Comparison of the inertial properties and forces required to initiate movement for three gait trainers.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inertial properties and forces required to initiate movement on two different surfaces in a sample of three commonly prescribed gait trainers. Tests were conducted in a laboratory setting to compare the Prime Engineering KidWalk, Rifton Pacer, and Snug Seat Mustang with and without a weighted anthropometric test dummy configured to the weight and proportions of a 4-year-old child. The Pacer was the lightest and the KidWalk the heaviest while footprints of the three gait trainers were similar.

Exploring suitable participation tools for children who need or use power mobility: A modified Delphi survey.

Objectives: To identify suitable tools for measuring important elements of participation for children, aged 18 months to 12 years, who need or use power mobility, and to indicate which tools should be considered for inclusion in a measurement toolkit.

Methods: Parents, therapists and researchers with expertise in paediatric power mobility and participation (n = 70) completed an online modified Delphi survey, with consensus set a priori >80% agreement. Existing tools were matched against participation elements ranked most important for those in early childhood (18 months-5 years) and of school-age (6-12 years) by the panel.