Wheeled Mobility, Seating, and Bathroom Device Use by Children With Cerebral Palsy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Assistive Technology
• Cerebral Palsy Research

Background:

• Limited data exists on assistive device utilization among young children with cerebral palsy (CP) classified under Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III-V.
• This study addresses this gap by analyzing device use in a cohort of children with severe CP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the usage patterns of mobility, adaptive seating, bathing, and toileting devices in young children with CP (GMFCS III-V).
• To explore associations between device use and child characteristics, including functional abilities.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of data from 42 children (18-87 months) in a power mobility study.
• Utilized the parent-report Home Use of Technology for CHildren (HUTCH) survey at baseline and 6 months.
• Examined correlations between device use, time spent, and gross motor, manual abilities, and Level of Sitting Scale classifications.

Main Results:

• Mobility device use (strollers, wheelchairs) and adaptive seating were associated with age, gross motor, and manual abilities.
• Children with more severe impairments were more likely to use bathing devices; toileting device use was minimal.
• Children spent more time in tilt-in-space wheelchairs compared to upright manual wheelchairs or strollers.

Conclusions:

• Child characteristics significantly influence the selection and use of manual mobility, seating, and bathroom assistive devices.
• Findings highlight the need for tailored assistive technology solutions based on individual functional profiles in children with CP.