Presenter
Lauren Mochnal, OT/S; Meaghan Burns, OT/S; Zachery Edwards, B.S., OT/S
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
For children aged 0-3 years, participation in play, education, and social interactions are essential for daily life and functioning. However, children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) experience mobility challenges which present barriers to these activities. A systematic review was conducted to examine the benefit of assistive devices in improving both mobility and social participation for children with CP through an occupational therapy lens. A literature search was conducted, and existing research was synthesized following guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Nine articles met the inclusion criteria for the review, and evidence quality, including risk of bias, was evaluated for each study. In all studies, perceived benefits of mobility devices were reported regarding functional mobility, social participation, or both. Although the evidence suggests that assistive technology can improve engagement in daily life for children with CP, there is a lack of knowledge and access to mobility devices. Occupational therapists can support clients who require assistive devices through individual interventions, advocacy, community education, and device training for both clients and their caregivers. This systematic review highlights the need for future research in this subject area and identifies potential next steps for occupational therapy practitioners.
Faculty Mentor
Tania Rosa, O.T.D., OTR/L
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Mochnal, Lauren; Burns, Meaghan; and Edwards, Zachery, "Mobility Devices for Children with Cerebral Palsy" (2024). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 117.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/117