Active's Product of the Week: Gait Trainers

A Gait Trainer is just that a device that helps stablize posture allowing a person to concentrate on their gait (walking).  Most insurance funding will cover Gait Trainers for individuals who cannot walk indepenently and who demonsrate teh ability and desire to walk. 

Gait trainers are similar to postrior positioning walkers, however gait trainers have more support and positioning options whereas the positioning walkers like Kaye, Wenzellite, and Nimbo.

Over the years gait trainers have been used as a combined device of standing and gait training for kids and adults requiring more support and assitance.  There is no replacing a good stander for the benefits of standing, however when an individual shows the capability of taking steps and a desire for movement; a gait trainer is a valuable tool. 

For Children it has been found that movment is critical for development. Those children who do not move indendently need equipment to support and allow for this type of mobility.  For Adults who are sitting in a wheelchair all day, standing and moving independently or assisted has a host of benefits from standing, stretching, and movement.

Benefits
* Concentration on Gait Function
* Improve Muscle Stength
* Reduce Spasticity
* Length/Stretch Tendons/Muscles
* Improve Bone Density
* Improve Bowel / Bladder Function
* Improve Spacial Concepts
* Allow Mobility/Development

There are many types of gait trainers, we will go into more detail in the future.  Although there are many out there, the most commonly used, based on access, manufacturer support, durablity and dependability are;

Leckey: Nurmi Neo
Prime Enginnering: Kid Walk
Rifton: Pacer
Snug Seat: Gator, Pony, Mustang

Each gait trainer has some unique benefits and options that may make one device better than another for an individual.  This equipment is usually trialed, and evaluted for by a Seating and Mobility Specialst, and Physical or Occupational Therapist.

Important Considerations;
* Size and Ability to Grow
* Individual's Needs for Support / Positioning
* Ability to Collapse and Transport

Active Mobility Center, has a committed staff that can offer consultation, assessments, and assistance submitting this equipment for funding.  Give the Rehab staff at Active Mobility a call or email if you have any questions on Gait Trainner Equipment at (954) 946-5793 or (800) 326-4463.