A pilot study to compare the use of prototypes of multipositional paediatric walking sticks and tripods with conventional sticks and tripods by children with cerebral palsy

AbstractBackground  The researchers (B.H. and B.T.) designed prototypes of a walking stick and a tripod termed Multipositional Paediatric Walking Aids for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The design won the ‘Jenx Award for Innovation in Paediatric Physiotherapy’. The object of this study was to ascertain whether the prototypes had any benefit over conventional designs in children with CP.Methods  A small case series within‐subject comparison design was used. There were four periods, AABA, each 4 weeks in length. Prototypes were used during period B. Eight children with CP between 4 and 11 years were recruited, four used sticks and four used tripods. Following an orthopaedic assessment, each child had assessments at the commencement of the study and every 4 weeks thereafter: (1) Energy used while walking using Physiological Cost Index (PCI). (2) Motor abilities using (a) Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM‐88) and (b) Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM). (3) Hand/forearm position recorded on a visual analogue. (4) Parent/child questionnaire.Results  Physiological Cost Index improved overall when the prototypes were used suggesting the amount of energy used when walking with the prototypes was less than with conventional sticks/tripods. GMFM‐88 and GMPM results improved for some but not all children. Results for PCI, GMFM and GMPM were not statistically significant. The hand/forearm position of stick users consistently improved at assessment 4. Questionnaire results indicated that stick users preferred the prototypes.Conclusion  Multipositional sticks/tripods may have benefits over conventional sticks/tripods. Children using sticks rather than tripods preferred the prototypes. The study demonstrates the need to undertake scientifically controlled trials before marketing new equipment.