Gait trainers can be very effective in conjunction with physical therapy to improve walking. According to a study performed by Nevein MM Gharib et al, when using a gait trainer, children with cerebral palsy showed significant improvement in walking in comparison to a control group who only did physical therapy (Gharib et al). Being able to walk and move enhances quality of life both physically and mentally. There are several negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle, like that of a person who has a disability that inhibits the ability to walk. According to James H. Rimmer et al, disability associated low-expenditure deconditioning syndrome is a concern for individuals with limited mobility. The lack of physical expenditure leads to a decline in musculoskeletal and physiological functioning. It can lead to health risks such as obesity, sarcopenia, and cardiometabolic problems (Rimmer et al). The use of gait trainers would increase the physical activity level of these at-risk individuals and potentially improve quality of life. A comprehensive review of seventeen studies performed by Ginny Paleg and Roslyn Livingstone found that gait trainers not only improved mobility, but also other activity outcomes. For example, studies report a significant impact on bowel function and an increase in bone density (Paleg). As human beings, movement and exercising muscles is needed to promote health.

Although gait trainers prove very successful in enhancing walking abilities, there is a concern foreseen by Charlie with having thigh prompts has to do with suspension trauma or Harness Hang Syndrome. Suspension trauma is a danger that occurs when an individual is held upright without movement for a period of time. When suspended in a harness, gravity works against the blood flow back to the heart. Movement works against gravity and allows blood to be pumped through the veins back to the heart, but without movement, this cannot occur. A harness can also cause veins to be pinched off, specifically the femoral vein, which will block the blood from being pumped back into the heart (Mohr). Insufficient pumping of blood to the heart results in insufficient pumping of blood into and out of the lungs. The lungs thereby do not oxygenate the blood which leads to hypoxia, loss of consciousness, and potentially death (Lane).

For our project, we will focus on upgrading the thigh prompts currently being used in the LiftWalker. According to Charlie, the current LiftWalker is proving very successful in its ability to give individuals with mobility disabilities the freedom to walk and build the muscles necessary. He gave us several examples of how these successes surprised doubtful teachers and nurses. However even with this success, he wants to continue to make improvements to the LiftWalker to create the best experience possible which is why we will be upgrading the thigh prompts. Although the current design is functional, it produces a lot of pressure on the inner back portion of the thigh. We desire to create thigh prompts to evenly distribute pressure around the thigh to ensure safety from suspension trauma and promote comfort.

NOTE: FULL PROJECT DETAILS CANNOT BE SHARED DUE TO CONFIDENTIALITY.