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User-centred assistive technology assessment of a portable open-area body weight support system for in-home use

Abstract Purpose Current paediatric technology lacks mobility devices that support early, high-dose and variable movement that can be managed by professionals and parents outside of the lab or clinic. Parent acceptability of the technology is a critical piece to the continued use of devices by their infants. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of feasibility of an in-home application of a novel portable body weight support system (PBWSS), designed for community use. Method Sixteen typically and atypically developing infants used the system for four sessions at the home and lab. Parents assisted with the in-home system setup and completed a questionnaire on their: (a) infant’s behavioural change, (b) infant’s enjoyment, (c) own satisfaction, need and predicted use of the device, and (d) recommendations for future modifications. Results Parents and their infants successfully used the device during a wide range of activities. Parents noted positive changes in their infants’ behaviour including their infants initiating certain behaviours for the first time. Parents quickly learned to setup and use the device and were satisfied with its current structure. Future modifications included increasing the wearable harness comfort. Conclusion Infant performance and parent perceptions support the development of devices that place body-weight supported activity in real-world environments to promote high-dose, enriched experiences for young infants with mobility challenges. Implications for rehabilitation Assistive technology that can support multiple aspects of mobility in developing infants is limited. The in-home application of open-area body weight support systems has the potential to support early, enriched, high-dose mobility. Users of this technology, infants and their parents, were meaningfully involved throughout the assessment process. Preliminary findings support that: (1) this device was successfully implemented in these homes, (2) parents and infants enjoyed using the device, (3) parents noted positive changes in their infant’s behavior, and (4) parents perceived the device to be safe and easy to use. Future studies can now determine the optimal use of this device with a range of pediatric populations.