How Physical Therapists Help You Use Walking Therapy Equipment

Learn how a well-trained physical therapist helps you use walking therapy equipment in walking rehabilitation. Receive optimal results with Salute’s JustWalk Rehab Walking Device.

Salute’s JustWalk rehabilitative walking device uses advanced neuromotion therapy technology to care for patients following a stroke or neurological disorders. Portable and lightweight, it is easy to transfer this walking therapy equipment from in-clinic care to in-home care. However, using the device still requires careful attention to the specific problems of patients who use them. Patients react differently to the device, which is why it is important to have a well-trained physical therapist on hand to learn how to properly use it.

Safety Procedures

Physical therapists first and foremost need to ensure each patient's safety throughout walking rehabilitation. Although it is necessary to challenge patients so that they continue to progress throughout treatment with walking therapy equipment, it is also crucial that they are never pushed beyond their limits. Therapists carefully assess individual needs and act accordingly. For example, some patients may need additional assistance when walking or need the therapist to stand right beside them while they train.

Testing

To get a comprehensive idea of what each patient needs, physical therapists conduct a test, whether it be a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test or a Four Square Step Test (FSST). The TUG test determines fall risk and measures the progress of balance (stroke survivors in particular are at high risk for falls due to a decrease in walking speed and step asymmetries). Patients start in a seated position. When the therapist gives them the word, they stand and walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down. The FSST assesses dynamic stability and the patient’s ability to step over low objects forward, sideways, and backward. These tests, and others like them, are important to determine the patient’s progress in treatment and to make any necessary adjustments. 

Types of Exercises

Physical therapists are trained to understand the joints and muscles that are targeted by various modes of walking training with walking therapy equipment. Based on this understanding, the therapist carefully chooses the best walk training that meets the specific therapeutic needs of the patient. Some patients respond best to assistance, whereas others respond best to resistance. This then determines where the rollers of the device need to be placed. If a patient needs assistance, then the therapist will connect the rollers from the internal part of the leg. If the goal is to improve gait length, then the rollers are connected to the back of the sandal. This provides resistance that is proportional to the movement velocity of the limb during treatment, which improves gait length once the device is removed. 

Walking is a whole-body exercise, involving both the lower body and the upper body. Because of this, therapists also choose exercises based on what type of strength most needs enhancement. Knowing what the goals of therapy are is crucial to getting the most out of JustWalk. 

Advancements in neuromotion therapy are driving Israeli medical device companies to develop devices that improve the rehabilitative care patients with neurological conditions receive. Here at Chaban, we are proud of the difference our device makes in the lives of patients globally.