Using Power Mobility Training to Promote Arm & Hand Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Study Summary

Approximately 40% of children with ambulatory cerebral palsy have significant functional asymmetries in arm and hand function. Children with these significant functional asymmetries have difficulties using their more-affected (less preferred) arm and hand in daily activities, especially true in daily activities requiring bilateral hand and arm use. Recent research suggests that power mobility training provided via a ride-on toy may help to motivate these children to use their less preferred arm and hand. This research further notes that participation in power mobility training designed to encourage a child to use their less preferred arm and hand also may help to improve their arm and hand function and use in their daily activities. This exploratory study seeks to explore an innovative intervention using arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities, encompassing both navigational/maneuvering activities and embedded play-based reaching and grasping activities. During power mobility training activities, children will be asked to wear a soft mitten or sock on their preferred hand to help them remember to use their less preferred hand and arm. The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine both the effect and feasibility of a 6-week laboratory-based arm-and hand-use focused power mobility training program.

Primary Outcome

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure rates parent/caregiver perceptions of their child's performance of 5 arm and hand skills. Each skill is rated from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 10. A higher score indicates a better outcome. The total score on all 5 items ranges from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 50. A higher score indicates a better outcome.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• OTHER Arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training

Study Locations (1)