Evaluating a Therapeutic Powered Mobility Camp for Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

<b>Background.</b> Children and youth with severe cerebral palsy (CP) have limited independent mobility, which affects opportunities for overall development. <b>Purpose.</b> To examine the effectiveness of Power Fun, a therapeutic powered mobility summer camp. <b>Methods.</b> A quasi-experimental, repeated-measure design was used, with participants acting as their own control. Twenty-four participants with severe CP (aged 7-20 years) attended Power Fun for three weeks, five days/week. Assessments of powered mobility skills and functional mobility goals were conducted three weeks before the camp (T1), at baseline (T2), postintervention (T3), and at three-week follow-up (T4). <b>Findings.</b> An analysis of variance results indicated significant improvements in powered mobility skills (<i>F</i>(1,22) = 56.61, <i>p</i> < 0.001, <i>η</i>²_p = 0.74) and functional mobility goals (<i>F</i>(1,58) = 80.17, <i>p</i> < 0.001, <i>η</i>²_p = 0.74), with 70% of goals achieved postintervention. A descriptive analysis revealed three learning profiles. <b>Implications.</b> This study provides initial evidence supporting the effectiveness of Power Fun as an intervention promoting powered mobility for children with severe CP, across a range of abilities.