Initial fidelity of a powered mobility intervention: a case report

Background: Powered mobility devices include any battery-operated and motorized device such as powered wheelchairs or modified ride-on cars. Off-the-shelf and battery-operated ride-on cars are modified through installation of a large and easy-to-press activation switch and custom seating support to facilitate greater accessibility for children with motor disabilities. Powered mobility devices are used in pediatric rehabilitation interventions and may be used during adapted physical education. However, reporting of powered mobility intervention fidelity is largely absent in the literature. Conceptual approach: This case report uses a multi-dimensional construct for measuring intervention fidelity and includes four key areas (a) adherence, (b) dosage, (c) quality of intervention delivery, and (d) participant responsiveness. Purpose: The purpose of this case report was to assess initial powered mobility intervention fidelity in a single caregiver–child dyad through adherence, dosage, inter-rater agreement of adherence and dosage, quality of intervention delivery, and participant responsiveness. Method: This case report describes initial powered mobility intervention fidelity that included delivery of three, 2-h intervention sessions over a 3-week period to a caregiver and their child with motor disabilities. Intervention sessions were planned for at least 90 min and included three components: (1) Driving observation (at least 10 min); (2) Problem-solving discussion (at least 20 min); and (3) Education module (at least 60 min). Adherence and dosage and inter-rater agreement of adherence and dosage were assessed through a fidelity checklist. Quality of Intervention Delivery was assessed through a feedback survey that the caregiver completed following each intervention session. Participant Responsiveness was assessed through education module review questions. Results: All fidelity domains were successful when scores and percentiles were averaged across the three intervention sessions: Adherence: 90%; Dosage 100%; Inter-Rater Agreement of Adherence (88%) and Dosage (100%); Quality of Intervention Delivery: 95%; Participant Responsiveness: 100%. Conclusion: Powered mobility intervention fidelity is critical to advance the field across practice settings including clinical, research, and physical education. Powered mobility studies generally lack any measurement or discussion about intervention fidelity. This creates a significant challenge in replicating research studies or translating research to practice when delivery of intervention components is not documented. Powered mobility interventions in young children with motor disabilities provide a foundation of mobility skills for them to participate in physical education during their school-age years. Therefore, an important first step is to understand the fidelity of powered mobility interventions. There remains limited research in the physical education context of students who use powered mobility devices and offers future directions to impact physical educators’ pedagogical strategies for children with motor disabilities.