Up and Down: Use of a Dynamic Partial Body Weight Support Play Environment to Encourage Upright Mobility and Exploration in Infants

Physical therapy interventions for infants with motor delay, including those with Down syndrome and autism, frequently focus on the development of postural control and repetition of emerging motor skills. Partial body weight supported (PWBS) harness training combines body weight support with an enriched environment to encourage new movement patterns. It allows the child to safely access their environment and provides the space to play and interact with toys and family. This session will present the background for harness training, how children with Down syndrome responded to the training, and how it may be expanded to other populations.