What is WalkAble Therapy?
It is the smallest LiteGait model, which is a therapy device using a suspension system to provide proper upright posture, balance, weight bearing and safety during walking therapy. It works extremely well for children up to 4' 8" tall and weighing less than 75 lbs.
The WalkAble harness supports the patient, and locking straps allow adjustments to be made for walking symmetry. The smaller, lighter design allows a child to be safely supported while walking over ground or a treadmill. In fact, gait therapy sessions using a treadmill at speeds as slow as 0.1 mph have been very effective with our pediatric patients.
In combination with an appropriate training program, the WalkAble enables therapists, parents and other caregivers to help improve a patient's gait patterns, posture, balance, muscle strength and overall endurance levels.
Which Children Use the WalkAble in Therapy?
Ridgeview Pediatric Rehab has found the WalkAble to be highly effective when there is a need for intervention in the learning or relearning of ambulation, and when a child has balance, coordination or postural control issues. Indications for using the WalkAble include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Head injury
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral palsy
- Lower extremity joint pain
- Amputee (prosthetic fitting and training)
- Ambulation, endurance training
- Orthopaedic problems
Patient Benefits of Using the WalkAble in Therapy:
- Obtain supported suspension for safer, more effective gait training
- Practice walking comfortably and without falling
- Learn to walk with proper upright posture
- Begin gait training much earlier in the rehab process, while at a lower level of function
- Have better interaction with the therapist
- Gain a sense of accomplishment from successful therapy sessions
In addition to walking therapy, our therapists use the WalkAble to help pediatric patients practice catching, throwing, kicking, prolonged standing and sitting balance with therapy balls. Patients may also use the device at home or in a children’s center as well.
For more information, call Ridgeview Pediatric Rehab or go to www.litegait.com.
Photo Credit: litegait.com