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RESNA position on the application of power mobility devices for pediatric users
Lauren Rosen1, Teresa Plummer2, Andrina Sabet3
1St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, Motion Analysis Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Insights
This updated position paper supports early power mobility (PM) for children with mobility challenges. It emphasizes that factors like age or walking ability should not prevent access to PM, promoting independence and development.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Pediatric Mobility
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Previous RESNA Position on Power Wheelchairs for Pediatric Users requires an update.
- Growing body of scientific literature on power mobility (PM) for young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an update on the application of power mobility for pediatric users.
- To present current clinical applications and best evidence supporting PM for young children.
- To assist practitioners in decision-making and justification for PM provision.
Main Methods:
- Review of current and additional scientific literature.
- Analysis of typical clinical applications.
- Evidence-based recommendations for practitioners.
Main Results:
- Age, vision/cognition, behavior, or short-distance walking should not be discriminatory factors against PM.
- Early utilization of PM is supported for children with mobility limitations.
- PM enhances integration, psycho-social development, and participation.
Conclusions:
- RESNA advocates for early provision of medically necessary power mobility for children.
- Power mobility is crucial for promoting independence, function, and participation in young children.
- Addressing mobility limitations early supports overall child development and reduces dependency.
Abstract:
This paper serves as an update to the previous RESNA Position on the Application of Power Wheelchairs for Pediatric Users with more current and additional scientific literature. This document contains typical clinical applications and best evidence from the literature supporting the application of power mobility (PM) for young children and to assist practitioners in decision-making and justification. It is RESNA' s position that age, limited vision or cognition, behavioral issues, and the ability to walk or propel a manual wheelchair short distances should not, in and of themselves, be used as discriminatory factors against providing PM for children. RESNA recommends early utilization of PM for children with mobility limitations as medically necessary, to promote integration and psycho-social development, reduce passive dependency, and to enhance participation, function, and independence.
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