Ride-On Toy Cars to Advance Mobility and Development in Infants with Cerebral Palsy in the Home Setting: A Pilot Study
Date
2012-05
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the broad impacts of providing a
ride-on car as a mobility device to promote self-produced locomotion and socialization
in infants with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The research model was based on the interaction
between the individual child, ride-on car device, environment and task. Two children
with varying degrees of CP were given ride-on car devices for a three-month home
intervention period: Brenden and Maya. The primary goals of the study were to test
the feasibility of the device for the children by increasing independent locomotion and
increasing interaction with the environment Secondary goals included an improvement
in measured developmental levels, positive perceptions from the child and family, as
well as other improving other measures of socialization. There was a development of
quantitative metric system of coding variables to assess mobility and interaction with
the environment. Results from weekly home observations and parental questionnaires
were coded using quantifiable metrics and it was found that the ride-on car device
positively impacted both Brenden and Maya. They both exhibited an increase in
independent mobility and increase in interaction/socialization with the environment.
There were only marginal increases of developmental criterion for Maya, and no
change for Brenden. The two different children provided important differences in
results and highlighted the potential breadth of the ride-on car device applications. The
ride-on car device could be used to increase mobility in a wide range of children with
mobility impairments.
Description
Keywords
ride-on car, mobility device, self-produced locomotion and socialization, infants, Cerebral Palsy