The Pediatric Mobility Lab at the University of Delaware

Rob Oblender with Dr. Cole Galloway and Dr. Michele Lobo
Background
The Pediatric Mobility Lab at the University of Delaware is comprised of a team of researchers who aim to understand the development of pre-term and injured infants compared to that of full term infants. Through observation and film study, researchers can analyze and interpret data in order to gain an understanding of why infants develop differently based on their birth term, congenital disease, or pre-birth injury.

Current Methods
Currently, the lab has developed an intervention study that focuses on the upper extremity movement of children with, and without, the Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX).
As a part of

My Experience
the lab I have had two distinctly different roles. My fist experience presented itself in the form of a Senior Design course as a part of the Biomedical Engineering curriculum. We were given a problem statement and asked to offer a solution in a short 12 week period. That is where the black modification of the WREX, or Playskin, was developed. Second was this Clinical Immersion. I was given the opportunity to spend more time with Dr. Galloway and, especially, Dr. Michele Lobo in an attempt to gain a better understanding of what the lab does, how research is performed, and how an engineering division would benefit the lab as a whole. I was also able to continue my work with the Playskin and work with fashion expert Martha Hall on a second version. This second version was made as a direct result of instructions given to us by Dr. Lobo. The idea was to take the Playskin, and pair it down into separate adjustable pieces. We were able to create a working prototype, as shown below, and test it on a young boy with Arthrogryposis in order to gain insight on how it differed from the original Playskin.

My Proposed Solution
In order to obtain the best results from the intervention studies being conducted through the Pediatric Mobility Lab, I propose that a new prototype be developed, combining and improving upon the first two Playskin designs. I propose we use the initial design with modifications based on observations involving the function of the second version. A zipper, rather than buttons, in the front would allow for greater ease of access. I would suggest using the same vinyl bundle casings sewn into the garment, as seen in the original Playskin, but having one slot along the length of the external oblique, splitting into two casings at the axilla, and continuing as two along the medial and posterior triceps. This will allow for lift in the proper directions, both superior in the sagittal plane, and medially in the transverse plane. This configuration will allow for greater lift, better distribution of force, and proper position for optimal sensory stimulation. I would also suggest making the torso out of a woven fabric for comfort and fashion, while making the sleeves out of a knit fabric for function. This design, in theory, will combine the function of the original Playskin with the comfort and safety of the second version.

Goal
Researchers and therapists working in the Pediatric Mobility Lab have thorough knowledge of the growth and development of young children. Children with congenital disease, pre-term birth, or early life injury are at a high risk of developing disabilities. The development of human babies relies greatly on movement, interaction, and sensory intake. Children with disabilities often find themselves behind the curve when it comes to learning and growing. The labs principle aim is to develop a method of helping kids at risk develop more normally. To do that, they need devices and intervention This exoskeleton, originally developed at the A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, has proven effective, though bulky, intimidating, and possibly unsafe for the user. The Pediatric Mobility Lab has done intervention studies where this shows effective, but had a goal of making it less obtrusive. Therefore, they worked with the College of Engineering to develop a garment based system that provides similar function but offers it with the advantage of being low profile.

Acknowledgements
Dr. Cole Galloway Senior Lab Adviser Dr. Michele Lobo Research Scientist Martha Hall Expert Fashion Consultant Peter Popper Consulting Engineer Steve Cope Consulting Engineer Kevin Chang Creator of Original Playskin John Koshy - Creator of Original Playskin Mike Olaya - Creator of Original Playskin

The main reason for doing this was to allow for greater torso and leg mobility where applicable, as well as allowing the wearer to interact with other children without scaring them or potentially injuring them.

From that test fitting, we were able to formulate an idea for what the lab could pursue as a Playskin 3.0, taking the positive aspects from both of the first two versions and eliminating some of the negative aspects.