The effect of the cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-PO) in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on motor performance and executive functions

The study was planned to examine the effects of "Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance" (CO-OP) approach on motor performance and executive function skills in children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Thirty children with ADHD were included in the study, and fifteen of them were randomly assigned to the control group, while fifteen of them were administered the CO-OP approach twice a week for six weeks. Children were evaluated by Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Goal Attainment Scale, Bruininks Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test Short Form and The Executive Functions And Occupational Routines Scale. In addition, satisfaction levels of families after CO-OP application were evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale. As a result, the CO-OP group's occupational performance and satisfaction level, activity performance goals, running speed and agility, balance, bilateral coordination, upper-limb coordination, visual-motor control, upper limb speed and dexterity and executive function skills (p<0,05) were improved. The children in the CO-OP group have achieved their activity goals (p=0,001). In the second evaluations, a significant difference was observed in the occupational performance and satisfaction and executive skills social routine sub-parameter in the CO-OP group compared to the control group (p<0,05). It was found that the satisfaction level of families with the CO-OP approach (9.24 ± 0.63) was high. CO-OP is an important approach in increasing occupational performance and improving cognitive and motor skills in the treatment of children with CO-OP. The inclusion of the CO-OP approach which is an occupational performance-oriented approach, into occupational therapy intervention approaches supports skill acquisition in children. Key Words: attention deficit and hyperactivity, CO-OP, motor performance, executive functions.