Ambulatory Assistive Devices for Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

The child who has cerebral palsy often requires supportive equipment to participate in standing and walking activities. Standing is a prerequisite for ambulation; therefore children may need equipment for initial upright positioning to enable progress toward future ambulation. When choosing equipment, it is important to consider both present needs and a device that will adapt to future needs. Many children with cerebral palsy have the potential to stand with support but less adults participate in standing activities. Ambulation potential, based on Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), helps to guide progression of assistive device needs, as well as therapeutic expectations (Wood and Rosenbaum (2000) Dev Med Child Neurol 42(5): 292–296). Those with higher GMFCS scores require more support and do not walk in the community, while those with lower scores may be community ambulators in young adulthood, without or without an assistive device (Lee (2017) J Phys Ther Sci 29: 1732–1736; Pavão et al. (2014) Res Dev Disabil 35 (10): 2278–2283).