Research Question 7
| Citation |
Jones, M.A. (2004). Effects of power mobility on the development of young children
with severe motor impairments. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Oklahoma City:
University of Oklahoma. |
| Question | Do children using a mobility device have greater improvement in communication, social-emotional
and cognitive development over 12 months than matched controls? |
| Description |
This randomized control trial involved 12 children with severe disabilities (7 with
the diagnosis of CP), aged 14-30 months. All children were Gross Motor Classification
System (GMFCS) Levels IV and V. The children in the intervention group used a power
chair for 12 months. All children were assessed using the Batelle Developmental
Inventory (BDI) and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) before
the intervention group was given the power chairs and then again after they had
used the powered chair for 12 months. |
| Results |
• All children learned to drive the powered wheelchair
• Significant decrease in level of caregiver assistance in activities of daily living
and significant increase in social function skills on PEDI
• Significant increase in receptive language skills on BDI
• None of the children had a decrease in their motor skill level
• Children with CP took between 4 and 34 weeks to achieve basic driving skills
|
| Messages |
• Children with CP as young as 17 months are able to demonstrate functional driving
skills
• Power mobility may enhance social skills, level of independence and receptive
language skills
• Using power mobility at an early age does not negatively impact motor skill development
• Children with CP may take longer to learn power mobility skills than children
with purely physical disabilities
• Training in therapy sessions may be helpful before children are ready to use the
chair in daily life
|
Last Updated:
Jan 13, 2011