Ludvig was only five years old when he took his first steps in the Innowalk. Today, ten years later, it is still his most important piece of equipment. Despite surgeries, new diagnoses, and a growing body, the Innowalk has always been adaptable and has become a vital source of movement and joy in his everyday life.
In this article, you’ll read about:
- This is Ludvig
- His first steps in the Innowalk
- Through changes and surgeries
- Innowalk as a natural part of daily life
- The Importance of movement for well-being
- The Future – Innowalk moving forward
This is Ludvig
Ludvig is a 15-year-old boy full of humour and joy. He loves music and books, preferably exciting stories that give him a little extra thrill. He has two passions that stand out as everyday joys: coffee and cheese puffs. Just mentioning them brings out a big smile.
He is also a real enthusiast when it comes to weather and outdoor activities. Soon, the peak season for his favourite activity will begin: skiing. With the wind in his face and snow swirling around, Ludvig enjoys life to the fullest.
“The worse the weather, the bigger the smile,” says his mother, Susanne, with a laugh, sending him a warm glance. He responds with a wide, agreeing smile.
Ludvig has spastic bilateral cerebral palsy GMFCS level V, therapy-resistant epilepsy, a baclofen pump, gastrostomy, and colostomy. But despite these challenges, Innowalk has always been there as reliable support, even during difficult times of change. Its adaptability is what makes it such a significant part of his everyday life.
The First Steps in the Innowalk
Let’s rewind ten years. The first time Ludvig tried the Innowalk, he was only five. The family had fought hard to get the opportunity, and eventually they were allowed to test the device at home. The effect was immediate.
“He was more talkative than usual at first, almost as if his body had found a new way to express itself,” Susanne recalls. The family also started measuring: hand and foot temperature, spasticity, digestion, sleep, and heart rate.
The results were clear. His hands and feet got warmer, spasticity decreased, his sleep improved, and he was more alert during the day. The biggest difference was in digestion – medicines that had previously regulated his bowels could be completely discontinued.
And most importantly: Ludvig was happy. He enjoyed the movement and could even fall asleep in the machine – completely calm and content. When the message arrived right before Christmas that they could keep the Innowalk, the joy was overwhelming. “It was the best Christmas present ever,” says Susanne.
Through Changes and Surgeries
A decade is a long time, especially in a child’s life. During this period, Ludvig has grown, and his body has changed. The journey hasn’t been easy. He has undergone scoliosis surgery, dealt with hip problems, and received a baclofen pump, gastrostomy, and colostomy. Each has been a major strain, and everyday life has sometimes been turned upside down.
But throughout all these changes, one thing has never failed – the Innowalk. Time and again, it has been adapted to Ludvig’s body, making it possible for him to continue using it regardless of the challenges he faced.
“That’s what’s so amazing. Despite everything his body has been through – scoliosis surgery, hip problems, pumps, stomas – the Innowalk has never been an obstacle. It has always adapted,” says Susanne.
This is precisely why the Innowalk is so unique in Ludvig’s life. Where other aids have had to be replaced, the Innowalk has instead grown with him, been adapted to his changing needs, and remained a faithful companion.
Innowalk as a Natural Part of Daily Life
For ten years, Innowalk has been a natural part of Ludvig’s daily routine, as natural as breakfast or morning coffee. At least five days a week, he uses it, and each session lasts about an hour. Often, he trains right after school, when both body and mind need to recharge after the day.
There’s room for variation and creativity. While his feet pedal rhythmically, Ludvig listens to his favourite music, watches a film, or enjoys an exciting audiobook. It’s a double benefit: his body gets movement and stimulation, while his mind gets rest, joy, and entertainment.
“It’s like a mental breathing space,” says Susanne. “He can rest within the movement after a long day, and at the same time be active in his own way.”
No matter his condition or challenges, the machine is always ready to meet his needs.
The Importance of Movement for Well-being
For Ludvig, Innowalk means more than just physical activity. It’s pure joy of movement. Some days he chooses a calm pace, other days he pushes himself with intervals. But he shines the most when the pace is high, and the steps are fast.
When he sprints in the Innowalk, his smile is enormous. You can see his whole body enjoying it, says Susanne.
If Ludvig can’t use the Innowalk, for example during hospital stays, the effects show quickly. His spasticity increases, and his body grows restless. But as soon as he can use the machine again, he sighs with relief – as if his whole body says, “finally.”
In a daily life where so much must be planned and adapted, the Innowalk becomes a valuable sanctuary. Here, the body can stretch and be active on its own terms, while the mood is noticeably lifted. Spasticity decreases, digestion improves, sleep becomes deeper – and most importantly: Ludvig experiences a better quality of life.
The Future – Innowalk Moving Forward
It has been ten years since Ludvig took his first steps in the Innowalk. A decade later, the device is still just as invaluable – and the journey is far from over. Innowalk is not only part of his history but also a natural part of his future as the next chapter begins.
Secondary school is approaching, with new routines, new environments, and practical questions about housing and daily life. Much is uncertain – but one thing is sure: the Innowalk will join him on the journey.
“Innowalk has been with him from when he was a five-year-old boy to now, when he’s about to turn sixteen. It’s been there through all the changes and challenges we’ve faced. To imagine life without Innowalk is simply unthinkable. We won’t even try,” says Susanne with a smile.
We want to extend a warm thank you to Ludvig and his mother, Susanne, for sharing their daily life and experiences from ten years with Innowalk. Their journey shows how invaluable an assistive device can be – not just in the moment, but also as a source of joy year after year.
