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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis
Published on: August 8, 2019
Exploring Growth-Stage Variations in Home Use of Positioning and Mobility Assistive Technology for Children with
Hsin-Yi Kathy Cheng1,2, Shun-Yin Hu1, Yan-Ying Ju3
1Graduate Institute of Early Intervention, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
Insights
Assistive device needs for children with cerebral palsy (CP) change as they grow, impacting mobility and independence. Parents report benefits like improved well-being and challenges such as cost, highlighting the need for better support and adaptable device designs.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) IV cerebral palsy require evolving postural and mobility support.
- Growth and developmental changes necessitate adjustments in assistive devices for maintaining function and independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the evolution of postural and mobility device use in home environments for children with GMFCS IV cerebral palsy.
- To understand parents' perspectives on the benefits, outcomes, and challenges associated with these devices across developmental stages.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews and descriptive statistics were used.
- Data were collected from 10 parents of children with GMFCS IV cerebral palsy.
- Information gathered covered device types, usage patterns, and family impacts from preschool to adulthood.
Main Results:
- Device needs transition from gait trainers to power wheelchairs as children mature.
- Parents reported positive outcomes including enhanced emotional well-being, social participation, and reduced caregiving burden.
- Challenges identified include financial constraints, frequent device replacement, and inadequate training.
Conclusions:
- Adaptable device designs and enhanced family-centered support are crucial for managing device transitions.
- Real-world outcomes and parental insights can inform device design, clinical practices, and support programs.
- Future research should focus on improving device functionality, customization, and accessibility to enhance quality of life and independence.
Abstract:
This study examines how the use of postural and mobility devices evolves in home environments for children with GMFCS IV cerebral palsy, focusing on parents' perspectives on benefits, outcomes, and challenges. As children grow, changes in muscle strength, motor function, and daily activity demands necessitate adjustments in assistive devices to maintain mobility and postural support. Data from 10 parents, collected through descriptive statistics and qualitative interviews, covered device types, usage patterns, and family impacts across developmental stages from preschool to adulthood. Device needs shift significantly with growth, transitioning from early gait trainers and postural support devices to advanced mobility devices, such as power wheelchairs, which become essential in adulthood. Parents reported positive outcomes, including improved emotional well-being, social participation, and independent mobility, alongside reduced caregiving burdens. However, challenges persist, including financial constraints, frequent device replacements, and limited training for users and caregivers. These insights highlight the need for more adaptable device designs and enhanced family-centered support programs to better assist caregivers in managing device transitions. This study addresses a gap by exploring the real-world outcomes of home-based device use, providing data and parental insights to inform device design, clinical practices, and family-centered support programs. Future research should focus on enhancing device functionality, customization, and accessibility to improve quality of life and promote greater independence for individuals with cerebral palsy.
