Perspectives of children with physical disabilities, parents and physiotherapists on use of walkers and their potential to increase physical activity. A qualitative exploration

Abstract

Children with physical disabilities are less physically active than children with typical development. How children’s experiences of using walkers relates to their physical activity has not been studied previously. This study aimed to explore perspectives of walker use and their potential to increase physical activity. Four focus groups were conducted with children aged 7–10 ( n = 3; 12.5%), aged 9–12 ( n = 4; 16.7%), parents ( n = 7; 29.2%) and paediatric physiotherapists ( n = 10; 41.7%). Groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using framework analysis. An overarching concept of walkers needing flexibility to accommodate individual, interpersonal and environmental variability was underpinned by three themes: (a) contrasting drivers for use/non-use of walkers, (b) trade-offs, (c) acceptance of technology within walkers to increase physical activity. Participants were motivated by differing drivers: social for children, emotional for parents and professional for physiotherapists. These contrasting drivers create trade-offs, for example between quality of movement and independence. To maximise physical activity, walker prescribers and designers should prioritise drivers that motivate children and parents, ensuring goal setting is family-centred and participation orientated. Involving families in co-designing walkers is therefore important. Individual clinical assessment allows for identification of children’s specific needs and how a child’s, parent’s and physiotherapist’s goals may differ.