Overview
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of cerebral palsy
- Demonstrates significantly less functional use of one arm and hand
- Can get on and off the a ride-on toy with minimal assistance from the researchers
- Can maintain a sitting position on the a ride-on toy
- Has sufficient functional vision to safely maneuver the a ride-on toy
- Has their own bicycle helmet that fits them well and is in good working condition
Exclusion Criteria:
- Hand or arm surgery within the past 6 months
- Their weight exceeds device limits (more than 120 pounds)
- They do not demonstrate sufficient balance and control in sitting to safely use the ride-on toy
- If they cannot safely participate in arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities.