Child-focused goal-setting approach for rehabilitation in children with disabilities

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Child-oriented Goal-setting in Paediatric Rehabilitation (the ENGAGE Approach): A Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial and Economic Analysis

Not applicable Interventional University of Alberta · NCT04096430

This study tests a new goal-setting method for therapists to see if it helps children aged 5-12 with disabilities get better results in their rehabilitation compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04096430 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Enhancing Child Engagement in Goal Setting (ENGAGE) approach in improving rehabilitation outcomes for children aged 5-12 with neurodevelopmental disabilities. It employs a pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial design across six rehabilitation sites in Alberta, Canada, where therapists will be randomized to either the ENGAGE intervention or standard care. The study aims to assess not only the impact on children's engagement and functional abilities but also the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the ENGAGE approach compared to usual practices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 5-12 with a diagnosed neurodevelopmental disability who can engage in the goal-setting process.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with developmental regression or uncontrolled seizures, as well as those whose guardians do not speak English.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance children's participation in therapy and improve their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific ENGAGE approach is novel, similar goal-setting strategies have shown promise in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria are children with a diagnosed disability who:

1. are between the ages of 5-12 years
2. are able to engage in the goal-setting process (determined by therapists)
3. are referred to PT and/or OT for a period of direct treatment
4. speak English.

Children will be excluded from the trial if:

1. the parent or guardian who attends therapy does not speak English
2. the child has a diagnosis that suggests developmental regression
3. the child has uncontrolled seizures (i.e., seizure within the past 2 months).

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta and 5 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Autism Spectrum DisorderNeurodevelopmental DisordersCerebral Palsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.