FAQ

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. Here you will find customer- and technical questions.

Hibbot

Children who can learn to walk either independently or using a handhold walking aid. It can be children with cerebral palsy GMFCS level II-III or other neurological disorders with mobility level corresponding to the GMFCS level II-III. The child should have no structural deformities and show signs of motivation to stand and walk.

From as small as 60 cm in height and maximum height is 125 cm. Maximum weight is 30 kg.

The Hibbot is a dynamic walking aid that facilitates participation in everyday activities. It is recommended to start stimulating standing from as early as 11-13 months of age.

At this age this is a common developmental phenomenon for most children to begin practicing standing.

The Hibbot aims to replicate the physiotherapists’ hands on the pelvis and provide just enough support for the individual child to be able to stand up in a more functional and upright alignment.

The device encourages activity in extensor muscles and promotes postural alignment and balance. This is a prerequisite to achieve optimal functional movement.

When the child has gained enough strength to stand on their own with enough practice with extension over their hips, they then begin to learn how to walk in the device.

We have created a guide for both physiotherapists and parents with a verity of ideas on how to use the Hibbot.

Suggestions to focus on the improvement of balance and strength.

You can download it here.

Yes, it is approved for outdoor use. Although, it should only be used on even surface and under supervision of a responsible adult.

Our highly-skilled assistive device consultants; coach individuals, advise and motivate users, caregivers and therapists.

During the first trial our consultant adapt the device to the child’s specific needs.

We then teach and facilitate the lead therapist prescribing the device how to make small adjustments regularly. This will ensure the device is correctly adjusted to factor growth and progression of the child’s motor function.

The Hibbot is a personal walking aid and should only be used by the child it’s adapted for.

The Hibbot is delivered as a complete device to fit the child’s size at delivery time. The brace and wheels will be the only parts that will require replacing in relation to the child's growth.

These parts can be ordered at Made for Movement or the representative in your country.

The Hibbot has a pelvis support (brace) replicating the hands of the therapist to be able to stand.

There is no need to hold on to the device with the hands like on a conventional walker – hands free walking. The Hibbot challenges the child to move away from a flexed position and instead work on strengthening extensor muscles and finding balance. Small adjustments on the Hibbot makes it possible to adapt amount of support needed to either give more support or to reduce the support due to progression of the child’s motor function.

The Hibbot consist of two fall protections “arms”. The fall protection-support is adjusted to be just 5-10 cm above the floor. In case the child loose balance either forward or to the side the fall protection-support will go into the ground and protect the child from falling over.

In addition, the Hibbot has a compass that is turned ON or OFF to control lateral sway. By lateral sway the Hibbot will turn back into centre and the child will walk straight forward. The fall protection-support and the compass make it possible for the child to work safely on its balance in the Hibbot.

The Hibbot can easily be dismantled for transport. In the user manual it is described how to remove and assemble the fall-prevention and wheels.

The frame, fall-support and the brace can be transported in a bag together and the wheels separately.

The Hibbot is growing with the child by replacing the brace and wheels.

The limit is a weight of 30 kg and height of 125 cm.

The period the child will use depends on its initial level of functioning.

More involved children need the Hibbot for many years.

It is advised to start as early as possible to make the child as active as possible in the right way.

Intensity, repetition, specificity of training (are important factors in the motor learning process of standing and walking.

The growing ability of the device makes it a smart investment that can be used for many years if necessary and started at a young age.

Although the Hibbot seems straightforward from the look of it, it’s a comprehensive and smart device with state-of-the-art technology built into it. Human hands have always been a challenge to replicate in the robotics field, however, the Hibbot replicates all the hand movements a physiotherapist usually uses when supporting a child while walking. The Hibbot support is adjustable and smart enough to give the child just the support it needs to progress. This makes the Hibbot unique whilst remaining user-friendly.

NF-Walker

The NF-Walker is designed especially for people with limited or no ability to move independently (non-ambulatory). It works by supporting the user in an upright standing position, to allow independent movement in a safe, comfortable way. It is suitable for helping with a wide range of medical conditions such as:

Cerebral palsy
Syndromes such as Rett and Trisomie 21
Spina bifida
Brain injury

NF-Walker is a dynamic standing and walking device and the aim is to give the user an opportunity to develop independent movement in standing position. It should be used in daily activities together with peers to stimulate activity and participation. When it comes to recommendations for being in a standing position research indicate 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 should always be adapted and continuously evaluated in accordance to the user’s current health condition.

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

Yes, the NF-Walker is approved for outdoor use.

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

The NF-Walker encourage safe weight-bearing for the user to build up strength and confidence. However, the amount of bodyweight a user will support is dependent 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.

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

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 versus the risks of using the product for a patient. The presence of the following conditions or symptoms should be monitored closely:

Fixed contractures
Instable bone structure
Open wounds on the skin in areas of the body that come into contact with parts of the NF-Walker
Circulatory disorders
Respiratory disorders
Cardiac disorders
Epilepsy
Osteoporosis

Walking is a complex movement. Whilst using the NF-Walker, the user 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 in the device first.

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.

We offer standard head supports, but we also have great experience in creating customised support 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.

As the NF-Walker is a personal assistive device and customised for individual use, it requires regularly aftercare service. This to ensure the gait trainer is correctly adjusted for the user as they change, due to factors such as growth or altered functioning.

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.

A complete standing program should always be discussed with a clinician. General guidelines recommend daily standing for 1-2 hours daily. This means it might be necessary to have different aids available to meet all practical needs to reach the recommendations. However, many clinicians believe that the NF-Walker cover both static and dynamic standing requirements. It is possible to add an extra guide-string for stretching, while standing if needed.

The system for reimbursement when purchasing assistive devices 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. You find our contact details here.

Innowalk

The Innowalk is designed especially for people with limited or no ability to move independently (non-ambulatory). It works by supporting the user in an upright standing position, to allow assisted, guided and repetitive movements in a safe, comfortable way. It is 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
Brain injury
MS
Stroke

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 Innowalk should always be adapted and continuously evaluated in accordance to the user’s current health condition.

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

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.

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

The Innowalk is 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 dependent on the upright position they can achieve. The straighter position, the more weight-bearing is performed by the user.

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

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

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.

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

A complete standing program should always be discussed with a clinician. General guidelines recommend daily standing for 1-2 hours daily. This means it might be necessary to have different aids available to meet all practical needs to reach the recommendations. However, many clinicians believe that the Innowalk cover both static and dynamic standing requirements.

Xplore

The Xplore is available in 2 sizes and can be adjusted individually by our trained staff in this regard. If you notice the device is becoming too small, please contact the relevant staff member directly or send an email to info.de@madeformovement.com

The user steers the Xplore by means of their leg movements and by shifting their weight. It can also be steered by hand using an optional steering unit.

There is no need to stand upright, the user is supported by a saddle. You have the choice of removing this if the child can stand upright unaided.

The Xplore is specially designed for people who have limited or no ability to move independently (who are unable to walk unaided or have limited walking ability). It keeps the user in an upright position so that they can move safely and comfortably, with support or unaided. The Xplore can be used for support by people with many different conditions:

Cerebral palsy
Various syndromes such as Rett syndrome and trisomy 21
Spinal cord injuries
Spina bifida
Traumatic brain injury

The Xplore is a dynamic walking aid and allows the user to move independently in an upright position. It is used for many everyday activities and encourages the user to move about more, allowing them to get involved in everyday situations.

Scientific studies suggest that physical activity has a positive impact on health and well-being, so we recommend using these devices for an hour every day.

How much actual time is spent using the Xplore is dependent on the user’s own health and must be assessed regularly. Your local Made for Movement consultant would be happy to advise you on this.

Yes, the Xplore is suitable for outdoor use and has been tested accordingly.

Yes, to a certain extent it is possible to adapt for malposition caused by scoliosis. However, this must always be assessed on a case-by-case basis so that the best solution can be decided on. In some cases, a support device or other dynamic body support can place the user in a better posture and therefore ensure greater comfort.

An individual assessment must always be performed. The responsible doctors prescribing one of our aids can weigh up the potential benefits against the risks of the patient using the product in question. Close monitoring is required for patients with the following diseases or symptoms:

Significant deformities
Very strong contractures
Osteoporosis
Bone instability
Joint instability
Skin lesions in areas in direct contact with the aid
Circulatory disorders
Respiratory disorders
Cardiac disorders
Epilepsy

We offer standard head supports, but we also have extensive experience of developing custom solutions. We will come up with the right solution for you if the standard option is not entirely suitable for you. Please contact your local consultant, the Made for Movement office or the distributor in your country to discuss alternative solutions.

The regulations for reimbursement of costs when purchasing mobility aids differ from one funding provider to another. Generally, however, the cost of these aids is covered in full by the funding provider. Made for Movement distributes the Xplore through direct sales. Therefore, we recommend that you contact Made for Movement GmbH initially. They would be happy to provide you with advice on how to proceed.

FAQ