Modified toy cars for mobility and socialization: Case report of a child with cerebral palsy

Hsiang Han Huang*, Christina B. Ragonesi, Tracy Stoner, Terri Peffley, James C. Galloway

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Children with cerebral palsy have limited opportunities to explore their physical and social environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using a "ride-on toy car" as a readily available, low-cost, fun, and functional option for children with special needs. Methods: Brenden, a 21-month-old child, was provided a modified ride-on toy car for a 15-week study period divided up into a 1-week baseline, 12-week intervention, and 2-week postintervention. We coded mobility and socialization measures from video recordings. Results: Brenden was more mobile and had more vocalizations during the 12-week intervention. Conclusions: Modified toy cars have serious potential to be a fun and functional power mobility option for children with special needs. The opportunity now exists to quantify several effects, including peer socialization, cognitive measures, and body structure/function goals involving neural, muscular, and skeletal physiology. Group study is required to formally test these findings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)76-84
Number of pages9
JournalPediatric Physical Therapy
Volume26
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Automobiles
  • Case report
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Child
  • Equipment design
  • Humans
  • Mobility limitation
  • Patient education as topic/method
  • Physical therapy modalities/instrumentation
  • Play and playthings
  • Self-help devices

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