Caregiver perspectives on powered mobility devices and participation for children with cerebral palsy in Gross Motor Function Classification System level V.

AIM: To describe caregiver experiences, perceptions, and device preferences between a modified ride-on car (MROC) and an Explorer Mini, including perceived changes in participation, barriers, and benefits for young children with cerebral palsy (CP) classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V. METHOD: A subset of data were analyzed from a larger multisite study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 caregivers of children with CP in GMFCS level V across a 16-week trial with two mobility devices. Each interview was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using constant comparison methods. RESULTS: Seven of 10 caregivers preferred the Explorer Mini over the MROC. Four themes emerged. One related to the perceived benefits and barriers of each device (ease and convenience is essential) and three related to perceived changes in participation: (1) autonomy enacted through mobility; (2) belonging and being present; and (3) participation recognized as an area of growth. INTERPRETATION: Despite limited consideration of powered mobility for this population, caregivers of children in GMFCS level V reported similar benefits and barriers compared to children in other GMFCS levels shown in the literature. Particularly, caregivers perceived positive changes in their child's participation and recognized the ability for continued improvements in participation when using powered mobility. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Children with cerebral palsy classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System level V are often excluded from powered mobility use and research. Despite this, caregivers reported positive experiences for their children. Caregivers felt that participation in powered mobility led to increased autonomy and overall sense of inclusion and belonging for their children. Most caregivers preferred the Explorer Mini over the modified ride-on car but recognized that both devices had benefits and barriers to use.

School-Based Therapists' Perspectives of Wheelchair Use in US Schools: A Survey Study.

PURPOSE: To gather information concerning the current state of students' wheelchair (WC) use in US schools from the perspective of school-based therapists. METHODS: This descriptive study used a Web-based survey to gather information regarding factors that facilitated or hindered student WC use at school, the frequency at which various tasks related to WC provision were performed, and factors that would facilitate students' independence with WC use. RESULTS: A dependent manual WC was the most common type of WC mobility used at school. Various student and nonstudent factors were reported as a facilitator or a barrier to students' WC use at school. CONCLUSIONS: Although most respondents reported working with a student who used a WC, few reported active engagement in tasks related to WC service provision. Future research exploring potential attitudinal issues influencing students' WC use at school and ways to optimally support students' independent WC use is indicated.

Enabled to Stand: A Single-subject Research Design Study Exploring Pediatric Power Wheelchair Standing Device Use.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of powered wheelchair standing device (PWSD) use on changes in activity/participation in children with neurodevelopmental conditions. METHODS: A mixed methods A-B-A single-subject research design was replicated with participants. The target behavior was parental perceptions of changes in children's performance of activity/participation goals measured via the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Secondary outcome measures included the COPM with children, an interview, and a 3-measure implementation survey. COPM data related to the target behavior were analyzed using the split-middle celeration line method. RESULTS: Four child-parent dyads participated in the study. All participants achieved statistically and clinically significant increases in COPM performance ratings for the 5 parent-identified activity/participation goals. CONCLUSIONS: For the participant dyads in this study, use of the PWSD appeared to positively influence parental perceptions of improvements in their child's performance of activity/participation goals.

Quantifying Parental Perceptions of Their Experiences With Their Young Children's Use of Power Mobility Devices.

PURPOSE: To quantify and explore parental perceptions of their experiences with their child's use of the Explorer Mini (EM) and a modified ride-on car (mROC) in young children with cerebral palsy. METHOD: Data were gathered throughout a multisite, randomized, counterbalanced AB crossover 16-week clinical trial, wherein all participants used device A (EM) and device B (mROC) for 8-weeks each. Semistructured parent interviews were conducted at baseline (T0), post-intervention period 1 (T1), and post-intervention period 2 (T2). The Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count program was used to objectively analyze the transcribed interviews. RESULTS: Twenty-four child-parent dyads participated in the study. Parental perceptions were related to children's gross motor abilities, cognitive development scores, and device use order (EM-mROC or mROC-EM). CONCLUSIONS: Parents were positive about a potential means of helping their children. While most preferred the EM, opinions were contingent on the PM device, device use order, and child-centered factors.

Stakeholder perspectives of pediatric powered wheelchair standing devices: a qualitative study.

AIM: To explore and describe the experiences and perspectives of various stakeholders regarding the use of powered wheelchair standing devices (PWSDs). METHOD: The purposive sample included: children aged 6 to 18 years who used a PWSD (n=8; diagnoses: cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury), parents of children 18 years of age or younger who used a PWSD (n=12), rehabilitation professionals working with children who used a PWSD (n=12), and professionals working at companies manufacturing PWSDs (n=3). Data were gathered via face-to-face interviews conducted either in person or via Zoom® and analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged in the data: (1) 'Stand-on-demand' revealed how participants perceived PWSDs as allowing children to stand whenever and wherever they wanted, thereby increasing participation; (2) 'It's more than weight-bearing' uncovered participants' perceptions of psychological and physical benefits from PWSD use; and (3) 'Ecosystems influencing PWSD acquisition and use' revealed child- and non-child-related factors perceived as influencing children's procurement and use of a PWSD. INTERPRETATION: Use of a PWSD was perceived as providing a unique opportunity for children to stand whenever and wherever they desired. Findings suggest the possible transdiagnostic application of PWSDs. What this paper adds The ability to stand when desired was unique to powered wheelchair standing device (PWSD) use. Participants perceived numerous psychological and physical benefits from PWSD use. Child- and non-child-related factors influenced procurement and use of a PWSD.

The Time Is Now: A FASTER Approach to Generate Research Evidence for Technology-Based Interventions in the Field of Disability and Rehabilitation.

Current approaches for generating high-quality research evidence for technology-based interventions in the field of disability and rehabilitation are inappropriate. Prevailing approaches often focus on randomized controlled trials as standard and apply clinical trial practices designed for pharmaceuticals; such approaches are unsuitable for technology-based interventions and are counterproductive to the goals of supporting people with disabilities and creating benefits for society. This communication is designed to: (1) advocate for the use of alternative approaches to generating evidence in the development and evaluation of technology-based interventions; (2) propose an alternative framework and guiding principles; and (3) stimulate action by multiple disciplines and sectors to discuss, adopt, and promote alternative approaches. Our Framework for Accelerated and Systematic Technology-based intervention development and Evaluation Research (FASTER) is informed by established innovation design processes, complex intervention development, evaluation, and implementation concepts as well as our collective experiences in technology-based interventions research and clinical rehabilitation practice. FASTER is intended to be meaningful, timely, and practical for researchers, technology developers, clinicians, and others who develop these interventions and seek evidence. We incorporate research methods and designs that better align with creating technology-based interventions and evidence for integration into practice. We propose future activities to improve the generation of research evidence, enable the selection of research methods and designs, and create standards for evidence evaluation to support rigor and applicability for technology-based interventions. With this communication we aim to improve and advance technology-based intervention integration from conception to use, thus responsibly accelerating innovation to have greater positive benefit for people and society.

Contemporary Practice as a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist: A Practice Analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the 2019 practice analysis was to identify the elements of contemporary practice as a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist. METHODS: Consistent with the processes of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), a subject matter expert panel used consensus-based processes to develop a survey to gather information concerning the knowledge areas, professional roles and responsibilities, practice expectations, and practice demographics of board-certified pediatric clinical specialists. The web-based survey was divided into 3 parts and administered to 3 separate groups of board-certified pediatric clinical specialists. RESULTS: Survey responses from 323 clinical specialists provided data to support confirmation and revision of the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP) for pediatrics. CONCLUSIONS: The revised DSP will provide contemporary practice information to inform the ABPTS specialist examination blueprint and the curricula of credentialed residency programs in pediatric physical therapy.

Application of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: This case report illustrates application of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Congenital Muscular Torticollis in a pediatric outpatient facility. DESCRIPTIONS: The infant was a 2-month-old baby presenting with congenital muscular torticollis. Application of each of the 16 action statements outlined in the Clinical Practice Guideline is detailed as related to the case. OUTCOMES: All desired outcomes were achieved within 11 intervention sessions over a 16-week period. WHAT THIS CASE ADDS: This case illustrates application of the Clinical Practice Guideline and exemplifies how each action statement can be addressed without placing an undue time burden upon the therapist. The case resulted in changes to facility-wide clinical procedures to increase consistency of care as outlined in the Clinical Practice Guideline.

'Power in Mobility': parent and therapist perspectives of the experiences of children learning to use powered mobility.

AIM: The aim of this study was to gain insights, from the perspectives of both parents and pediatric therapists, into the experiences of children learning to use a power mobility device. METHOD: The purposive sample included 33 participants: 14 parents of children who were learning, or had learned, to use a power mobility device and 19 pediatric occupational therapists or physical therapists. Data were gathered face-to-face via seven focus groups consisting of either parents or therapists, and eight one-on-one interviews. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) 'Power in mobility' described how learning to use powered mobility changed more than just a child's locomotor abilities; (2) 'There is no recipe' revealed how learning to use powered mobility occurred along an individualized continuum of skills that often unfolded over time in a cyclical process; (3) 'Emotional journey' explored how learning to use powered mobility was an emotionally charged undertaking for all those involved. INTERPRETATION: Learning to use a power mobility device is a complex process that often requires perseverance and determination on the part of the child, family, and therapist. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Powered mobility use impacts more than just a child's locomotor abilities. Learning to use a power mobility device is a highly individualized process. Learning to use powered mobility may be an emotionally charged process.

Power mobility for children: a survey study of American and Canadian therapists' perspectives and practices.

AIM: To explore the views and practices of paediatric occupational therapists and physical therapists in Canada and the USA regarding the implementation of power mobility for children with mobility limitations. METHOD: This descriptive study utilized a web-based survey that included questions pertaining to therapists' decisions to trial and use power mobility, agreement or disagreement with statements developed from published practice considerations regarding power mobility, and the frequency of performing tasks related to power mobility prescription and training. RESULTS: Most respondents reported that child characteristics (e.g. cognition, safety awareness) were important factors in decision-making about power mobility, whereas other child characteristics (e.g. communication abilities, age) were not as important. Family resources and home accessibility were also not considered important. The average age at which respondents considered power mobility for children was 2 years 3 months. The majority of respondents agreed with statements developed from published practice considerations and most frequently performed various power mobility tasks twice a year or less. INTERPRETATION: Although most respondents appeared to have positive views regarding power mobility, few appeared to actively perform power mobility tasks in their practice. Resources to support therapists in the early introduction of power mobility may be beneficial. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Occupational and physical therapists positively view early introduction of power mobility for children with mobility limitations. Few therapists actively provide early power mobility experiences. Power mobility training and monitoring power mobility devices are important therapist roles.

Power Mobility Training Methods for Children: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To summarize and critically appraise the existing evidence related to power mobility training methods used in research studies conducted with children 21 years or younger. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using 16 electronic databases to identify primary source quantitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Data extraction, determination of level of evidence, evaluation of methodological rigor, and assessment of the risk of bias were completed. The Evidence Alert Traffic Light Grading System (EATLS) was used. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included in the review. Levels of evidence were II to V; scientific rigor scores were 2 to 7. CONCLUSIONS: An overall Yellow EATLS level of evidence was found indicating that therapists should use caution when providing power mobility training interventions and measure outcomes related to established goals in areas such as development, functional skills, or use of a power mobility device.

Power Mobility Training for Young Children with Multiple, Severe Impairments: A Case Series.

AIMS: Young children with neurodevelopmental conditions are often limited in their ability to explore and learn from their environment. The purposes of this case series were to (1) describe the outcomes of using an alternative power mobility device with young children who had multiple, severe impairments; (2) develop power mobility training methods for use with these children; and (3) determine the feasibility of using various outcome measures. METHODS: Three children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels IV, V, and V) ages 17 months to 3.5 years participated in the case series. Examination included the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) and the Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire (DMQ). An individualized, engaging power mobility training environment was created for each participant. Intervention was provided for 60 minutes per week over 12 weeks. RESULTS: All participants exhibited improvements in power mobility skills. Post-intervention PEDI-CAT scores increased in various domains for all participants. Post-intervention DMQ scores improved in Participants 1 and 2. DISCUSSION: The participants appeared to make improvements in their beginning power mobility skills. Additional research is planned to further explore the impact of power mobility training in this unique population.

Management of Bilateral Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient.

PURPOSE: To describe the physical therapy management of a pediatric patient with bilateral lower extremity complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). CASE DESCRIPTION: The participant was a 13-year-old adolescent girl who was admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit with bilateral lower extremity CRPS-I. Examination included assessment of lower extremity active range of motion, transfers, mobility, and completion of the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM). Intervention consisted of gradual desensitization techniques, progressive weight bearing and mobility, functional transfer training, progressive strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises-all conducted using a modified pain exposure therapy approach. OUTCOME: WeeFIM scores increased to modified independence or independent in all areas. DISCUSSION: The severity of the patient's CRPS necessitated a progressive and function-based approach to physical therapy management. Motivation, a pain exposure-based approach, and a multidisciplinary team approach appeared to affect the participant's recovery of function and reintegration into school and leisure activities.

Connecting Classroom, Clinic, and Context: Clinical Reasoning Strategies for Clinical Instructors and Academic Faculty.

BACKGROUND: Clinical reasoning is an essential skill in pediatric physical therapist (PT) practice. As such, explicit instruction in clinical reasoning should be emphasized in PT education. KEY POINTS: This article provides academic faculty and clinical instructors with an overview of strategies to develop and expand the clinical reasoning capacity of PT students within the scope of pediatric PT practice. Achieving a balance between deductive reasoning strategies that provide a framework for thinking and inductive reasoning strategies that emphasize patient factors and the context of the clinical situation is an important variable in educational pedagogy. TEACHING IMPLICATIONS: Consideration should be given to implementing various teaching and learning approaches across the curriculum that reflect the developmental level of the student(s). Deductive strategies may be helpful early in the curriculum, whereas inductive strategies are often advantageous after patient interactions; however, exposure to both is necessary to fully develop the learner's clinical reasoning abilities. VIDEO ABSTRACT: For more insights from the authors, see Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at http://links.lww.com/PPT/A87.

Innovation in pediatric clinical education: application of the essential competencies.

BACKGROUND: At the Section on Pediatrics Education Summit in July 2012, consensus was achieved on 5 essential core competencies (ECCs) that represent a knowledge base essential to all graduates of professional physical therapist education programs. KEY POINTS: This article offers suggestions for how clinical instructors (CIs) might use the ECCs to identify student needs and guide student learning during a pediatric clinical education experience. Pediatric CIs potentially might choose to use the ECCs as a reference tool in clinical education to help (1) organize and develop general, clinic-specific clinical education objectives, (2) develop and plan individualized student learning experiences, (3) identify student needs, and (4) show progression of student learning from beginner to intermediate to entry level. CONCLUSIONS: The ECCs may offer CIs insights into the role of pediatric clinical education in professional physical therapist education.

Promoting self-exploration and function through an individualized power mobility training program.

PURPOSE: This case report describes the development and implementation of an intervention program that used a Power Wheelchair Trainer (Trainer) to enable an individual with severe impairments to participate in power mobility training. CASE DESCRIPTION: The participant was an 18 year-old female with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification Level V. The examination included the Power Mobility Screen and the Caregiver Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD). Switches on the participant's headrest provided control of the Trainer. Intervention consisted of power mobility training in an engaging environment that was set-up to focus on specific power mobility skills. RESULTS: Scores on the Power Mobility Screen and the CPCHILD were higher after intervention. DISCUSSION: The outcomes of this case report appear to support the use of the Trainer, which allowed the participant to practice power mobility skills and participate in self-exploration of her environment.

Short-Term Powered Mobility Intervention is Associated With Improvements in Development and Participation for Young Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 short-term powered mobility interventions across developmental domains, participation, and perceptions of intervention implementation for young children with cerebral palsy and their families. METHODS: This randomized, crossover clinical trial compared 2 powered mobility interventions: the Explorer Mini (Permobil AB, Timra, Sweden) and an adapted ride-on toy car. Analyses included 24 children aged 12 to 36 months, recruited from 3 sites. Each device was trialed in the home for an 8-week period for a total of 16 weeks. Three in-person study visits took place at baseline, crossover, and study completion, and 2 additional virtual check-ins were conducted for each device trial period. Outcome measures included all domains of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition (Bayley-4); Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) participation questionnaire; and t3 perceptual implementation measures: Acceptability of Intervention Measure, Intervention Appropriateness Measure, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Analyses included descriptive statistics, 2 by 3 group × time analysis of variance, and post hoc t tests as warranted. RESULTS: Statistically significant mean improvements were observed in all domains of the Bayley-4 and in the self-care subscale of the CEDL regardless of device order. Caregivers ranked both devices as acceptable and feasible to implement, although the Explorer Mini was ranked slightly more favorably than the adapted ride-on toy car, with a device order effect being observed. CONCLUSION: Short-term powered mobility intervention may advance multiple domains of development and participation for young children with cerebral palsy. Caregivers rated 2 different powered mobility devices favorably as part of their child's early intervention strategies. IMPACT: This study enhances the quality of evidence available to clinicians and families to support decision-making about powered mobility intervention for young children with motor disabilities, especially those who may be reluctant to begin powered mobility due to stigma or concern for motor skill development.

In this study, children with cerebral palsy used 2 different powered mobility devices over 16 weeks. The goal of the study was to understand how powered mobility device use affected the children's movement, communication, learning, and social interactions. The goal was also to understand how caregivers felt about the intervention and device options.

Wheeled mobility use outcomes: a systematic review protocol of measurement properties.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous tools have been developed to measure constructs related to wheelchair use. Currently, no toolkit comprehensively details assessments of wheeled mobility device use based on the quality of their measurement properties. The current review aims to systematically identify high-quality assessment tools that measure different aspects of wheeled mobility use. OBJECTIVE: The objectives are two-fold: i) to synthesize outcome measures that assess use of wheeled mobility devices, and ii) to evaluate measurement properties of the assessment tools. INCLUSION CRITERIA: The populations of interest are manual wheelchair users, power wheelchair users, and scooter users of any age, diagnosis, or setting. Instruments of any type will be included. METHOD: The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of measurement properties will guide this review. A search strategy will be developed to search the following databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), PsycTests (EBSCOhost), Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The article selection process, data extraction, and quality appraisal will be performed by 2 independent reviewers, with a third reviewer being consulted to achieve consensus. The methodological quality of the studies will be assessed through the Consensus Standards for the Selection of Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias tool and the COSMIN Checklist. The quality of the pooled evidence and individual measurement properties will be graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and the COSMIN Criteria for Good Measurement Properties recommendations. Measurement properties of each instrument will be described, with the goal of developing a toolkit that identifies appropriate assessment tools for wheeled mobility use outcomes. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD4202276169.