Enabled to Stand: A Single-subject Research Design Study Exploring Pediatric Power Wheelchair Standing Device Use

Pediatr Phys Ther. 2024 Jul 1;36(3):316-327. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000001110. Epub 2024 Jun 10.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the influence of powered wheelchair standing device (PWSD) use on changes in activity/participation in children with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Methods: A mixed methods A-B-A single-subject research design was replicated with participants. The target behavior was parental perceptions of changes in children's performance of activity/participation goals measured via the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Secondary outcome measures included the COPM with children, an interview, and a 3-measure implementation survey. COPM data related to the target behavior were analyzed using the split-middle celeration line method.

Results: Four child-parent dyads participated in the study. All participants achieved statistically and clinically significant increases in COPM performance ratings for the 5 parent-identified activity/participation goals.

Conclusions: For the participant dyads in this study, use of the PWSD appeared to positively influence parental perceptions of improvements in their child's performance of activity/participation goals.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Children with Disabilities / rehabilitation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology
  • Research Design
  • Standing Position
  • Wheelchairs*