Explorer Mini and Modified Ride-on Cars: Device Comparison Across Research, Clinical, and Family Perspectives

Power mobility is beneficial for young children with disabilities to support mobility, communication, cognitive development, as well as increased opportunities for socialization and participation. Power mobility is not emphasized as standard of care for young children in early childhood, instead it is often viewed as a last resort intervention. The main goal of this session is to provide an overview and direct comparison of two power mobility devices, the newly released Permobil Explorer Mini (EM) and a modified ride-on car (MROC) by sharing research, clinical, and family experiences. Research experiences: We will share research results from a multi-site, mixed-methods, doubly counterbalanced, randomized, crossover clinical trial that was performed to compare the EM and the MROC for 24 children 12-36 months with cerebral palsy. We will share study results including semi-structured interview themes, developmental outcome results (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development) participation measure reports (Young Children’s Participation and Environment Measure and Child Engagement in Daily Life), and Assessment of Learning Powered mobility (ALP) levels. Clinical experiences: Clinical applicability of how to use both devices in practice will be shared with specific discussion around clinic tools and guidelines to emphasize learning power mobility for the child. Family experiences: Families will participate virtually in this presentation and will share perspectives on power mobility device preferences, benefits, barriers, use patterns, and effects on their children’s participation.