Supported standing and stepping device use in young children with cerebral palsy, gross motor function classification system III, IV and V: a descriptive study

This study described and compared use of supported-standing and stepping devices by young children with cerebral palsy, Gross-Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III-V following power mobility introduction. Data was collected at two time-points, 5–6 months apart, for 42 participants, aged 18–80 months, using the Home Use of Technology for CHildren (HUTCH). Supported-standing and stepping device choice and time in each device remained stable over 6 months. Associations between device use and three functional classifications were examined. Children with more impaired motor, postural and manual abilities were more likely to use a supine stander rather than a prone/upright stander or no stander. Children at GMFCS V tended to use hands-free stepping devices, while support-arms stepping devices were more common for children at GMFCS IV. Only children at GMFCS III used convertible stepping devices. Using power mobility, standers and supported-stepping devices was feasible and 19/34 classified at GMFCS IV/V used all three devices over 6 months. A key finding was that introduction of power mobility did not reduce use of supported-stepping devices at any GMFCS level. Use of multiple upright positioning and mobility devices may assist children with limited mobility to be actively engaged and participate in daily life.