Bridging the Gap: Implementing A Powered Mobility Intervention Into Early Childhood Settings for Young Children With Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS IV-V)
Oregon Health and Science University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a therapist training program can help providers in Part C Early Childhood Settings use powered mobility (PM) with young children who have cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels IV-V). The study will also look at whether this training is practical and useful for therapists, families, and children. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Can therapists successfully use the training to provide powered mobility interventions in home and early childhood settings? 2. Do families and children find the intervention acceptable and helpful? 3. What benefits do children show in mobility, participation, and engagement after using powered mobility? In this study, therapists and families will: 1. Take part in a training program about how to use powered mobility with young children 2. Use powered mobility devices (Permobil Explorer Mini) with children during everyday routines 3. Complete surveys, interviews, and observations about their experiences
Description
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood. Children classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels IV-V experience significant limitations in mobility and typically require assistive technology to move independently. These early months, between 12-36 months, are a critical period for brain development and learning. Without access to independent mobility, children with CP have fewer opportunities to explore, communicate, and engage socially, which can contribute to secondary developmental delays. Power mobility (PM) devices, such…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 1+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: Children: 1. Diagnosis of cerebral palsy or similar motor impairment 2. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels IV-V 3. Age 12 to 32 months at enrollment 4. Enrolled in early intervention services Caregivers: 1. Parent or legal guardian of an enrolled child participant 2. Age 18 years or older 3. English- or Spanish-speaking 4. Able and willing to participate in home-based data collection, including caregiver coaching sessions, completion of surveys, and video-recorded sessions 5. Able to provide informed consent Therapists: 1. Licensed physical ther…
Interventions
- BehavioralTherapist Training on Powered Mobility Implementation
Therapists participate in a structured, evidence-based training on implementing powered mobility interventions for children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS IV-V) in early childhood settings. Training consists of one to two days of in-person sessions focused on knowledge transfer, therapist confidence, self-efficacy, and use of caregiver coaching and routines-based strategies. The training is co-designed with a community advisory board of administrators, therapists, and caregivers to ensure contextual relevance and feasibility.
- BehavioralPowered Mobility Intervention for Child-Caregiver Dyads
Following therapist training, participating therapists deliver a six-month powered mobility intervention to children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS IV-V) and their caregivers. Therapists conduct twelve biweekly home-based sessions focused on providing mobility opportunities, caregiver coaching, and integration of powered mobility into daily routines. The intervention uses the Permobil Explorer Mini device to facilitate self-initiated mobility. All sessions are audio-video recorded for fidelity monitoring and qualitative analysis.
Locations (3)
- Northwest Regional Education Service DistrictHillsboro, Oregon
- Multnomah Early Childhood ProgramPortland, Oregon
- Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon