Power Mobility Training for Cerebral Palsy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
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.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Lisa K. Kenyon, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
Principal Investigator
Grand Valley State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children with ambulatory cerebral palsy who have significant differences in arm and hand function, making it hard to use their less preferred arm and hand. The study aims to help these kids by using power mobility training.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo a 6-week laboratory-based arm-and hand-use focused power mobility training program using a ride-on toy, with activities designed to encourage use of the less preferred arm and hand.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of grip strength.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training
Trial Overview
The intervention being tested is a 6-week program of power mobility training that encourages the use of the child's less preferred arm and hand through play-based activities. A ride-on toy is used, and children wear a mitten on their preferred hand.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
These arm- and hand-use focused power mobility training activities will be provided via a ride-on toy and will encompass both navigational/maneuvering activities and play-based reaching and grasping activities embedded into the navigational/maneuvering 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.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Grand Valley State University
Lead Sponsor
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