Feasibility of Using Joystick-Operated Ride-on-Toys to Promote Upper Extremity Function in Children With Cerebral
Nidhi Amonkar1, Patrick Kumavor, Kristin Morgan
1Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology (Ms Amonkar and Drs Bubela, and Srinivasan), University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut; Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP) (Ms Amonkar and Drs Morgan, Bubela, and Srinivasan), University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut; The Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS) (Ms Amonkar and Drs Bubela and Srinivasan), University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut; Biomedical Engineering Program, Department of Biomedical Engineering (Drs Kumavor and Morgan), University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.
Insights
Joystick-operated ride-on toys are a feasible and enjoyable intervention for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The training improved motivation and perceived upper extremity (UE) function in affected limbs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function, particularly in children with hemiplegia.
- Upper extremity (UE) dysfunction is common in hemiplegic CP, impacting daily activities.
- Innovative interventions are needed to improve UE function in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility, acceptance, and perceived efficacy of a joystick-operated ride-on-toy intervention.
- To promote upper extremity (UE) function in children aged 3-14 with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Main Methods:
- A 3-week ride-on-toy training program was integrated into a summer camp.
- Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy used their affected UE to maneuver the toy.
- Exit questionnaires assessed enjoyment, acceptance, feasibility, and perceived efficacy among children, caregivers, and clinicians.
Main Results:
- All participants found the training enjoyable.
- Clinicians and caregivers reported increased motivation for children to use their affected UE.
- Perceived improvements in UE movement control and overall function were noted by clinicians and caregivers.
Conclusions:
- Joystick-operated ride-on toys show promise as an intervention for improving UE function in hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
- Preliminary findings support further research to systematically evaluate efficacy.
- This intervention may enhance UE control and function in pediatric hemiplegic CP.
Purpose:
To evaluate the feasibility of implementation, acceptance, and perceived efficacy of a joystick-operated ride-on-toy intervention to promote upper extremity (UE) function in 3- to 14-year-old children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Methods:
Exit questionnaires were collected from children, caregivers, and clinicians/camp staff following a 3-week ride-on-toy training program incorporated within a summer camp for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Training encouraged children to use their affected UE to maneuver the ride-on-toy. Questionnaires included Likert scale and open-ended questions to assess enjoyment, acceptance, feasibility, and perceived efficacy of the training.
Results:
All stakeholder groups indicated that the training was enjoyable. Clinicians/staff and caregivers indicated that the training increased children's motivation to use their affected UE and reported perceived improvements in UE movement control and function following training.
Conclusions:
Our promising preliminary findings call for future research to systematically assess the efficacy of ride-on-toys to promote UE control and function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Supplemental Digital Content 1 video abstract, available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A404.
