Scoping Review of Judgment-Based Measures of Ambulation with Assistive Devices for Children and Youth

Abstract

Aim

To identify available judgment-based measures of ambulation with assistive devices for the purpose of examining item content and responses to aid in the expansion of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) Mobility Domain.

Methods

PubMed and CINAHL databases were used to identify measures meeting the following criteria: 1) applicable for children/youth; 2) self-report, proxy-report, or interview administration; and 3) assistive device (walker, cane, crutches, gait trainer) use specified or considered with responses. Population, administration, respondent(s), items, and responses were compiled. Item content was categorized and response scales grouped by type.

Results

Fifteen measures met inclusion criteria. Measures included child and proxy-report. Item categories included Surfaces, Steps/Stairs, Dual Tasks, Negotiation of Environment, Distance, and Time. Only two measures distinguished between device type within items. One measure specified gait trainers. “Difficulty” and “Assistance” were the most frequently used response scales.

Conclusions

Available measures have content examining device use; however, none of the measures are comprehensive, devices are not consistently specified, and responses are imprecise. Items with well-defined responses for measuring a child’s ambulation with an assistive device are needed for clinical practice, research, and program evaluation.

Keywords:

• Assistive devices
• dependent ambulation
• pediatrics
• self-report
• walkers

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and our ethical obligations as researchers, we are reporting a financial and/or business interest in CRECare, LLC. We receive funding from CRECare, LLC, a company that may be affected by the research reported in the enclosed paper. We have disclosed these interests fully to Taylor & Francis, and have in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from this involvement.

Notes on contributors

Helene M. Dumas is a physical therapist and Director of the Medical/Rehabilitaion Center, Franciscan Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.

Maria Fragala-Pinkham is a physical therapist and Manager of Research and Quality Improvement, Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Boston Childen's Hospital, Boston, MA. She was a physical therapist and Research Scientist at Franciscan Children's Hospital while completing this work.

Richard Moed is Presidet, CRECare, LLC. All authors are Senior Authors of the PEDI-CAT.

Additional information

Funding

NIH STTR Phase I Grant # R41HD097844 (PI: Moed, R.).