What is a gait trainer?
It is not always easy to predict if a child with a disability will learn to walk, but we can always make an effort to explore the child's ability to develop this skill or give the child some form of independent mobility with assistive devices. A gait trainer is an excellent device for this purpose.
A gait trainer is an assistive mobility device providing support around the person's trunk and pelvis to enable standing and walking. The level and amount of support is individually adjusted depending on the child's needs and can be modified as the child advances with his or her walking.
What is the difference between a walker and a gait trainer?
Compared to a walker, a gait trainer offers more extensive support and is typically used by children who are not able to consistently bear full weight through the legs. These children need additional support to stand and take steps independently. Relevant diagnosis can be for example cerebral palsy, Rett syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and the children are non-ambulatory.
Wherease children who are expected to use a typical walker in the future may be in need of a gait trainer as a training device over a period of time to develop independent walking ability with minimal support. This may be children with motor function levels corresponding to cerebral palsy, GMFCS II and III.
Why is walking so important?
For a child with a disability taking his or hers first steps supported by an assistive device is an important moment and milestone, for both the child and the parents. Mobility in standing allows the child to experience its environment from a whole new perspective and let the child become more independent. It also stimulates to more activity and participation with peers.
Furthermore, upright mobility is also beneficial for general health and well-being. It has positive impact on joints, muscles, bones, respiration, bowl and bladder function as well as psychological and cognitive development.
Guide: Activities in walkers
The ultimate guide over fun and social activities for children who use walkers!
Download the guide for free and surprise your child with a day full of fun activities.
Which device suits my child?
An assistive device has the purpose of supporting your child’s development, increasing independence, and letting the child explore the world despite of its disability. The Made for Movement assistive devices are designed to encourage activity and participation, but you may be asking “which of the products suits my child?”
Read more on our blog: Which device suits my child?
Quick comparison of our gait trainers
Here you get a quick overview of the differences between our gait trainers when it comes to "Who is it for?" and "How much support the different devices offer".
| NF-Walker | Xplore | Hibbot | |
|
Functional level |
Children with motor function level corresponding to (non-ambulatory) |
Children with motor function level corresponding to (non-ambulatory) |
Children with motor function level corresponding to (ambulatory) |
|
|
70-180 cm |
110-180 cm |
60-125 cm |
|
|
1 year and to adulthood |
5 years to adulthood |
10 months to 7-8 years |
|
|
Extensive support system for upper body, pelvis and leg correcting braces. The brace system provides weight-bearing on the feet. |
Adjustable support system for upper body and pelvis. The device is also equipped with a support seat providing a resting position. |
Minimal support of pelvis and lower trunk, with hands free |
|
Aim of the device |
A gait trainer enabling standing and walking with focus |
A gait trainer enabling movement from A to B and |
A gait trainer providing high intensity gait training with the intention of developing independent walking with or without a handheld walking aid. |
Our gait trainers
NF-Walker
Explore the world with the NF-Walker, a gait trainer offering support and correction in multiple areas enabling you to stand and walk independently.
Xplore
Gait trainer for big and small adventures! The Xplore enables people with movement disorders to be more mobile and included in everyday activities.
Hibbot
Learn to walk with the Hibbot, an assistive device offering just enough support and stability at pelvis enabling intensive training of gait.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may have many questions. To make it easier for you, we have gathered the most frequently asked questions about our products.
Ready to take the next step?
If you already know which solution may be suitable, you can
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