Effect of Vojta Therapy on Stress and Emotional Well-Being in Parents of Children with Central Coordination Disorders.

BACKGROUND Parents of children with central coordination disorders (CCD) undergoing Vojta therapy are at increased risk of mental health issues. The study aimed to assess the emotional state of 103 parents of children rehabilitated using the Vojta method and to identify factors determining stress levels at the beginning and after 2 months of therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 103 parents of 61 children with CCD were enrolled; 51 completed the 2-month follow-up. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and standardized scales at baseline (T1) and after 2 months (T2). The following scales were used: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to assess level of stress, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) to assess depression, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess anxiety, and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) to assess life satisfaction. RESULTS At T1 parents exhibited moderate stress, average anxiety, mild depressive symptoms, and high life satisfaction. Nearly 70% of participants reported experiencing moderate or high levels of stress. More than 60% of participants presented symptoms of depression. After 2 months, depressive symptoms significantly decreased (P=0.009). Regression analyses identified female sex (P=0.0220), physical activity 3 times a week (P=0.0044), trait anxiety (P=0.0097), and life satisfaction (P=0.0006) as significant determinants of stress levels at T1 and T2. CONCLUSIONS The emotional state of parents of children with CCD is influenced by psychological traits and lifestyle factors. This highlights the need to provide parents with appropriate psychological support.