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.

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.