Modified ride-on cars and mastery motivation in young children with disabilities: Effects of environmental modifications

Background: Independent mobility is important for children's psychological development. Modified ride-on cars are innovative, alternative options to enhance independent mobility, socialization, and motivation in young children with disabilities. Aim: We compared the effects of combining ride-on car use and a social interaction training program on mastery motivation and home affordances with a home education program in young children with disabilities. Methods and procedures: Twenty-nine children with disabilities aged 1–3 years were recruited. The treatment group (n = 15) received two 2-h sessions/week for 9 weeks of ride-on car training in a hospital environment in Taiwan. The control group (n = 14) underwent similar home education programs. No treatment except regular therapy was administered during the 9-week follow-up period. Assessments included the Revised Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire–Chinese version and the Affordance in the Home Environment for Motor Development–Toddler version–Chinese version. Outcomes and results: The treatment group (compared to controls) had significantly greater improvements in object persistence during the intervention. Both groups showed significant improvements in mastery pleasure and home affordances during the intervention. Conclusions and implications: This novel study showed the potential use of modified ride-on cars to enhance mastery motivation in a hospital environment.