Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
Power Mobility Training Methods for Children: A Systematic Review
Lisa K Kenyon1, Lisa Hostnik, Rachel McElroy
1Department of Physical Therapy (Drs Kenyon, Hostnik, McElroy, and Peterson) and Padnos School of Engineering and Computing (Dr Farris), Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Insights
This review found limited evidence for power mobility training in children. Therapists should exercise caution and measure outcomes carefully when implementing these interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Assistive Technology Research
- Evidence-Based Practice in Therapy
Background:
- Power mobility training is crucial for children with disabilities to enhance independence.
- Existing research on training methods requires critical appraisal to guide clinical practice.
- Understanding the evidence base is essential for optimizing therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and critically evaluate power mobility training methods in pediatric research.
- To appraise the quality and risk of bias in studies involving children (≤21 years) using power mobility devices.
- To synthesize current evidence to inform best practices in pediatric power mobility training.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of quantitative studies from 16 electronic databases.
- Inclusion of peer-reviewed primary source articles.
- Application of the Evidence Alert Traffic Light Grading System (EATLS) for evidence appraisal.
Main Results:
- Twenty-seven studies were included in the review.
- Levels of evidence ranged from II to V.
- Scientific rigor scores varied from 2 to 7, indicating a need for caution.
Conclusions:
- An overall Yellow EATLS level of evidence suggests caution in power mobility training.
- Therapists should carefully measure outcomes related to developmental goals, functional skills, and device use.
- Further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence base for pediatric power mobility interventions.
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.
