Exploring Growth-Stage Variations in Home Use of Positioning and Mobility Assistive Technology for Children with GMFCS IV Cerebral Palsy: Parental Insights and Challenges.

Abstract

This study examines how the use of postural and mobility devices evolves in home environments for children with GMFCS IV cerebral palsy, focusing on parents' perspectives on benefits, outcomes, and challenges. As children grow, changes in muscle strength, motor function, and daily activity demands necessitate adjustments in assistive devices to maintain mobility and postural support. Data from 10 parents, collected through descriptive statistics and qualitative interviews, covered device types, usage patterns, and family impacts across developmental stages from preschool to adulthood. Device needs shift significantly with growth, transitioning from early gait trainers and postural support devices to advanced mobility devices, such as power wheelchairs, which become essential in adulthood. Parents reported positive outcomes, including improved emotional well-being, social participation, and independent mobility, alongside reduced caregiving burdens. However, challenges persist, including financial constraints, frequent device replacements, and limited training for users and caregivers. These insights highlight the need for more adaptable device designs and enhanced family-centered support programs to better assist caregivers in managing device transitions. This study addresses a gap by exploring the real-world outcomes of home-based device use, providing data and parental insights to inform device design, clinical practices, and family-centered support programs. Future research should focus on enhancing device functionality, customization, and accessibility to improve quality of life and promote greater independence for individuals with cerebral palsy.