature of professional integration between the two disciplines and its role in improving children’s motor and functional performance. The descriptive method was adopted, involving a purposive sample of 60 physical therapists working in physical therapy centers and departments in public and private hospitals in Tripoli. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of two main axes: the first assessed the effect of occupational therapy on improving motor delay, and the second measured the impact of motor delay on physical and cognitive development.

The results indicated that occupational therapy contributes significantly to enhancing children’s motor abilities, particularly when interventions are applied at an early age and when the family is actively involved in the therapeutic program. Findings also revealed that motor delay has notable implications on physical and cognitive growth, which can be mitigated through integrated therapeutic plans combining physical and occupational therapy. The study recommends strengthening collaboration between physical and occupational therapists, developing national integrated treatment protocols, involving families in rehabilitation programs, and conducting longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effects of such therapeutic integration