Wheeled Mobility,Seating,and Bathroom Device Use by Children With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background. Little is known about assistive device use by young children with cerebral palsy (CP) classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) III–V. Purpose. This secondary analysis examined use of mobility, adaptive seating, bathing, and toileting devices in young children participating in a larger power mobility study. Method. Data from 42 participants aged 18–87 months were gathered, using the parent-report Home Use of Technology for CHildren (HUTCH), within the first 3–4 weeks and at the end of the 6-month power mobility loan. Associations were examined between device, time spent in each device and gross motor, manual abilities, and Level of Sitting Scale functional classifications. Results. Age, gross motor function, and manual abilities were associated with use of either a stroller, tilt-in-space, or upright manual wheelchair, while age, postural, and manual abilities were associated with use of wheelchair seating rather than separate adaptive seating or a typical high-chair or booster seat. Children with greater impairments were more likely to use bathing devices, while few used toileting devices. More time was spent by children using tilt-in-space wheelchairs compared with upright wheelchairs or strollers. Conclusion. Statistically significant associations were identified between child profile and use of manual mobility, seating and bathroom devices.