Kaye Suspension Gait Trainer Walker

Kaye Suspension Walkers can be set to bear partial weight or fully weighted positioning. Clients with balance impairments, postural control, and fear of falling are ideal candidates for full weight bearing, and partial weight bearing makes reciprocal movements for stepping easier to execute.

Kaye Suspension Walkers include a width and height adjustable, light-weight walking frame and a manual winch to lift and lower the client and adjust the amount of weight bearing on the feet. Choose from two Kaye Suspension Walker sizes, fitting toddlers through adults. Both models are width adjustable to span many treadmills while being able to retract to fit through most doorways. These features, along with the light frame make it possible for clients to use the Kaye Suspension Walker both for treadmill training and over ground practice. Even if postural control is inadequate, clients can still safely practice taking steps on a treadmill. Also included are 4 swivel casters, two with directional locks to facilitate over ground and 2 with stationary brakes to stabilize the system for use over a treadmill. Since all of the casters roll freely, the client can practice forward and backward stepping as well as side stepping while in the unit.

Increasing evidence shows that partial body weightbearing gait training facilitates the development of moving components that are necessary for walking. Changes in step-stance ratios, stride and step length, symmetry, postural control, as well as speed and endurance have been reported. As a result of this evidence, partial body weight-bearing gait training is increasingly being incorporated into physical therapy intervention for children and adults who need to develop or practice the components needed for standing and walking.

The ability to vary the amount of weight on the client's feet has shown to be an important aspect of successful partial weight bearing intervention. The included winch helps therapists and caregivers when lifting clients from a sitting to a standing position and lowering back to a sitting position. The winch also adjusts the amount of weight placed on the client's feet when walking. The winch has an automatic locking mechanism that prevents the unintended release of the suspension.

Both models are width adjustable, giving them the ability to span on treadmills and also to retract to fit through doorways and hallways. Clients can also be positioned to either face to open or closed end, depending on their needs. If the client is lifted from a chair or bench, it is easier to have the open end behind the client. This is also the position of choice if the therapist is using manual assistance to facilitate walking. If the Kaye Suspension Walker is being used for standing, it may be advantageous to place the client facing the open end so that he or she can access the environment for play or interactions. Standing in the Suspension Walker permits the client to develop balance on the feet without the need for holding a support with handles.

Kaye Suspension Walkers Features:

• Uses a manually operated winch to help lift and lower the user and to vary the amount of weight placed on the user's legs.
  
• Includes swivel casters with directional locks, to facilitate use as a walker over open, level ground.
  
• Includes stationary brakes, to facilitate use over a treadmill.
  
• All models fold, to facilitate storage and transportation.
  
• The smallest size, model SW1, is width and height adjustable. The largest size, model SW7, is width adjustable.
  
• Four harness sizes are available to fit infants through adults.
  
• Either unit can be placed on the Treadmill Width Adapter to be used with wide treadmills.