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Playskin Lift: Development and Initial Testing of an Exoskeletal Garment to Assist Upper Extremity Mobility and
Michele A Lobo1, John Koshy2, Martha L Hall3
1M.A. Lobo, PT, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, 210K CHS Bldg, 540 South College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 (USA). malobo@udel.edu.
Physical Therapy
|August 29, 2015
Summary
The Playskin Lift is an affordable, user-friendly exoskeletal garment designed to help children with arm mobility challenges lift their arms. Initial testing shows it improves play, exploration, and interaction for children with disabilities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation engineering
- Assistive technology for children
- Developmental motor disorders
Background:
- Arm mobility against gravity is crucial for daily living and child development.
- Many children with various diagnoses struggle with this essential movement.
- Impaired arm function can limit exploration and learning opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the design and initial evaluation of the Playskin Lift, a new exoskeletal garment.
- The device aims to assist and encourage children in lifting their arms against gravity.
- Focus on creating an accessible and functional assistive device.
Main Methods:
- Detailed design theory and process of the Playskin Lift.
- Field testing with a toddler diagnosed with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
- Evaluation of the device's usability, comfort, and aesthetics.
Main Results:
- The Playskin Lift is inexpensive (<$30 material cost), easy to use (5/5), comfortable (5/5), and attractive (4/5).
- The child demonstrated increased object contact and play space utilization while wearing the device.
- Enhanced engagement with toys, including more frequent viewing and complex interactions, was observed.
Conclusions:
- Initial testing with one child suggests the Playskin Lift is a promising assistive device.
- Designing for user needs (cost, comfort, aesthetics, function) is key for effective assistive technology.
- Inexpensive, community-fabricatable devices can improve function and participation for children with disabilities.
