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.

Modified Ride-on Car Intervention for Children With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe a pilot clinical case series of a modified ride-on car (MROC) intervention on mobility and alertness for young children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). METHODS: Four young children with PIMD participated in 4 baseline observations and 5 intervention sessions (A-B design). Data collection occurred via video. Assessment of mobility and alertness duration used structured visual analysis. RESULTS: Three of the 4 children increased their independent mobility during the intervention sessions. One of the 4 children increased their active alertness during the intervention sessions. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates the initial feasibility of an MROC intervention in a clinical setting and outcome measures of mobility and alertness for children with PIMD. This provides support that this population should be considered for power mobility in early childhood. Further, this study used a novel, caregiver-implemented prompting protocol to teach children how to use the MROC.

Feasibility of a Modified Ride-on Car Intervention on Play Behaviors during an Inclusive Playgroup.

AIMS: Children with mobility related disabilities often experience limited participation and access to social interactions. An emerging pediatric powered mobility device are modified ride-on cars that provide self-directed mobility experiences to children with disabilities. This study aimed to determine: (1) the feasibility of a modified ride-on car intervention during an inclusive playgroup, (2) the effect of a modified ride-on car intervention on the play behaviors of children with and without mobility related disabilities. METHOD: A single-subject research design was implemented. Thirteen children participated in a weekly inclusive playgroup. The five children with mobility related disabilities were provided modified ride-on cars during the intervention. Children's play behaviors were classified with Howes' Peer Play Scale. Intervention effects were examined using nonoverlap of all pairs (NAP). RESULTS: The intervention was feasible based on participants' good attendance, retention rates, and successful use of modified ride-on cars. Overall children did not experience significant changes in play behaviors, with a few exceptions for decreased solitary, and increased parallel play, and/or direct peer interaction, among children with mobility related disabilities. Future research could examine modified ride-on car use by children with mobility related disabilities focusing on changes in unique play interactions between children with and without disabilities.

Powered Mobility Device Use and Developmental Change of Young Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Mobility is a fundamental human right and is supported by the United Nations and the ON Time Mobility framework. The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of a powered mobility intervention on developmental changes of children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study was a randomized, crossover clinical trial involving 24 children (12-36 months) diagnosed with CP or with high probability of future CP diagnosis based on birth history and current developmental status. Children received the Explorer Mini and a modified ride-on car in randomized order, each for 8 weeks. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-4th Edition was administered at baseline, mid-study, and end-of-study. Raw change scores were used for analysis. Total minutes of use per device was categorized as low or high use for analysis based on caregiver-reported driving diaries. Explorer Mini: The high use group exhibited significantly greater positive change scores compared to the low use group on receptive communication, expressive communication, and gross motor subscales (p < 0.05). Modified ride-on car: No significant differences between low and high use groups. Regardless of device, low use was associated with no significant developmental change and high use was associated with positive developmental changes. Mobility access is critical to maximize the development of children with CP and may be augmented by using powered mobility devices. Results may have implications for the development of evidence-based guidelines on dosage for powered mobility use.

Real World Tracking of Modified Ride-On Car Usage in Young Children With Disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Go Baby Go is a community program that provides modified ride-on cars to young children with disabilities. AIMS: (1) To describe the real world modified ride-on car usage of young children with disabilities; (2) To compare subjectively reported modified ride-on car usage recorded by parents with objectively reported usage based on electronic tracking data. METHODS: 14 young children (1-3 years old) with disabilities used a modified ride-on car for three months. RESULTS: On average, parent-reported activity log data indicated that children used the modified ride-on car for 17.8 minutes per session (SD = 9.9) and 195.1 total minutes (SD = 234.8) over three months. Objective tracking data indicated 16.5 minutes per session (SD = 8.6) and 171.4 total minutes (SD = 206.1) over three months. No significant difference of modified ride-on car usage was found between parent-reported activity log data and objective tracking; yet, the mean absolute difference between tracking methods was 96 minutes (SD = 8.6) and suggests over- or under-reporting of families. Children used the modified ride-on car more in the first half compared to the second half of the three-month period (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study may inform future research studies and local chapters of the Go Baby Go community program.