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On-time power mobility and physical activity in toddlers with motor delays: A randomized controlled trial using
Hsiang-Han Huang1,2, Yung-Tze Lee1,3, Chen-Ling Lai4
1Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Modified ride-on cars (MROCs) training in different postures showed physical activity (PA) levels comparable to conventional therapy in children with motor delays. Further research is needed to explore influencing factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Motor Control
Background:
- Children with motor delays often exhibit reduced physical activity (PA).
- Modified ride-on cars (MROCs) offer a potential intervention to enhance PA.
- Understanding the impact of different MROC postures on PA is crucial for optimizing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively measure the effects of MROC training in standing versus sitting postures on PA levels in children with motor delays.
- To compare the PA outcomes of MROC training with conventional therapy.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial involving 39 children with motor delays.
- Participants were assigned to MROC in standing posture, MROC in sitting posture, or conventional therapy.
- Physical activity intensity was measured using ActiGraph GT3X at baseline and weeks 6 and 12 of the 12-week intervention.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in PA intensity were found between MROC training postures and conventional therapy.
- PA levels remained consistent, at least within the light PA intensity range, across all groups.
- Demographic data were similar across groups, and no significant interaction, group, or time effects were observed.
Conclusions:
- MROC training, regardless of posture, may result in PA levels comparable to conventional therapy for children with motor delays.
- Variations in activity and motor impairment severity might influence outcomes.
- Future research should explore factors like task characteristics, motor delay severity, and training dosage to better understand PA intensity variations.
Abstract:
This study conducted a secondary analysis to objectively measure the effects of modified ride-on cars (MROCs) training in different postures on physical activity (PA) levels in children with motor delays. Data from 39 participants were analyzed in a randomized controlled trial. The participants included those using MROC in standing postures (n = 11, mean age = 22.87 months), MROC in sitting postures (n = 16, mean age = 19.53 months), and a control group that received conventional therapy (n = 12, mean age = 23.30 months). PA intensity was measured using an ActiGraph GT3X on the participants' wrists and right hip at weeks 1, 6, and 12 of the 12-week intervention period. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02527356). The demographic data were similar across the groups. No significant differences were found in the interaction, group, or time effects for any of the positions (p > 0.05). The PA levels were consistent in at least light PA intensity range. MROC training may yield PA levels comparable to those of conventional therapy. Variations in activity and motor impairment severity could affect outcomes. Future studies should investigate factors such as task characteristics, motor delay severity, PA cutoff points, and training dosage that may influence PA intensity.
