Research Project Doctoral Candidate 06

Translation of basic research to practical fields – integrating the perspective of clinicians and patients in the process using the example of childhood motor disorders

 

Fellow

Léa Obrecht

 

Host Institution

Radboud University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Behavioural Science Institute

 

Supervisors

Prof. Dr. Bert Steenbergen

Dr. Femke van Abswoude

 

Project description

The objective of this project is to examine the current state and ways for improvement of Knowledge Translation (KT) in pediatric motor rehabilitation from the perspectives of researchers, clinicians and caregivers. To reach this goal, we planned to conduct a literature review in order to analyze the structure of KT processes and the ways end-users are involved throughout. It will be followed by a survey study aiming at identifying the needs of researchers and clinicians regarding KT. Finally, an interview study will allow us to gain a deep understanding of researchers, clinicians, and caregivers’ experiences with KT. This project will culminate in the co-creation of a translation toolbox that supports the implementation of evidence-based practices for improved patient outcomes.

 

Secondment

King's College London

 

Project updates

May 2026

Femke van Abswoude, Katrijn Klingels, Bert Steenbergen and I are pleased to announce the acceptance for publication of our co-authored article entitled ”Advancing knowledge translation processes in motor rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy and developmental coordination disorder: insights from a scoping review.”  in the BMC Health Services Research journal! Our review explored how research evidence is translated into clinical practice and how clinicians and caregivers are involved in this process in the field of motor rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy and developmental coordination disorder. By mapping the steps, theories, and stakeholder engagement methods used across studies, this work contributes to a better understanding of current Knowledge Translation (KT) initiatives and identifies opportunities to strengthen collaboration, reporting, and long-term impact in the field.

This publication also opens the way for the next phase of our project. Building on the gaps identified in our review, particularly the limited understanding of stakeholder experiences and engagement in KT, our ongoing survey study explores how researchers and clinicians perceive and engage with KT in paediatric motor rehabilitation. We are now in the writing phase for this second article!

Our broader research team is also collaborating with the Child Health & Physical Activity Laboratory (Western University, Canada) that conducts knowledge translation in early childhood physical activity. This includes partnerships between therapists, caregivers, and researchers to support the application of evidence in practice for enhanced physical activity participation. Their visit will provide a valuable opportunity for exchange that may further enrich our work within the TReND consortium.

June 2025

We already have conducted a scoping review on the process of knowledge translation in motor rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and developmental coordination disorder. We are currently designing the survey of our first study, aiming to start the data collection this summer.