The Effects of Group Physical Therapy on a Child’s Quality of Life

Abstract

Introduction The goal of physical therapy is to rehabilitate patients in a safe, effective, and efficient manner to achieve favorable outcomes of enhanced physical functioning and return to activities of daily living. Research shows that one-on-one physical therapy provides better physical outcomes across diverse patient populations compared to a group therapy setting. However, the patient’s social and emotional well-being, as well as their quality of life, must also be considered when assessing patient outcomes and analyzing the effect of one-on-one treatment vs group therapy.¶ While patients are known to thrive physically in a one-on-one setting, pediatric patients may benefit from the addition of group therapy sessions to their treatment plan. Though group therapy sessions may require more time to achieve physical rehabilitation goals, this type of treatment may allow pediatric patients to experience improved socioemotional outcomes and provide a more holistic approach to pediatric patient care. This thesis paper will explore the effects of group therapy treatment for the pediatric population, investigating if group therapy provides improved socioemotional outcomes, superior holistic health, and greater overall quality of life in the pediatric patient population.