Modified Toy Cars for Mobility and Socialization

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.