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Use of an In-Home Body Weight Support System by a Child With Spina Bifida

Elena Kokkoni1, Samuel W Logan, Tracy Stoner

  • 1Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy (Drs Kokkoni and Galloway) and Pediatric Mobility Lab and Design Studio (Drs Kokkoni, Stoner, and Galloway and Ms Peffley), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware; Biological and Population Health Sciences (Dr Logan), Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.

Pediatric Physical Therapy : the Official Publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association
|June 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

This study found an open-area body weight support system (BWSS) feasible for home use by a child with spina bifida. The BWSS improved both his activity levels and functional mobility.

Area of Science:

  • Rehabilitation Engineering
  • Assistive Technology
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy

Background:

  • Home-based rehabilitation presents unique challenges for children with mobility impairments.
  • Developing adaptable assistive and rehabilitative devices is crucial for enhancing functional independence.
  • Open-area body weight support systems (BWSS) offer potential for integrated therapeutic use in daily environments.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old child with spina bifida participated in a 10-week home-based intervention using an open-area BWSS.
  • The child utilized the BWSS for an average of 67 minutes per day, 2.7 days per week.
  • Assessments quantified activity levels, engagement, functional mobility, and ambulatory ability.

Findings:

  • The open-area BWSS demonstrated feasibility for consistent home use.
  • While using the BWSS (assistive role), the child showed increased locomotor activity and participation in adapted sports.
  • When not using the BWSS (rehabilitative role), the child exhibited improvements in functional mobility and ambulatory ability.

Implications:

  • Home-based BWSS can serve dual roles as both an assistive and rehabilitative tool for children with spina bifida.
  • This technology may enhance participation in daily activities and improve long-term functional outcomes.
  • Further research into tailored BWSS interventions could optimize pediatric rehabilitation in home settings.
Abstract

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