Feasibility of Using Joystick-Operated Ride-on-Toys to Promote Upper Extremity Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
Nidhi Amonkar, Patrick D. Kumavor, Kristin D. Morgan, Deborah Bubela, Sudha Srinivasan
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of implementation, acceptance, and perceived efficacy of a joystick-operated ride-on-toy intervention to promote upper extremity (UE) function in 3- to 14-year-old children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. METHODS: Exit questionnaires were collected from children, caregivers, and clinicians/camp staff following a 3-week ride-on-toy training program incorporated within a summer camp for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Training encouraged children to use their affected UE to maneuver the ride-on-toy. Questionnaires included Likert scale and open-ended questions to assess enjoyment, acceptance, feasibility, and perceived efficacy of the training. RESULTS: All stakeholder groups indicated that the training was enjoyable. Clinicians/staff and caregivers indicated that the training increased children's motivation to use their affected UE and reported perceived improvements in UE movement control and function following training. CONCLUSIONS: Our promising preliminary findings call for future research to systematically assess the efficacy of ride-on-toys to promote UE control and function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Supplemental Digital Content 1 video abstract, available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A404.