Up and Down: Mobility and Exploration for Infants with Down Syndrome using a Portable Partial Body Weight Support Harness System

2023

Children with Down syndrome (DS) experience delayed mobility, which decreases their opportunity for exploration and impacts the development of their cognitive, communication, and social-emotional skills. Physical therapy interventions for infants with DS frequently focus on the development of postural control and body weight support to enhance the development of motor skills. Partial body weight supported (PWBS) intervention, where part of the individual body weight is offloaded through the use of a harness and allows for easier movement through space, is an effective intervention for infants with DS, leading to earlier onset of independent mobility and increased physical activity. Researchers are combining PWBS support for infants with DS who are not yet walking, within an enriched play environment to better understand how PWBS may impact their mobility, exploration, and overall activity level.

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Family Members/Caregivers

None

Single-County

N/A