Up, Down, and All Around: Evaluating Mobility Devices for Young Children with Down Syndrome

The Explorer Mini (Permobil AB, Sweden) is a commercially available, FDA approved powered mobility device intended for young children between 12-36 months of age with mobility limitations (weight limit: 35 lbs; height limit: 39.4 inches). It is lightweight (52 lbs. including battery) and fits in most automobiles (length: 25 inches; width: 19 inches; adjustable height: 29-37 inches). The Explorer Mini runs on a 12-volt battery with a driving range of 3.5 miles and a maximum speed of 1.5 mph, is controlled via a joystick with a 360-degree turning radius, has proportional speed control with 5 speed options, and can be used in a seated or standing position.

The Portable Mobility Aid for Children (PUMA; Enliten LLC) is a portable canopy system that utilizes an overhead support rail structure and a counterweight. The rail structure consists of two rigid parallel beams that mount to the canopy structure and one perpendicular mobile beam that allows for freedom of movement in one direction. Freedom of movement in the opposite direction is achieved by a system of pulleys along the movable beam that connects the harness to a counterweight. The counterweight provides a passive vertical force, counteracting gravity. The PUMA provides 2-dimensional mobility support over 81 ft2 (9 ft x 9 ft). The overhead bar is connected at 4 points to a child-worn harness. Children are free to move through many postures including sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.