Use of Power Mobility for a Young Child With Spinal Muscular Atrophy
By Jones, Maria A.; McEwen, Irene R.; Hansen, Laura; Physical Therapy (PTJ) , Vol. 83, No. 3, pp. 253-262Publication Date: March 2003
Study explores the role of powered mobility as an intervention that provides young children with severe motor impairments with the opportunity to independently explore their environment. The participant in the study was a 20-month-old girl with type II spinal muscular atrophy. The authors provided the child with an Invacare Action Power Tiger wheelchair with an Invacare UltiMate seat cushion and an UltiMate curved back cushion. The participant’s mother and physical therapist were provided with general guidelines to encourage the child’s use of the device. Within six weeks after receiving the powered wheelchair, the child could operate the wheelchair independently. The authors conducted an interview with the participant’s mother before and after intervention. The participant’s mother reported that the child was successful in exploring her immediate environment after receiving the powered wheelchair.
Assistive Products Discussed: INVACARE POWER TIGER WITH ORBIT SEAT
INVACARE ULTI-MATE AIR & ULTI-MATE AIR PNEUMATIC
Published by: American Physical Therapy Association (Website:http://www.apta.org)
