Harnessing Mobility: A Medically Complex Child’s Home Program Utilizing an In-Home Body Weight Support System

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a home program for a child with medical complexity using an over-ground body weight support (BWS) system. Summary of Key Points: Children with medical complexity often use home programs due to challenges with regular therapy attendance. In this case, effective home program components including child centered design, family leadership, and best practice principles were prioritized around the PUMA (portable mobility aid for children). This BWS system was to be used for 1 hour per day to support mobility and active play. Statement of Conclusions: The CMC and family demonstrated high adherence, using over-ground BWS 87% of the 135 days it was accessible with an average daily usage of 59 min spread across 1-3 bouts per day. The average daily fun index during usage was 7/10. Recommendations for Clinical Practice: This home program demonstrated over-ground BWS technology as a feasible, fun platform for functional mobility and socialization in a child with significant medical and physical limitations.