The most-read Mobility Management story of Q1 2024 was bright pink and purple. Barbie Goes to Seating Clinic, published Jan. 23, was inspired by Lauren Rosen, PT, MPT, MSMS, ATP/SMS, program coordinator at the Motion Analysis Center, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa (Fla.). Lauren passionately advocates for independent mobility for young children, which is…
Commentary: Barbie Reigns, Seat Elevation Coverage Intrigues in Q1
Creating a Seating Clinic Wonderland in Tampa
Physical therapist Lauren Rosen on the importance of representation for her young seating clients.
As Program Coordinator at the Motion Analysis Center, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa (Fla.), Lauren Rosen, PT, MPT, MSMS, ATP/SMS, has a sizable office. Rosen needs that space for her array of demo wheelchairs — power, manual self-propelled, manual tilt. And her clients — some of whom are experiencing independent mobility for the first…
Standing Out
How standing can impact development, function and goals for kids.
As Lisa Kenyon, PT, DPT, Ph.D., PCS, joined our Google Meet interview, I caught a glimpse of her workstation, which included an elevated platform, perhaps large enough to hold a laptop. “I’ve been standing for my other meetings today,” she said, taking a seat at her desk. Before our interview even began, Kenyon was demonstrating…
Ki Mobility Introduces Pediatric Sizing for Axiom Seating
Seat cushion widths start at 8 inches; back widths start at 10 inches.
Ki Mobility’s Axiom line of wheelchair seat cushions and backs are now available in pediatric sizes. The new series, Axiom for Kids, takes into account the unique positioning needs of growing children who use wheelchairs, the manufacturer said in a March 11 announcement. “Our new range of pediatric cushions and backs are truly designed for…
Etac Launches Convaid Coaster
Seating teams can choose from three fixed tilt and four fixed recline options.
Etac has launched the Convaid Coaster, described in a Feb. 15 announcement as “perfect for adventurous families on the move” and “combining style, support, and comfort in one compact package.” The Coaster offers adjustable fixed tilt and recline so the seating team can choose the configuration best for children and families. Clinicians can select from…
Barbie Goes to Seating Clinic
Assessing her ultralight … and her impact on pediatric mobility.
A few minutes before our 9:30 a.m. appointment, I launched Google Meet and turned on the camera. My friend — a ridiculously beautiful blonde with big blue eyes and a perfect smile — sat in her current wheelchair, an ultralight with a purple frame. For clinic, she was dressed in a fuchsia one-shouldered top and…
Researchers Find Genetic Mutation Cause for Juvenile-Onset ALS
Genetic mutations account for 40 percent of juvenile-onset cases.
Researchers have found a previously unknown genetic mutation in two young people with juvenile-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In a study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, an international group of researchers discussed two patients who were unrelated to each other and presented with “early-onset progressive proximal and distal muscle weakness, oral…
Sunrise Medical Launches Leckey MyWay+ Gait Trainer
Resized size 1 frame better accommodates very young children.
Little explorers have a new way to move through the world. In an Oct. 10 news announcement, Sunrise Medical introduced the Leckey MyWay+ gait trainer, an open-framed device that “cleverly supports children in an upright position, improving stepping and maximizing opportunities for exploration, interaction, and participation.” The MyWay+ features a “bespoke” frame, a wrap-around hoistable…
Numotion Launches Pediatric SpinLife Division
The new SpinKids Web site includes seating, mobility, and accessibility for children.
Numotion has announced the debut of SpinKids.com, a retail Web site “dedicated to the mobility and equipment needs of the pediatric market.” In an Oct. 4 news announcement, Numotion said, “SpinKids.com is the newest segment of SpinLife.com, the market leader in online retail durable medical equipment for those looking to maintain an active and independent…