Training to improve powered wheelchair skills for children with severe cerebral palsy
Em-power: Maximizing Functional Independence for Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy
This study is testing an 8-week training program to help children with severe cerebral palsy improve their skills and independence in using powered wheelchairs.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Grand Valley State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Grand Rapids, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06347432 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to enhance functional mobility and independence in children with severe cerebral palsy through an 8-week powered wheelchair skills training intervention. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial design with two groups, where one group will receive the training using the IndieTrainer system. The effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed immediately after the training and again at an 8-week follow-up to measure improvements in wheelchair skills capacity. The trial is designed to address the limited access to powered wheelchairs for children who struggle to demonstrate proficiency in a short assessment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy who cannot walk or propel a manual wheelchair and can demonstrate basic cause and effect skills.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot sit in their manual wheelchair or adaptive stroller for 60 minutes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mobility and independence of children with severe cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored powered mobility training, this specific approach using the IndieTrainer system is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of severe CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System Level IV or V) * Inability to functionally walk or functionally propel a manual wheelchair as assessed by the Principal Investigator a licensed physical therapist * Demonstrate cause and effect skills in the IndieTrainer consistent with an Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use (ALP Assessment) Phase 4 or higher (i.e., understand that they are moving the IndieTrainer using the switch(es) or joystick) as assessed by the Principal Investigator, a licensed physical therapist. * In addition, one parent/caregiver must be conversant in English and be able to provide their child's medical and health history and be willing to take on the parent participant role. Exclusion Criteria: * The inability to sit in their own manual wheelchair or adaptive stroller for 60 minutes (as this would preclude them safely using the IndieTrainer System for the 60-minute intervention sessions) * Their manual wheelchair or adaptive stroller cannot be safely used with the IndieTrainer System * They already have an individually prescribed power wheelchair * If the Principal Investigator, a licensed physical therapist, determines that based on the child's medical and health history, that they cannot safely participate in power wheelchair skills training.
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.