FAQ

HOW LONG DO YOU RECOMMEND SOMEONE USES EITHER THE INNOWALK OR NF-WALKER FOR EACH DAY?

Research indicates that breaking sedentary behaviour with physical activity is beneficial to health and well-being. In total, we recommend the user should aim for a minimum of 1 hour/day. This total can be divided into 2-3 shorter sessions through the day. So for example, the user might undertake 3 sessions lasting for 20 minutes each time.

However, the amount of time spent in the NF-Walker and Innowalk should always be adapted and continuously evaluated in accordance to the user’s current health condition. Please ask your  Made for Movement consultant for advice.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM USING THE INNOWALK OR NF-WALKER?

Our walking and movement aids are designed especially for people with limited or no ability to move independently (non-ambulatory). They work by supporting the user in an upright standing position, to allow either guided or independent movement in a safe, comfortable way. They are suitable for helping with a wide range of medical conditions such as:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Syndromes such as Rett and Trisomie 21,
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Spina bifida
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • etc.

Does the user need an independent movement or ability to stand in order to use either the NF-Walker or the Innowalk?

No. The devices are designed to encourage safe and comfortable development, whatever the level of physical function, so there’s no need for independent standing or moving.

How active is the training provided by the Innowalk?

The training is designed to be performed in a standing position providing the maximum muscle stretch and weight-bearing. The motorised passive movement provokes an activity response throughout the whole body. That’s why the training is called active standing.

Are there videos of the Innowalk/NF-Walker being used? Can I see them in action?

Absolutely! You can watch all our videos on our YouTube channel.

My child likes to explore! Can the NF-Walker be used outside?

The NF-Walker should only be used on flat, even surfaces. The user should always be supervised by a responsible adult.

How much weight-bearing do the NF-Walker and Innowalk allow the user to undergo?

The NF-Walker and Innowalk are designed to encourage safe weight-bearing for the user to build up strength and confidence. However, the amount of bodyweight a user will support is dependant on the upright position they can achieve. The straighter position, the more weight-bearing is performed by the user.

We have designed the weight-bearing mechanism, with the attachment system to the brace, to take place inside the shoes so that contact between the sole of the shoes and the floor doesn’t affect the degree of weight-bearing, instead remaining constant.

My child or patient has scoliosis. Is it possible to adapt the NF-Walker or the Innowalk for this?

Yes, to some extent it’s possible to support misalignment due to scoliosis. It will always be an individual assessment to decide on the best solution. In some cases it helps to use a brace or other dynamic upper-body supports for better positioning and to increase comfort for the user.

Are there any contraindications I should be aware of?

Individuals should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The clinician responsible for prescribing one of our help aids can assess the possible benefits and veresus the risks of using the product for a patient. The presence of the following conditions or symptoms should be monitored closely:

  • Major deformities
  • Severely fixed contractures
  • Osteoporosis
  • Bone instability
  • Joint instability
  • Skin lesions affecting areas of the body coming into direct contact with the device
  • Circulatory disorders
  • Respiratory disorders
  • Cardiac disorders
  • Epilepsy

How do I know if my child or patient will have the potential to learn to walk using the NF-Walker?

Walking is a complex movement. Whilst using the NF-Walker, you child is supported in an upright position. Our consultants can also adjust the device for each individual to help produce the best conditions for achieving a successful walking motion.

However, the user’s level of strength and physical limitations will of course impact on potential mobility. It can take time for the user to find his/her own way of walking and build enough strength to achieve it.

Some users are able to walk during the first fitting, while some adapt little by little. Walking requires a minimum ability to manage ‘active standing’. Often, users must master active standing first.

What is the difference in size between the Innowalk Small, the Innowalk Medium and the Innowalk Large?

Innowalk Small – width 62.5 cm, length 95 cm, max height 140 cm, weight 27.5 kg
Height of user 80-135 cm
Max weight of user 35 kg.

Innowalk Medium – width 75.5 cm, length 150 cm, max height 210 cm, weight 78 kg
Height of user 125-170 cm
Max weight of user 65 kg.

Innowalk Large – width 75.5 cm, length 170 cm, max height 210 cm, weight 110 kg
Height of user 160-190 cm
Max weight of user 95 kg.

I’m worried about getting my child or patient in and out of the NF-Walker. Is there more than one method for this?

Yes, there are alternative methods for getting a user in and out of the device. We offer both a seat and lifting straps (hoist/personal lifter) as accessories to customise your lifting system. Contact your local Made for Movement office or the distributor in your country to find the right solution for you. We also offer comprehensive training for you and other caregivers in how to use the product safely to avoid injuring either the user or yourself.

What alternative solutions are available for head support?

We offer standard head supports, but we also have great experience in creating customised supports as well. We will always try to find you the right solution if the standard option is not quite right. Please contact your consultant or the Made for Movement office/distributor in your country to discuss alternative solutions (link to contacts)

What level of service should I expect in order to maintain the products?

The Innowalk Pro is a medical device and, as such, an annual service is a minimum requirement. In addition, regular aftercare is needed for the individual Innowalk device. This ensures the product is correctly adjusted for the user as they change, due to factors such as growth or altered functioning.

As a personal helping-aid, the NF-Walker is customised for individual use. As such, it requires the same aftercare service as the Innowalk to make adjustments as the user’s needs change over time.

What should I do if I think I need to replace a part?

Replacement parts can be ordered and changed through our own service department or via our distributors. Reimbursement systems differ from country to country – for more detailed information, please contact your local Made for Movement office, or the distributor in your market.

Does my child need to use another static standing device in addition to using the NF-Walker or the Innowalk?

Your child’s complete standing program should always be discussed with their clinician. General guidelines recommended to aim for daily standing. This means it might sometimes be necessary to have different aids available to meet all your child’s practical needs.

However, many clinicians believe that the NF-Walker and the Innowalk serve both as standing and movement devices, thereby covering both static and dynamic standing requirements.

How do I purchase the products? Is it possible for me to apply for funding or financial support?

The system for reimbursement when purchasing movement aids varies from country to country. We recommend that you to start by contacting your local Made for Movement office or distributor for more advice on how to proceed. If we are not represented in your country, you can contact the head office in Norway directly .