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A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
Study protocol for Full Speed Ahead: an intervention for improved activities in daily life through Frame Running and
Ann-Christin Eliasson1,2, Kristina Löwing3,4, Emma Hjalmarsson3,4
1Neuropediatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 76, Sweden. ann-christin.eliasson@ki.se.
Insights
This study evaluates an intensive mobility program for young children with cerebral palsy (CP). The program combines Frame Running and goal-directed training to improve daily mobility and cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Early intervention is critical for children with cerebral palsy (CP) to enhance gross motor development.
- Limited evidence exists for effective early mobility interventions in young children with CP.
- Frame Running offers a promising high-intensity activity for children with mobility impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a novel mobility-focused training program for children aged 2-5 years with CP.
- To assess the program's impact on everyday mobility and cardiovascular health.
- To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a family-centered, intensive intervention.
Main Methods:
- Prospective repeated-measures intervention design with 18+ children (CP, age 2-5, GMFCS II-IV).
- 12-week program combining home-based and hospital-based training with parents as active trainers.
- Outcome measures include GMFM-66, FMS, PEDI-CAT, muscle ultrasound, gait analysis, accelerometry, heart rate monitoring, and GAS.
Main Results:
- Data collection ongoing; results pending.
- Feasibility and fidelity will be assessed via questionnaires.
- Individual and group-level analyses will track changes over time.
Conclusions:
- The 'Full Speed Ahead' program aims to enhance understanding of early intensive mobility interventions for children with CP.
- Positive findings could significantly impact short- and long-term treatment planning and services.
- The study design strengthens the evidence base for family-centered mobility interventions in early childhood CP.
Background:
Early and intensive intervention is crucial for children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly during the period when gross motor activities typically develop. Despite the prevalence of CP, robust evidence for effective early mobility interventions remains limited. Frame Running, which enables children with limited walking ability to engage in dynamic, high-intensity activities, has emerged as a promising approach, yet research on its effect in young children is currently lacking. The aim of this study is to implement and evaluate the effects of a mobility-focused training program combining Frame Running and goal-directed gross motor training, on mobility in every day life and cardiovascular health in children aged 2-5 years with CP.
Method:
The study uses a prospective repeated-measures intervention design with assessments conducted during baseline, intervention, and post-intervention follow-up phases. At least 18 children meeting the inclusion criteria (CP diagnosis, age 2-5 years, GMFCS II-IV) will participate. The design consists of three baseline measurements, a 12-week intervention phase and three post-intervention measurements, across approximately 5-6 months. The program combines home-based training and hospital-based group training, with parents as active trainers and therapists providing coaching. Frame Running and goal-directed training are tailored to individual goals, set collaboratively with families. Outcome measures include the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computerised Assessment Test (PEDI-CAT), time-based mobility tests: ultrasound assessment of muscle size and morphology, gait analysis, accelerometry (7-day activity monitoring), heart rate monitoring during training, and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Feasibility and fidelity will be investigated by questionnaires.
Discussion:
By evaluating the Full Speed Ahead program, this study aims to improve understanding of how an early intensive family-centered mobility intervention may influence developmental trajectories and health in children with CP. If effective, the findings will have significant implications for planning both short- and long-term treatment and services for young children with CP. The prospective repeated-measures intervention design allows for both group-level and individual-level analysis of changes over time, thereby strengthening the evidence base for early, intensive, family-centered mobility interventions.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrial.gov NCTO7374432, Registered November 18 2025.