Perceived Barriers of Modified Ride-On Car Use of Young Children With Disabilities: A Content Analysis

Purpose: Modified ride-on cars have emerged as an early powered mobility option for young children with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to identify, extract, and synthesize perceived barriers of modified ride-on car use reported in previous studies. Methods: This study was descriptive using a qualitative content analysis of previously published studies identified from a systematic literature search. Results: Categories of perceived barriers were identified: device, environmental, child-related perceived barriers regarding health, tolerance, and abilities, and caregiver-related perceived barriers regarding physical requirements, time, and motivation. Device and environmental perceived barriers were the most reported. Conclusions: Pediatric physical therapists play a critical role in working with families to promote their self-efficacy for using the modified ride-on car and their capacity for overcoming the inherent difficulties associated with use. Most of the reported perceived barriers are modifiable, at least to some degree, with likely effects on modified ride-on car use.