Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Training Persons with Spinal Cord Injury to Ambulate Using a Powered Exoskeleton
Published on: June 16, 2016
Wheeled Mobility, Seating, and Bathroom Device Use by Children With Cerebral Palsy
Insights
Assistive device use in young children with cerebral palsy (CP) varies by mobility and seating needs. Greater impairments correlated with increased use of bathing devices, but limited use of toileting aids.
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.
Abstract:
Background. Little is known about assistive device use by young children with cerebral palsy (CP) classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) III-V. Purpose. This secondary analysis examined use of mobility, adaptive seating, bathing, and toileting devices in young children participating in a larger power mobility study. Method. Data from 42 participants aged 18-87 months were gathered, using the parent-report Home Use of Technology for CHildren (HUTCH), within the first 3-4 weeks and at the end of the 6-month power mobility loan. Associations were examined between device, time spent in each device and gross motor, manual abilities, and Level of Sitting Scale functional classifications. Results. Age, gross motor function, and manual abilities were associated with use of either a stroller, tilt-in-space, or upright manual wheelchair, while age, postural, and manual abilities were associated with use of wheelchair seating rather than separate adaptive seating or a typical high-chair or booster seat. Children with greater impairments were more likely to use bathing devices, while few used toileting devices. More time was spent by children using tilt-in-space wheelchairs compared with upright wheelchairs or strollers. Conclusion. Statistically significant associations were identified between child profile and use of manual mobility, seating and bathroom devices.
