Study: Power mobility devices empower kids
By HME News Staff
Updated Fri November 20, 2020
LEBANON, Tenn. - Power mobility devices can help young children with mobility impairments develop cognitive, reasoning and spatial skills, according to a new study published in “Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics.” The study, which was funded by Permobil, looked at 33 children aged between 6 months to 36 months who experience mobility limitations. It found that young children demonstrated self-initiated mobility through the use of a powered mobility device, in this case, the Explorer Mini from, Permobil, and that the device was instrumental in promoting exploratory behaviors. “The pediatric chair helps young children develop a sense ofs independence and the desire to explore, learn, and challenge their existing skill set,” said Dr. Teresa Plummer, lead author of the study. “Once they discover that the world exists beyond their outstretched arm, they are set on a trajectory of rapid advancement of spatial skills, learning depth perception, directionality and laterality. These are all essential skills for visual development, reading and understanding how they fit into the world around them.” The Explorer Mini received 510k clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2020.
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