Helping children with severe cerebral palsy gain independence through powered wheelchairs
Em-power: Maximizing Functional Independence for Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy
This study is all about helping kids with severe cerebral palsy who can't walk or use a manual wheelchair on their own learn how to use a powered wheelchair through fun video training while sitting in their own chairs, so they can move around more easily and gain independence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Grand Valley State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Allendale, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10871984 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on children with severe cerebral palsy who cannot walk or use a manual wheelchair independently. It aims to enhance their mobility and independence by using a powered wheelchair (PWC) training system called the IndieTrainer. This system allows children to practice PWC skills while seated in their own customized manual wheelchairs, using engaging video-based training modules. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of this training approach in helping children learn to use PWCs safely and effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years with severe cerebral palsy who are unable to walk or self-propel a manual wheelchair.
Not a fit: Children who can walk or use a manual wheelchair independently may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mobility and independence of children with severe cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that powered wheelchairs can provide significant benefits for children with mobility impairments, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Allendale, United States
- Grand Valley State University — Allendale, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kenyon, Lisa — Grand Valley State University
- Study coordinator: Kenyon, Lisa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.