# “Demanding, but Worth It”: The Parental Experience of Home-Based Vojta Therapy for Children Presenting Global Developmental Delay—A Qualitative Study Using Photo-Elicitation

## TL;DR

Parents of children with developmental delays find home-based Vojta therapy challenging but rewarding, with emotional and physical demands balanced by perceived improvements in their child's development.

## Contribution

This study provides new qualitative insights into parental experiences of administering home-based Vojta therapy using photo-elicitation.

## Key findings

- Crying during therapy is a major barrier for parents, though they understand it is not pain-related.
- Parents experience intense emotional impacts but feel the therapy is worthwhile due to perceived developmental improvements.
- Parents develop a sense of hope as they observe positive effects from the therapy.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Introducing a demanding home-based program (HBP) of Vojta therapy (VT) into their daily activities is a life-altering event for parents of children with global developmental delay (GDD). This study aims to document the experiences of parents of children with GDD administering a HBP of VT. Methods: A multicentre study with a qualitative case design based on an interpretative approach is presented. Interviews were conducted with 10 parents using photo-elicitation (PE). Inductive and thematic analyses were used. Results: Four common experiential themes were identified. Firstly, crying was identified as the most significant barrier to administering therapy (despite parents accepting that crying was not pain-related). Secondly, parents described the intense and variable emotional impact of being responsible for the therapy and its effects on their child. Thirdly, parents unanimously felt that their involvement was worthwhile, with the developmental results they perceived outweighing the emotional, physical and time demands of administering the VT. Finally, parents developed a narrative of hope stemming from the therapy and its observed effects. Conclusions: The physical, emotional and time demands on parents when administering a HBP of VT are very significant. The main barriers to adherence to the program are identified as the child’s crying during therapy and time management. Intense emotional experiences, both positive and negative, arise while administering a HBP of VT. Parents are not only able to overcome all emotional and logistical challenges when they recognize improvements in their child, but they also begin to hope for further improvement. Implications for the professional design of HBPs of VT include the following: advanced warning that crying is normal, part of the therapy and not pain-related; training and ongoing support from a qualified therapist; training in recognising developmental improvement; and psychological support to deal with the emotional journey.