This study was conducted to determine a) the extent of the Section on Pediatrics members' knowledge about recent theories of motor control, development, and learning (MCDL) as presented at the II STEP Conference; b) the need for education related to these theories; c) members' certainty of best practices and their basis in MCDL theories; and d) the education Section members have and desire to have about related topics. Three hundred surveys were mailed to a random sample of members of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association. Data were analyzed using frequency distributions and cross tabulation. More therapists have a general awareness of recent MCDL theories than have information necessary for clinical application; 99.6% of respondents expressed need for additional information to apply the theories. Respondents chose continuing education courses (69.3%), published articles in Pediatric Physical Therapy (64.3%), and audio- or videotapes (57.3%) as preferred methods for acquiring information. Therapists reported having more education about team process, laws affecting infants and children, and functional goals than integrated therapy, or environmental and family assessments. Respondents who received information about MCDL theories reported modifications in assessment, intervention planning, and treatment techniques. Nearly all respondents requested information on recent MCDL theories. Few respondents would attend a national conference to acquire additional information. Journal authors and continuing education instructors should be aware of therapists' need for ongoing information in recent MCDL theories as a basis for proposed assessment and intervention strategies.
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Hayes et al. (1999) studied this question.