Beginning power mobility: An exploration of factors associated with child use of early power mobility devices and parent device preference

OBJECTIVES: Describe and compare young children’s use of four early power mobility devices and examine associations between child and environmental factors that may influence power mobility use and parent device preference. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Power Mobility Days introduced four devices: Wizzybug, Bugzi, Tiger Cub, and a switch-adapted ride-on toy car in a single 60–90 min, play-based session. RESULTS: A convenience sample of 74 children, aged 9–68 months (mean: 32.45, SD: 14.08) with mobility limitations, and their parents participated. Children had a range of motor, postural and communication profiles, with cerebral palsy being the most common condition (n = 55; 73.33%). Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use phase achieved ranged from 1 to 6; mean: 2.34; median: 2. For children who tried all four devices (n = 51), Friedman test (χ(2): 8.27, p = 0.04) suggests Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use phase differs across devices. Of 73 parents who identified a device preference, 43 (59%) chose Wizzybug. Regression analyses suggest that access method and communication function may influence children’s power mobility use, while age, access and postural support requirements may influence parent device choice. DISCUSSION: Parent impressions of an early power mobility device may be influenced by many factors, yet be less influenced by child performance.