Empowering Functional Independence for Children With Severe Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study Protocol

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

PURPOSE: To explore the effectiveness of a wheelchair skills (PWC) training intervention provided using the IndieTrainer System. METHODS: This 2-arm, parallel group, single-blinded, pre-test-post-test randomized controlled trial will have 2 groups. Outcomes will be assessed at 3 timepoints. Sixteen child-parent/caregiver dyads will participate in the study. Each child participant will have a diagnosis of severe cerebral palsy (CP), be 5 to 17 years old, and have cause and effect skills. Outcome measures will include the Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use, the Wheelchair Skills Checklist, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. IMPACT: Children with severe CP are often dependent on others for mobility. PWC skills training may allow more children to meet the specifications for obtaining their own PWC, thereby maximizing their functional independence.