Powered Mobility Device Use and Developmental Change of Young Children with Cerebral Palsy
Samuel W Logan1, Bethany M Sloane1, Lisa K Kenyon2
1College of Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
Insights
Powered mobility devices significantly improve developmental changes in children with cerebral palsy (CP). High usage of the Explorer Mini enhanced communication and motor skills, emphasizing mobility
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Mobility is a fundamental human right, crucial for child development.
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts mobility and developmental trajectories.
- The ON Time Mobility framework supports the importance of early mobility interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of powered mobility interventions on developmental changes in young children with CP.
- To compare the effectiveness of two different powered mobility devices: the Explorer Mini and a modified ride-on car.
- To analyze the relationship between usage intensity (low vs. high) and developmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, crossover clinical trial involving 24 children (12-36 months) with CP or high CP risk.
- Participants used the Explorer Mini and a modified ride-on car for 8 weeks each, in randomized order.
- The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-4th Edition assessed development at baseline, mid-study, and end-of-study.
Main Results:
- High usage of the Explorer Mini led to significant improvements in receptive communication, expressive communication, and gross motor skills (p < 0.05).
- No significant differences in developmental outcomes were observed between low and high usage groups for the modified ride-on car.
- Overall, high device usage correlated with positive developmental changes, while low usage showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Powered mobility access is critical for maximizing developmental potential in children with CP.
- The Explorer Mini, when used frequently, demonstrates a positive impact on key developmental areas.
- Findings suggest potential implications for establishing evidence-based guidelines on powered mobility dosage for children with CP.
Abstract:
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.
