Observation of Michael on the first iteration at a nursery at Georgia State University. Initial observations were made from behind a one-way window so that strangers would not upset the children.

Michael on the first iteration of the crawler. Later versions included height adjustments to consider for various arm lengths

Adam and mom providing feedback. Mom remarked with joy describing the clacking sound of the wheels as Adam began to crawl and explore around the house on his own. She laughed saying that it was a relief to hear him coming down the hallway.

Randy talking with Adam, with Margi in the background.

Article from The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Click here for a larger image.

For PhD candidate Margi Williams, of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta comprehensive intensive rehabilitation unit.

Background
Infants with Spina Bifida have various degrees of paralysis, making it difficult for them to move, crawl, or walk. The children are usually overdependent on their parents and have problems with learning later in life. The crawler is an adjustable platform to aid in the physical exploration of their environments, which in turn leads to cognitive development.

"Children are supposed to get off their parents' laps, become indepently mobile and explore. It's an important part of development, and, it they miss that, it affects later development of language and learning."

While these children with spina bifida will never develop physically the same as healthy children, the hope is that by enabling them to move and explore unaided, they will be able to develop cognitively at the same rate.

The Disease
Spina bifida is a developmental birth defect involving the neural tube resulting in an incompletely formed spinal cord. In addition, the vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord do not fully form and remain unfused and open, allowing the abnormal portion of the spinal cord to stick out through the opening in the bones. This opening can be surgically closed after birth, but nerve damage is permanent, generally affecting control of the muscles in the hip, leg, knee and foot, and possibly bowel and bladder function.

The Crawler(s)
The crawler is an adjustable, low-height, rolling platform, made with contoured foam to support the child. Several blocks of polyurethane foam were shaped to support the torso of the child with a natural upward slant, while the tapered sides and neoprene wrap cradle them. Using a height-adjustable omni-directional wheel up front allows the child to change directions while crawling without danger of running over tiny fingers. The rear axle is movable, placing it under the child's hips to allow for a normal pivot point while turning. The platform extends backward to protect the feet. And of course, a washable cover to keep things tidy. Ten crawlers were built for Margi's continued research.