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Low-cost powered mobility devices for early mobility training in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a case
S Balsategui-Gil1, C Soto-Vidal1, P S C Chagas2
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Physical Therapy, Neuromusculoskeletal Physical Therapy in Stages of Life Research Group (FINEMEV), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain.
Insights
Low-cost powered mobility devices integrated into physiotherapy programs are feasible for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. These devices improve mobility skills, trunk control, participation, and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physiotherapy
- Assistive technology
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
Background:
- Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often face limitations in independent mobility.
- Access to affordable and effective assistive mobility solutions is crucial for enhancing participation and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the feasibility and functional impact of a low-cost powered mobility device within a physiotherapy program.
- To assess improvements in participation, trunk control, and quality of life for children with limited mobility.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case series involving five children (aged 4-11) with neurodevelopmental conditions.
- An eight-week training program focused on device operation and navigation.
- Outcomes measured included mobility skills, trunk control, quality of life, and user satisfaction.
Main Results:
- All participants mastered device operation, showing significant improvements in powered mobility skills (ALP 2.0).
- Trunk control and participation in various settings improved, alongside enhanced health-related quality of life (PedsQL 4.0).
- High user and family satisfaction (QUEST 2.0) was reported, indicating positive acceptance.
Conclusions:
- Low-cost powered mobility devices integrated into physiotherapy are feasible and beneficial for children with limited mobility.
- These affordable technologies can enhance early access to assistive solutions, promoting functional participation in pediatric settings.
Objective:
This prospective case series explored the feasibility and potential functional effects of a low-cost powered mobility device integrated into a physiotherapy training program on participation, trunk control, and quality of life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Methods:
Five children aged 4-11 years with limited independent mobility due to neurodevelopmental conditions completed an eight-week training program using a low-cost powered mobility device. Weekly 45-minute sessions focused on joystick use, directional control, and task-oriented navigation. Outcomes included participation (YC-PEM/PEM-CY), trunk control (TCMS), health-related quality of life (PedsQL 4.0), powered mobility learning (ALP 2.0), and user satisfaction (QUEST 2.0), assessed before and after intervention.
Results:
All participants successfully operated the device and improved powered mobility skills (ALP 2.0: +2.20 ± 0.84). Trunk control improved in most children (TCMS: +6.8 ± 4.4), with variability related to functional abilities and support needs. Participation increased across home, school, and community settings, while the desire for change decreased. Health-related quality of life improved (PedsQL 4.0: +15 ± 13.8), and families reported high satisfaction (QUEST 2.0: 4.46 ± 0.55).
Conclusions:
The low-cost powered mobility devices integrated into structured physiotherapy training programmes are feasible and may support participation, environmental exploration, quality of life, powered mobility learning, and opportunities for environmental exploration in children with limited independent mobility. Affordable powered mobility technologies may expand early access to assistive mobility solutions and support functional participation in paediatric physiotherapy contexts.
