Walkabout Gait Stabilizing Orthosis
The Walkabout™ is a stance and reciprocating gait stabilizing orthosis, designed to give qualified individuals with paraplegia, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis and other forms of degenerative neuromuscular disorders, the opportunity to stand and move about unassisted.
In addition, the Walkabout™ can be used as a rehabilitation device for those with longer-term injuries.
The Walkabout™ is currently sold into many countries including the USA, China, UK, Spain, Greece and the Netherlands.
For those candidates (paraplegics, multiple sclerosis sufferers and others) suitably qualified to use the Walkabout™, the unique design of the Walkabout™ offers the following benefits:
- The psychological benefits to the Candidate of being able to be upright and view the world from a standing position (e.g. having children look up at the Candidate)
- The psychological benefits to the Candidate of being able to lead a more active life
- The physical benefits to the Candidate of being upright and more active.
- Allows the Candidate to use the parts of the body that still has function.
- Modular construction allowing for the simple and safe donning and doffing (e.g. reduced skin tears)
- Portability – easy to transport
- Cosmetically superior, can be concealed under standard clothing
- Comfort – does not cause discomfort to upper body from prolonged sitting
- Easy to manoeuvre from standing position to sitting e.g. transferring to car seat
- Robust construction
- Male catheterisation achievable standing or sitting
- Quick release mechanism assists catheterisation
- Lightweight – easier for walking, especially up inclines and easier for transportation
The first objective of the Walkabout™ is to allow the Candidate to stand in an upright position. The Second objective is to allow the Candidate to move independently with only the use of crutches.
A secondary design element of the Walkabout™ is to enable the complete Walkabout™ Orthosis to be worn under clothing. This was a primary objective of a Walkabout™ Candidate who attended her Sister’s wedding as a Bridesmaid, standing in full dress.
The Walkabout™ as a Mobility Aid
The Walkabout™ is not in competition with the wheelchair; rather it supplements the wheelchair as an additional mobility device available to the Candidate.
Because the Walkabout™ is hinged under the pelvis, the centre of continuity extends to the hips. This allows the Candidate that is wearing the Walkabout™ to utilise all of the upper part of the body that is not paralysed.
Whilst the Walkabout™ is only suitable for a subset of the total population of paraplegics, multiple sclerosis sufferers and people with cerebral palsy and spina bifida; for the candidates that are suitable to use the Walkabout™, a major positive impact can be made with their lives.
Fitting The Walkabout™
For the Walkabout™ System to work, the Walkabout™ Unit must be attached to the medial uprights of a set of KAFOs. The construction of the KAFOs and the fitting of the Walkabout™ is usually undertaken by trained Orthotists.
If you would like any further information or contact details in respect of the Walkabout™, please contact us.
The Walkabout™ is registered with the TGA ARTG 118953 .
