The Effect of a Non-Powered, Self-Initiated Mobility Program on the Engagement of Young Children with Severe Mobility Limitations in the South African Context

ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the effect of a non-powered, self-initiated mobility program on the engagement of young children with severe mobility limitations, in the South African context. Methods: A multiple-probe-across-participant design was used. Four children (aged 2–6 years) with severe mobility limitations underwent an intervention that targeted non-powered, self-initiated mobility. The intervention comprised eight sessions over a 2-week period. Engagement was measured during each baseline, intervention and postintervention session using the Individual Child Engagement Record–Revised (ICER–R). The data were presented graphically and analyzed using statistical procedures appropriate for single-subject designs. Results: Participants demonstrated an improvement in engagement during the time in which non-powered, self-initiated mobility program was introduced. A reciprocal deterioration in nonengagement was also demonstrated. The results of the study are discussed in terms of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Conclusions: The use of a non-powered, self-initiated mobility program may be effective in improving engagement in some young children with severe mobility limitations.

KEYWORDS.:

• Engagement
• multiple-probe design
• non-powered mobility
• severe mobility limitations
• single-subject designs