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A new walker with upper trunk suspension system for severely disabled patients
1Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. cscoppetta@tin.it.
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|October 22, 2013
Summary
A novel walker design assists severely disabled patients with mobility issues. This innovative device suspends users via a harness, aiding those with trunk instability or requiring reduced body weight bearing.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Assistive Technology
- Biomedical Design
Background:
- Conventional walkers are insufficient for patients with severe motor impairments.
- Significant patient populations lack trunk control or require substantial body weight unloading for ambulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel walker design for severely disabled individuals.
- To provide design specifications enabling global production and accessibility.
Main Methods:
- Development of a walking frame with a suspension system.
- Utilizes a harness (modified climbing harness or equipped clothing) to suspend the patient.
- Incorporates two series of bands: one for the upper trunk, one for the pelvis.
Main Results:
- The walker is designed for patients with no trunk control (e.g., stroke, ataxias).
- It accommodates individuals needing 30-40% body weight reduction on the trunk, spine, and lower limbs.
- Suitable for patients requiring differentiated weight reduction (e.g., hemiparesis, Parkinson's, scoliosis, kyphosis).
Conclusions:
- The novel walker design is easy to create.
- Low production and zero maintenance costs enhance accessibility.
- This innovation offers a viable mobility solution for severely disabled individuals.
