Learning outcomes of infants and young children with spinal muscular atrophy type I provided with modified-electric-toy-cars in their natural environment.
Cristina Isabel Díaz-López, Rocío Palomo-Carrión, Maribel Ródenas-Martínez et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-blind pilot intervention study examined powered mobility learning among children aged 10 months to 5 years with spinal muscular atrophy type I and no prior powered mobility experience. Families supported training with individually adapted electric toy cars in the children’s natural environments. The structured program involved three 30-minute sessions weekly for 12 weeks; 9 of 16 enrolled children completed it. The greatest improvement in Assessment of Learning Powered Mobility use phase occurred during weeks 0–4 (88.88%; p = 0.01), while functional goals improved significantly at every measured interval (p < 0.05).
Key findings
- Nine of 16 enrolled children completed the 12-week intervention.
- The greatest improvement in ALP phase occurred between weeks 0–4 (88.88%; p = 0.01).
- Functional goals improved significantly at all measured intervals (p < 0.05).
- After 8 weeks, all participants had reached awareness of how to operate the adapted car in their natural environment.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that young children with SMA type I can learn to use powered mobility through structured practice in familiar settings, with family involvement and individualized adaptations. Goal attainment also improved during training. Early powered mobility learning may therefore be relevant to supporting functional participation, although this small pilot report does not establish the size or durability of benefit.
What to keep in mind
Seven of 16 enrolled children did not complete training, limiting statistical power. This report includes only the immediate-intervention group from a planned wait-list randomized controlled trial.