College of Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Dev Med Child Neurol. 2024 Mar;66(3):333-343. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.15718. Epub 2023 Jul 28.
To describe caregiver experiences, perceptions, and device preferences between a modified ride-on car (MROC) and an Explorer Mini, including perceived changes in participation, barriers, and benefits for young children with cerebral palsy (CP) classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V.
A subset of data were analyzed from a larger multisite study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 caregivers of children with CP in GMFCS level V across a 16-week trial with two mobility devices. Each interview was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using constant comparison methods.
Seven of 10 caregivers preferred the Explorer Mini over the MROC. Four themes emerged. One related to the perceived benefits and barriers of each device (ease and convenience is essential) and three related to perceived changes in participation: (1) autonomy enacted through mobility; (2) belonging and being present; and (3) participation recognized as an area of growth.
Despite limited consideration of powered mobility for this population, caregivers of children in GMFCS level V reported similar benefits and barriers compared to children in other GMFCS levels shown in the literature. Particularly, caregivers perceived positive changes in their child's participation and recognized the ability for continued improvements in participation when using powered mobility.
Children with cerebral palsy classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System level V are often excluded from powered mobility use and research. Despite this, caregivers reported positive experiences for their children. Caregivers felt that participation in powered mobility led to increased autonomy and overall sense of inclusion and belonging for their children. Most caregivers preferred the Explorer Mini over the modified ride-on car but recognized that both devices had benefits and barriers to use.
描述照顾者在改良型骑乘车（MROC）和探索者迷你型车之间的体验、看法和设备偏好，包括对脑瘫（CP）分类为粗大运动功能分级系统（GMFCS）5 级的幼儿参与度、障碍和获益的感知变化。
对一项更大的多地点研究的子数据集进行了分析。对来自 GMFCS 5 级 CP 儿童的 10 位照顾者进行了半结构化访谈，他们在为期 16 周的两种移动设备试验中使用了这两种设备。每次访谈均进行录音、逐字记录，并使用恒比法进行分析。
在为期 16 周的试验中，10 位照顾者中有 7 位更喜欢探索者迷你型车而非改良型骑乘车。出现了 4 个主题。一个与每个设备的感知益处和障碍有关（便利性至关重要），另外 3 个与感知参与度变化有关：（1）通过移动获得自主权；（2）归属和存在；以及（3）被认可为成长领域的参与。
尽管对该人群的动力移动设备考虑有限，但 GMFCS 5 级儿童的照顾者报告了与文献中其他 GMFCS 级别的儿童类似的益处和障碍。特别是，照顾者认为他们的孩子在参与方面有积极的变化，并认识到在使用动力移动设备时，他们的孩子可以继续提高参与度。
粗大运动功能分级系统 5 级的脑瘫儿童通常被排除在动力移动设备使用和研究之外。尽管如此，照顾者仍对他们的孩子有积极的体验。照顾者认为，参与动力移动设备会增加孩子的自主权，以及整体的包容感和归属感。大多数照顾者更喜欢探索者迷你型车而非改良型骑乘车，但他们也认识到这两种设备都有使用的益处和障碍。
