Power Mobility Training for a 7-Month-Old Infant with Spina Bifida

Abstract

These results suggest that power mobility training within the first year of life may be appropriate for certain populations at risk of immobility.

Toy-Based Technologies for Children with Disabilities Simultaneously Supporting Self-Directed Mobility, Participation, and Function: A Tech Report

“…Equally important, using this technology results in some of the developmental gains associated with the onset of crawling and walking (Butler et al, 1983;Galloway et al, 2008;Lynch et al, 2009;Livingstone, 2010;Ragonesi et al, 2010;Jones et al, 2012). Unfortunately, the reality is that many if not most of the children who could benefit from powered mobility do not gain access to this technology until after 5 years of age (Nicholson and Bonsall, 2002).…”

“…Over 30 years of research has demonstrated that young children with disabilities who experience the most severe delays in mobility can use powered mobility devices for self-directed mobility (Butler et al, 1983;Galloway et al, 2008;Lynch et al, 2009;Livingstone, 2010;Ragonesi et al, 2010;Jones et al, 2012). Equally important, using this technology results in some of the developmental gains associated with the onset of crawling and walking (Butler et al, 1983;Galloway et al, 2008;Lynch et al, 2009;Livingstone, 2010;Ragonesi et al, 2010;Jones et al, 2012).…”

Recommendations for Mobility in Children with Spinal Cord Injury

“…For children without cognitive disabilities, studies have shown that power mobility training can begin within the first year of life. 12 Historically, therapists have considered the use of powered mobility as the ability to independently drive a chair in all situations. 13 Just as a child learns to walk over time, a child should be able to learn to move in a power wheelchair over time.…”

“…It has been shown that children 7 to 24 months old can learn to use a powered mobility device safely over short periods of time. 11,12 As opposed to chronological age, cognition and developmental age should be used to guide a clinician on the initiation of powered mobility training. For children without cognitive disabilities, studies have shown that power mobility training can begin within the first year of life.…”

New Strategies of Mobility and Interaction for People with Cerebral Palsy

“…The Magellan Pro Robot is a commercial robot made by the iRobot corporation. Researchers from the Delaware University (US) used it for rehabilitation of children with CP, Galloway et al (2008); Lynch et al (2009). The robot was equipped with an on-board computer and odometry.…”