Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Up, Down, and All Around: Evaluating Mobility Devices for Young Children with Down Syndrome
Sponsor: University of Washington
Summary
This research study will examine young children with Down syndrome's initial experiences with mobility devices. Children's biomechanics and exploration will be quantified while they are using both an overground partial bodyweight support system and powered mobility device.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
12 Months - 36 Months
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
12
Start Date
2024-11
Completion Date
2025-12
Last Updated
2024-09-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Permobil Explorer Mini
The Explorer Mini (Permobil AB, Sweden) is a commercially available, FDA approved powered mobility device intended for young children between 12-36 months of age with mobility limitations (weight limit: 35 lbs; height limit: 39.4 inches). It is lightweight (52 lbs. including battery) and fits in most automobiles (length: 25 inches; width: 19 inches; adjustable height: 29-37 inches). The Explorer Mini runs on a 12-volt battery with a driving range of 3.5 miles and a maximum speed of 1.5 mph, is controlled via a joystick with a 360-degree turning radius, has proportional speed control with 5 speed options, and can be used in a seated or standing position.
Portable Mobility Aid for Children (PUMA)
The Portable Mobility Aid for Children (PUMA; Enliten LLC) is a portable canopy system that utilizes an overhead support rail structure and a counterweight. The rail structure consists of two rigid parallel beams that mount to the canopy structure and one perpendicular mobile beam that allows for freedom of movement in one direction. Freedom of movement in the opposite direction is achieved by a system of pulleys along the movable beam that connects the harness to a counterweight. The counterweight provides a passive vertical force, counteracting gravity. The PUMA provides 2-dimensional mobility support over 81 ft2 (9 ft x 9 ft). The overhead bar is connected at 4 points to a child-worn harness. Children are free to move through many postures including sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.