New system tracks use of modified toy cars in the community

Researchers have developed a new system to automatically track how children with disabilities use modified toy cars in their daily lives. This could lead to better understanding of how these and other mobility devices are integrated and used in real-world settings.

The research team used custom-built data loggers, incorporating an Arduino Pro-Mini microprocessor, to collect detailed information on the use of Modified Ride-On Cars (MROCs) by children with mobility disabilities in their homes and communities. The data confirms that it's feasible to remotely monitor MROC usage, including frequency, duration, and some location data.

The study highlighted that while MROCs are initially used frequently, their usage tends to decrease over time. Despite this decline, caregiver perceptions of the cars remained positive. The data collected showed variations in how long and how often the cars were used, aligning with reports by caregivers. This suggests that the tracking system accurately reflects real-world usage patterns, including the impact of factors like weather on how often the cars are used.

Importantly, this research fills a critical gap in understanding how MROCs and other pediatric mobility devices are used outside of clinical settings, offering a data-driven perspective that was previously lacking due to the challenges of monitoring these devices in home and community environments. Before this study, knowledge about device use often relies heavily on caregiver reports. These reports are subject to over or underestimation and can be a burden for busy caregivers. By automating the tracking process, this work reduces reliance on caregiver reports and captures objective data that could inform the development of more effective mobility interventions for children with disabilities.

The study, online now in Pediatric Physical Therapy, was conducted by Heather Feldner, PT, PhD, PCS, Assistant Professor and a team of students from the Doctor Physical Therapy class of 2021, including Sarah Dean-Hergert, PT, DPT; Rebecca Barchus, PT, DPT; Chelsea Barroero, PT, DPT; Wendy Schnare, PT, DPT; as well as colleagues from other institutions. Dr. Feldner completed this study as part of her work as a KL2 scholar (NIH KL2 TR002317) between 2018-2021.