More freedom in a Frame Runner

Children who cannot walk independently often can move on their own on a Frame Runner. How do we help even more children enjoy 'the frame' in everyday life?

"When I first saw it abroad, I immediately thought: we should have it in the Netherlands too," says paediatric physiotherapist Petra van Schie. The Frame Runner allows children with physical disabilities to walk and run often without assistance. Thus, they not only train upper and lower body: a Frame Runner also makes them less dependent. And that is very valuable says researcher Eline Bolster: "Self-confidence is important in a child's development to become happy. Yet many parents of young children with disabilities do not yet use the Frame Runner. Why, we wanted to know. And: are there barriers we can remove?"

 

More accessible via paediatric physiotherapist

"We have developed a toolkit for peadiatric physiotherapists."

From obstacle to solution

Researcher Eline Bolster: "We organised a meeting with parents and paediatric physiotherapists that yielded different hindrances , and different solutions. Together, we chose which solutions we could develop. Together with Rosa de Vries, researcher at the HU Co-Design research group, I set to work to compile the toolkit. We always showed prototypes to parents and paediatric physiotherapists. This way, we develop it together, and we are sure that the solution suits its users.

Students make ice-skates

"So that despite physical disability, you can still go out on the ice and enjoy skating."

Designing together

Eline Bolster: "Paediatric physiotherapists, children, parents, students: we really need a lot of people in this project. To cite an example: We had thought that a manual was needed for setting up the Frame Runner. Then a parent said: No way am I going to read through a paper manual. But just scanning a QR code and watching a short practical YouTube video, I would. Such a comment can make the difference between an intervention that helps and one that doesn't."

 

Co-Design

Together we make the Frame Runner more accessible

Student Jasper Helberg: "Within our Master Next Level Engineering degree programme, we learn to find a solution to a problem, and market this solution. For coming up with the skates - and the requirements the skates should meet - contact with lecturers, paediatric physiotherapists and parents was important. For marketing, we were in contact with the Benelux importer of Frame Runners: Rollick. They have expressed a desire to include these skates in their range. This is of course a super big compliment, and also good news for anyone who would like to take their Frame Runner onto the ice."

Credits

Research, education and practice converge

Research Collaboration

Also would like to collaborate on innovations that help children with disabilities to move?

Eline Bolster

Eline Bolster

  • Researcher in Children with Disabilities, lecturer in Master's programme in Peadiatric Physiotherapy

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