The impact of adaptive seating devices on the lives of young children with cerebral palsy and their families.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the parent-perceived effect of adaptive seating devices on the lives of young children with cerebral palsy (CP) (aged 2-7y) and their families.


METHODS
Baseline-intervention-baseline study.


METHODS
Homes of participating families.


METHODS
Thirty parents and their children with Gross Motor Function Classification System level III or IV CP.


METHODS
Two special-purpose seating devices: 1 for sitting support on the floor or on a chair and the other for postural control on a toilet.


METHODS
Family Impact of Assistive Technology Scale (FIATS) and Impact on Family Scale (IFS).


RESULTS
Thirty parents (29 mothers, 1 father) and their children with CP participated. Repeated-measures analysis of variance detected significant mean differences among the FIATS scores (F(1.4,40.6)=19.25, P<.001). Post hoc testing confirmed significant mean differences in overall FIATS scores between baseline and intervention and intervention and postintervention phases. The test of within-subject effects did not detect a significant change among IFS mean scores.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of adaptive seating devices for young children who need support to sit had a meaningful, positive impact on child and family life. Removal of the study devices showed a concomitant negative impact on key aspects of child and family life. Environmental resources, such as seating and other assistive technology devices, may have an important role to play in the lives of young children with physical disabilities and their families.
Ryan
Stephen E
SE
Bloorview Research Institute, Bloorview Kids Rehab, Toronto, ON, Canada. sryan@bloorview.ca
Campbell
Kent A
KA
Rigby
Patricia J
PJ
Fishbein-Germon
Barbara
B
Hubley
Darlene
D
Chan
Betty
B
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000145:classification / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D011187:Posture; D012656:Self-Help Devices