ABSTRACT

Objective : The present research set out to identify the current use of adaptive seating devices for children with cerebral palsy (CP), and the level of parental satisfaction considering the types of disability and use adaptability of their children. Methods : This investigation was distributed to parents of children with CP in Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province from July 27th to October 9th, 2009. The questionnaire adapted the items of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0), which were redesigned for this research. Results : Based on the results, the most commonly used adaptive seating devices were wheelchairs, followed by position adjustable chairs, feeder seats, and prone stands. 75 percent of wheelchair-using children used an inner cushion to maintain their body position. In terms of satisfaction levels in adaptive seating devices based on the child’s type of cerebral palsy, there was a significant variation between durability and comfort (p<0.05). In terms of services, there was a significant variation between repair and service (p<0.05). In terms of the types of adaptive seating devices, except for durability, every category had significant variation (p<0.05). In terms of service satisfaction levels, except for a service delivery program, every category had significant variation. Concerning the comfort of the device in question, the outcomes varied both by disability type and adaptive seating device type. Conclusion : The present study not only suggested problems through research on the current use of adaptive seating devices, but also analyzed the differences in parental satisfaction based on the child’s type of CP disability and the adaptive seating device used. Therefore, this research is significant as the basic data for a service delivery system of adaptive seating devices, by which CP children may appropriately utilize such devices. In order to improve parental satisfaction regarding adaptive seating devices, further research is required to develop and apply Korean-style evaluative tools for measuring the suitability between adaptive seating devices, children with CP, and their environment.