Harness-based mobility intervention for infants with Down syndrome
Official title: Feasibility and Outcome Measures for Infants With Down Syndrome: Advancing Clinical Trial Readiness for a Harness-based Mobility Intervention
Run by Boston University Charles River Campus · NCT06219863 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special harness to see if it can help infants with Down syndrome move better and interact more during playtime.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 2 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 6 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston University Charles River Campus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 31, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06219863 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are infants under 24 months with a confirmed diagnosis of Trisomy 21 who can sit without support and are not yet walking independently.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with mosaic or translocation Down syndrome or those with severe uncontrolled medical issues may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance mobility in infants with Down syndrome by using body weight supported harness systems. The study will involve home visits and virtual sessions where infants and caregivers will be observed during playtime, both with and without the harness. Data will be collected on language and locomotor development, as well as the feasibility and acceptability of the harness system. The goal is to gather preliminary data to support a larger clinical trial focused on improving mobility and social interaction in these infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mobility and developmental outcomes for infants with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar interventions targeting mobility in infants with developmental delays have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * confirmed diagnosis of Trisomy 21 * younger than 24 months * English is the primary language of the home (due to use of standardized language assessments normed on English-speaking children) * able to sit without support * not yet taking any independent steps. Exclusion Criteria: * Mosaic or Translocation Down syndrome * severe, uncontrolled medical problems (including heart disease with cardiovascular instability, uncontrolled epilepsy) * severe uncorrected hearing or vision impairments
Where it's running
-
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jana Iverson, PhD — Boston University
- Study coordinator: Anna Donato
- Email: buicl.studies@gmail.com
- Phone: (774) 275-3321
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Kinematic analysis of hand and arm movement in kids with Down syndrome, CP and healthy children
This study tests how well an instrumented Box and Block Test and motion tracking can measure upper-limb movement in healthy kids and those with pyramidal hemisyndrome or Down syndrome.
-
Sensory integration to help balance and movement in kids with Down syndrome
Aimed at seeing if adding sensory integration to physical therapy helps improve gross motor skills and balance in children with Down syndrome.
-
Collaboration for Down Syndrome Progress (CDP) in people with Down syndrome
A long-term study following people with Down syndrome of all ages to see how health and everyday life change over time.
-
JAK inhibitor treatment for Down syndrome in children and young adults
This study tests whether 6 months of tofacitinib can help improve safety and neurodevelopment in people with Down syndrome aged 6 to 22, compared with placebo.
-
Jump rope to improve navicular drop and foot posture in children with Down syndrome
This project will test whether adding jump-rope exercises to play activities helps improve foot posture in 4–15-year-old children with Down syndrome who have navicular drop.
-
Thymus removal and immune aging in people with Down syndrome
This study will try to see if removing part of the thymus affects immune health over time in people aged 1 and older with Down syndrome, comparing those who had thymectomy to those who did not and to unaffected household relatives.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.