Go Zika Go: feasibility study with modified motorized ride-on cars for the mobility of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS)

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the feasibility of an intervention using modified ride-on cars in terms of acceptability and potential changes in goal attainment, mobility, social function, and participation of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS).

Materials and Methods

A pre- and post-intervention feasibility study was conducted with children with CZS, levels IV and V of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The intervention consisted of 12 weeks of training (3 times a week for 40 min per session) and 4 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcomes included adherence, satisfaction, and learning in mobility. Secondary outcomes encompassed goal attainment, mobility, social/cognitive function, and participation. Descriptive statistics were performed. To explore potential individual changes with the intervention, Wilcoxon test was used to analyze Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory – Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) data and Young Children’s Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM)/Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY), along with standard error measurements of the PEDI-CAT domains

Results

Four children participated (median age 4.75 years; two females: three at level V on the GMFCS). Adherence was 75% of the total intervention time, and family members reported being satisfied or very satisfied. Children showed gains in learning the use of the modified ride-on cars and an increase in goal attainment after the intervention. Individual changes were observed in the PEDI-CAT domains (mobility and social/cognitive), but there were no significant changes in participation outcomes.

Conclusions

Children with CZS at GMFCS levels IV and V can learn to use motorized ride-on cars, attainment goals, and experience satisfaction.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Motorized mobility for children with Congenital Zika Syndrome and severe physical and cognitive disabilities is feasible and can encourage future interventions focused on activities and participation.

• This research contributes to the understanding of the potential changes that motorized mobility can have on goal attainment, satisfaction, and learning.

• Motorized mobility can be a means to enable children with Congenital Zika Syndrome to have opportunities for participation and guarantee their rights.

Keywords:

• Zika Virus Congenital Syndrome
• children with disabilities
• motorized mobility
• participation
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the children and their families who participated in the study, as well as the Go Zika Go project team, including therapists, assessors, engineers, teachers, and students. Special thanks are extended to Ginny Paleg, Roslyn Livingstone, Lisbeth Nilsson, and Lisa Kenyon for their valuable contributions as experts in the learning assessment process with the ALP.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by PROPESQ/UFRN, grant number (05/2019), and REDE Brazil. This study was partially funded by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel - Brazil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001

Notes on contributors

Jean Bendito Felix

Jean Bendito Felix - Occupational Therapist from the Federal University of Paraíba. Master’s student in Rehabilitation Sciences at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN/FACISA) and research collaborator in the Go Zika Go Project.

Ana Carolina de Campos

Ana Carolina de Campos - Physiotherapist and Associate Professor at the Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos. Master’s and doctoral degrees in Physiotherapy from the Federal University of São Carlos.

Samuel W. Logan

Samuel W. Logan, PhD. Kinesiology, Adapted Physical Activity. College of Public Health & Human Sciences. Oregon State University.

Julianne Machado

Julianne Machado - Physiotherapist from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN/FACISA).

Karoline Souza Monteiro

Karoline Souza Monteiro - Physiotherapist from the State University of Paraíba (UEPB), master’s degree in Public Health (UEPB), and doctoral degree in Physiotherapy from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Associate Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (UFRN/FACISA).

Egmar Longo

Egmar Longo - Physiotherapy degree from the Federal University of Paraíba (1997). PhD in Disability from the University of Salamanca - Spain. Professor at the Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of Paraíba. Professor in the Postgraduate Programs in Decision Models and Health (MDS) and in Physiotherapy at UFPB. Collaborating Professor in the Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences at UFRN-FACISA.