The use of modified ride-on cars to maximize mobility and improve socialization-a group design

Perspectives on Early Power Mobility Training, Motivation, and Social Participation in Young Children with Motor Disabilities

“…Furthermore, due to these features, the devices may provide various physical environments that may promote children’s motivation to move, play, and interact with people ( Huang et al, 2014 , 2017 ; Waldman-Levi and Erez, 2015 ; Logan et al, 2016 ). However, Huang and Chen (2017) found that although social function had increased within a treatment group engaged in the ROC training, there were no significant differences between this group and the regular therapy group. Studies indicated that social play, maternal didactic interaction, and caregivers’ perceptions of children’s motivation may relate to preschoolers’ object and social mastery motivation ( Jennings et al, 1988 ; Hauser-Cram, 1996 ; Wang et al, 2013 , 2014 ; Medeiros et al, 2016 ).…”

“…Moreover, no studies examined the effects of PMDs use on motivation. There is increasing evidence of early power mobility training in recent years, which focuses on the outcomes of motivation and socialization by using standardized measurements, including the Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire, the pediatric evaluation of disability inventory and its’ computer adaptive test ( Logan et al, 2014 ; Huang and Chen, 2017 ; Kenyon et al, 2017a , b ). These studies showed the use of laboratory-designed PMDs or modified ride-on cars (ROCs) might increase the child’s motivation to master interpersonal tasks and result in positive changes on social functioning.…”

Modified Ride-On Cars and Young Children with Disabilities: Effects of Combining Mobility and Social Training

“…Livingstone and Paleg ( 17 ) suggested that power mobility may address secondary effects, such as impaired socialization in very young children who cannot move and explore independently; nevertheless, evidence of the benefits for social skill development is limited and weak. Studies have found that the novel application of modified ride-on toy cars in home- or hospital-based environments might enhance independent mobility, motivation, and social function in young children with motor disabilities ( 18 – 21 ). However, Huang and Chen ( 18 ) found no significant differences between a ride-on car training and regular therapy group, although social functioning increased significantly in the ride-on car group.…”

“…Studies have found that the novel application of modified ride-on toy cars in home- or hospital-based environments might enhance independent mobility, motivation, and social function in young children with motor disabilities ( 18 – 21 ). However, Huang and Chen ( 18 ) found no significant differences between a ride-on car training and regular therapy group, although social functioning increased significantly in the ride-on car group.…”

“…Other studies have also reported that strategies allowing mobility and socialization intervention were important for improving motor and social functions in young children with disabilities ( 12 , 22 , 23 ). Evidence has suggested the combination of ride-on car training with a structured, adult-directed, social interaction program should be considered and may be beneficial for promoting socialization in various environments ( 17 , 18 , 23 ). In addition, caregivers’ involvement in the ride-on car training program may also help to decrease caregivers’ stress and provide an appropriate learning strategy for children ( 20 , 21 , 24 ).…”