Training children with physical disabilities to use manual wheelchairs independently
GVSU Skills on Wheels: A Pediatric Manual Wheelchair Skills Training Program
NA · Grand Valley State University · NCT05339932
This study is testing a training program to help children with physical disabilities learn to use manual wheelchairs on their own, so they can feel more independent and confident.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 4 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Grand Valley State University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Grand Rapids, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT05339932 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project focuses on providing manual wheelchair skills training to children aged 5-17 with physical disabilities who rely on manual wheelchairs. The aim is to enhance their independence, confidence, and overall quality of life by teaching them safe and effective wheelchair use. The study will assess the impact of this training on children's wheelchair skills, psychosocial skills, social participation, and adaptive behavior. By addressing the current lack of pediatric wheelchair skills training, this initiative seeks to gather pilot data for future larger-scale studies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 5-17 who have difficulty walking and use a manual wheelchair at least 25% of the time.
Not a fit: Children who cannot safely participate in manual wheelchair training or whose wheelchairs are deemed unsafe will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training could significantly improve the independence and quality of life for children with physical disabilities who use manual wheelchairs.
How similar studies have performed: While the effectiveness of manual wheelchair training for adults is well established, pediatric wheelchair skills training is relatively novel and has limited prior research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 5-17 years of age. NOTE: Participants must be under 18 for the duration of the study. * Have a condition resulting in difficulties walking. * Use a manual wheelchair greater than or equal to 25% of the time * Are able to follow simple instructions per parent report * Has at least one parent/caregiver who is able to converse in English (as assessed by the PI during interactions over the phone and in person) due to safety concerns. * Resides in Michigan Exclusion Criteria: * Any reason that it would not be safe for the child to participate in manual wheelchair training (as assessed by the PI, a licensed physical therapist) * The child's manual wheelchair is not safe (as assessed by the PI, a licensed physical therapist)
Where this trial is running
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Grand Valley State University — Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lisa Kenyon, PhD
- Email: kenyonli@gvsu.edu
- Phone: 616-331-5653
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Genetic Disease, Spinal Cord Injuries, Gross Motor Development Delay, Motor Skills Disorders