Compare the Effectiveness of Modified Toy Cars Training with Various Intensity of Postural Combinations on Mobility and Socialization in Toddlers with Motor Disabilities: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Project: National Science and Technology CouncilNational Science and Technology Council Academic Grants

Project Details

Abstract

The three purposes of this study are: 1) to determine the feasibility of applying two types of postural combinations for the ride-on car (ROC) use; 2) to compare the effectiveness of ROC training with various intensity of postural combinations on mobility, socialization and energy expenditure in toddlers with disabilities; and 3) to examine the effects of using the different modes of ROC training (different intensity of postural combinations) on the ICF functioning levels, family perceptions and participation.ROC training has become an innovative treatment option to enhance independent mobility and socialization(1-4). Different locomotor experience can provide different practice on postural and social abilities in toddlers with motor disabilities. Our preliminary results of previous randomized controlled study showed more positive changes on mobility for the ROC training group with sitting posture and more positive changes on social function for the group with standing posture. This study is further to examine the effectiveness of ROC training with various intensity of postural combinations on independent mobility, psychosocial abilities and energy expenditure from different locomotor experience. Based on the power analysis from the preliminary results of our RCT study, we will recruit 92 children with disabilities who are between 1 to 3 years old and diagnosed as motor delay. They will be randomly assigned to one of the following four ROC training groups: the group of sitting posture (n=23), the group of standing posture (n=23), the group of 45-min sitting and 25-min standing postures (n=23), and the group of 25-min sitting and 45-min standing postures (n=23). The whole study duration will be 24 weeks, including 12-week intervention and 12-week follow-up. All programs will include 120 minutes/per session, 2 sessions/per week. All participants will continue their regular therapy during the whole study. Standardized assessments are provided for a total three times, including the time before and after the intervention and in the end of the follow-up phase. The research team will provide 90-min behavioral videotaping once/per week and let participants wear three accelerometers throughout the 2-hour training. Assessments include mobility, socialization, behavioral coding, body function, family perception and participation. The findings of this study will provide a novel application of ROC training with various intensity of postural combinations on enhancing children's mobility, socialization, physical activity, development and family participation.

Project IDs

Project ID:PC10707-0159
External Project ID:MOST107-2314-B182-012
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date01/08/1831/07/19

Keywords

  • toddlers with disabilities
  • modified ride-on cars
  • postural combination
  • mobility
  • socialization
  • family participation

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