1. What Is a Gait Rehabilitation System?

Simply put, a gait rehabilitation system is a rehabilitation solution designed to facilitate walking recovery.

Instead of describing one device, this term refers to an integrated solution that can potentially include several technologies.

Typical training features can include:

• Body weight support
• Treadmill training
• Harness system
• Robotic assistance
• Overground walking practice
• Safety support
• Movement monitoring
• Training data collection

It allows patients to practice walking safely and repetitively under controlled conditions.

A therapist can adjust training parameters based on patient mobility. Systems may offer support for early walking practice as well as progressive mobility training.

However, professional therapists should always match rehabilitation equipment to individual patient capabilities.

2. How Does a Gait Rehabilitation System Work?

Generally speaking, training with a gait rehabilitation system follows a similar process.

First, a therapist evaluates mobility and selects appropriate equipment.

To decide on training conditions, therapists may assess various factors such as strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and existing walking patterns.

Next, patients will practice walking through repeated stepping motions.

Patients who need additional support can train with body weight support, which essentially decreases weight bearing requirements.

Therapists can then progress or regress mobility assistance based on patients abilities.

Training can gradually become more or less challenging based on patient abilities and rehabilitation goals.

3. Main Components of a Gait Rehabilitation System

Now that we have covered the basics of what a gait rehabilitation system is and how it works, we can review the individual components.

Keep in mind that not every system offers the exact same features. Also, rehabilitation professionals should always tailor treatment according to patient needs.

That being said, here are some of the main functions you may encounter:

3.1 Body Weight Support

Body weight support is typically integrated into a support harness and structure.

Body weight support reduces demands on the legs by decreasing the weight a patient must bear while practicing walking motions.

This can allow patients to practice stepping movements while substantially reducing weight bearing on the legs.

BWST can also increase stability for early-stage walkers.

3.2 Treadmill Training

The treadmill provides a flat walking surface. The speed of the treadmill can typically be adjusted to match patient needs.

Training on a treadmill allows therapists to provide consistent walking practice with adjustable speed settings.

3.3 Harness System

A harness is usually attached to the support and body weight support system.

It goes around the patient’s body and allows the BWST system to lift partial weight off of their legs.

Patients of different sizes should be able to achieve a comfortable and supportive fit with appropriate adjustment capabilities.

3.4 Robotic Assistance

Robotic assistance is an option on some gait rehabilitation systems. Robotic assistance may allow therapists to assist with certain leg movements.

This allows therapists to provide consistent training assistance while decreasing physical strain.

3.5 Overground Training

Walking overground refers to walking outside of the treadmill environment.

If supported by the system, overground walking can help patients practice walking in a more natural environment.

This may allow patients to better transition into functional walking movements.

3.6 Monitoring and Data Functions

Some systems come with monitoring features. These may include sensors that allow therapists to track certain forms of movement data.

Information about speed, training duration, distance covered, assistance levels, and more can allow therapists to monitor training.

4. Who Can Benefit From a Gait Rehabilitation System?

A gait rehabilitation system can benefit many different rehabilitation patients. Here are some common examples:

• Stroke patients
• Spinal cord injury patients
• Other neurological patients
• Traumatic brain injury
• Orthopedic patients
• Post-surgical patients
• Elderly patients needing mobility rehabilitation
• Patients who need balance and walking rehabilitation

That does not mean every patient will need exactly the same equipment setup.

Some patients may need heavy support with body weight support systems while others may require minimal assistance.

As always, therapists should select systems that match the needs of their patient population.

5. Gait Rehabilitation System for Stroke Recovery

Stroke can impact patients in many ways. Some common deficits seen in stroke patients include weakness, balance deficits, asymmetrical walking patterns, and many others.

Patients can practice repetitive stepping motions with body weight support.

BWST can help reduce the difficulty of weight bearing while patients practice stepping motions on a treadmill or while standing.

Therapists can gradually adjust treatment conditions to accommodate patient improvements.

We cover this topic in depth on our “ Gait Rehabilitation After Stroke ” page.

Link to this page from that article.

6. Gait Rehabilitation System for Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions can affect patients in a variety of ways.

Walking may be difficult due to problems with:

• Timing of steps
• Placement of feet
• Transferring weight from one leg to the other
• Balance
• Coordination of lower limbs
• Walking endurance

A gait rehab system can provide consistent training conditions for repetition and practice.

Robotic assistance can be used to support certain leg movements. Body weight support can reduce the difficulty of weight bearing requirements.

Many patients will benefit from treadmill training since it allows therapists to control speed and other training variables.

Check out our Gait Rehabilitation for Neurological Patients page for more information on this topic.

7. Gait Rehabilitation System for Elderly Patients

Mobility can become problematic for elderly individuals.

Strength, endurance, balance, and confidence while walking can all affect mobility for seniors.

However, some older adults may also benefit from practicing walking with a gait rehabilitation system.

Adjustable support allows therapists to provide greater assistance for elderly patients who need it.

Speed and duration can also be controlled by therapists.

Mobility levels, goals, balance ability, and other individual factors can influence what elderly patients need from therapy.

Visit our Gait Rehabilitation for Elderly Patients page to learn more!

8. Benefits of a Gait Rehabilitation System

Gait rehabilitation systems can benefit rehabilitation centers and patients in many ways.

Outlined below are some advantages of a gait rehabilitation system.

Structured and Controlled Training Conditions

These systems allow therapists to adjust training variables and create structured treatment sessions.

Provides Repetitive Walking Practice

High repetition can be essential for some patients recovering walking ability.

Walkers can provide a consistent platform that patients use for repeated practice.

Adjustable Assistance

Needs will vary from patient to patient.

BWST and robot can provide adjustable support for different patients.

Increased Safety

Many gait systems come with harnesses and support structures.

They can add an extra layer of safety for patients who require supervision during walking practice.

Versatile and Adaptable Treatment

Systems can allow therapists to combine various training methods.

Some patients may benefit from using a treadmill, BWST, and overground walking.

Mechanical Assistance for Therapists

Many systems allow therapists to focus more on proper movement rather than having to support patients’ weight.

9. Gait Rehabilitation System vs Traditional Gait Training

Traditional gait training involves therapists manually supporting walking movements.

It is still very important and used regularly in clinical settings.

However, some patients with severe mobility issues may require large amounts of support.

Pediatric walkers can provide adjustable mechanical support and controlled training conditions.

10. How to Choose a Gait Rehabilitation System

There are many factors to consider when selecting a gait rehabilitation system. Here are some of them:

Identify Your Patient Population

What type of patients will you be primarily serving? Will you mostly be serving neurological patients, orthopedic patients, or both?

Mobility needs can vary greatly between different populations.

Determine Weight Capacity Needs

Most gait systems will list a maximum weight capacity.

Ideally, this capacity should comfortably exceed the weight of your largest patient.

Determine Needed Support Range

Systems will list the min and max body weight support percentages.

Ideally, you will want a system that has a wide range of support values.

Therapists will appreciate having additional adjustability throughout the recovery process.

Review Treadmill Specifications

If you select a system that includes a treadmill, you will want to look at:

 Speed range

 Belt size

 Motor capabilities

 Emergency stop functions

 Walking surface

Adjustability of the Harness

Can patients of different heights comfortably use the support harness?

Comfort should also be considered if patients will be using the walker for long periods of time.

Review Safety Features

You will want to look over the emergency stop features as well as test the support frame and harness system.

Evaluate Data Collection Features

Some systems can provide output that records aspects of your therapy session.

This can be useful for some therapists when it comes to documenting therapy sessions.

asses your Facility’s Needs

How much space do you have available?

Will the unit plug into a standard outlet or does it require specialized power accommodations?

These are some things to consider regarding your facility.

What about maintenance? Are there any training requirements for staff? Can the company provide installation and technical support?

Final Product Should Meet Your Needs

Every gym will have different priorities and requirements.

When evaluated thoroughly, you should be able to find a system that fits your facility’s needs.

11. Gait Rehabilitation System Applications

Patients can often progress through different stages of walking recovery.

Systems should be flexible enough to adjust to the patient’s needs, not force the patient to adapt to the system.

Early Stage Walking

New walkers with substantial mobility limitations may require more support and stability.

Body weight support can help therapists create very controlled training conditions.

Progressive Walking

BWST can be gradually decreased to allow patients to bear more weight on their legs.

Once patients can walk safely with less support, they can continue regaining function without heavy assistance.

Functional Walking

Once patients master walking on a treadmill, practicing overground walking can allow them to practice more functional movements.

Long-Term Walking Training

Some patients may need to use a gait training system for long periods of time.

Having adjustable features that can change with patient progress can be beneficial long term.

Systems can be used throughout different stages of mobility recovery.

12. Gait Rehabilitation Technology Trends

As with anything technology-related, there are always going to be new innovations and trends.

Here are some of the current trends in gait rehabilitation.

Integration

These systems have started to combine many of the features we discussed above.

BWST + Treadmill + Robotics + Monitoring

Jamore Medical’s mobile gait rehabilitation system is one example of integration.

Collecting Data

Another big trend is the collection of data.

Some systems allow therapists to collect data about certain movements and therapy sessions.

Robotics

Robotic rehabilitation isn’t new, but it is constantly improving.

Robotic systems allow for repeatable movements and consistent assistance.

Overground Systems

While treadmill-based systems are very common, there is a push for more overground systems.

More Functionality

In the future, we will likely see gait rehab systems provide even more functionality.

Customization and smarter assistance are likely areas of improvement.

Therapists Should Always Evaluate Patients

No matter how advanced technology gets, therapists will always play a crucial role in patient recovery.

13. Why Choose Jamore Medical?

At Jamore Medical, we want to provide you with the best equipment to serve your patients.

Jamore Medical specializes in mobility recovery and advanced rehabilitation technology.

Some of the areas Jamore Medical covers include:

• Gait rehabilitation
• Body weight support
• Lower limb rehabilitation
• Balance training
• Robotic assistance
• Physical therapy

Visit our homepage to see the variety of mobility rehabilitation solutions we can offer.

Selecting the right system for your rehabilitation facility is about more than finding the lowest prices.

Jamore Medical can work with you to provide the best equipment solutions based on your facility’s needs.

Browse our website to see what we can offer you.

Need more rehabilitation information?

Reach out to fellow rehab professionals on LinkedIn and join the discussion.

Check out our Gait Rehabilitation Equipment page to learn more about different types of systems.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-rehabilitation/

14. FAQ

l What is a gait rehabilitation system?

A gait rehabilitation system combines several pieces of rehabilitation equipment to allow patients to practice walking and walking-related movements.

l What does a gait rehabilitation system include?

This can vary, but some common functions include body weight support, treadmill training, harness system, robotic assistance, monitoring systems, and overground training.

l Is a gait rehabilitation system suitable for stroke patients?

Yes. Gait rehabilitation systems can provide controlled conditions for stroke patients to practice walking.

l What is the difference between a gait training machine and a gait rehabilitation system?

A gait training machine may just include one piece of equipment. A gait rehabilitation system can contain several pieces of equipment.

l Can a gait rehabilitation system support elderly patients?

Yes, as long as it is provided that they are capable and it follows the proper safety guidelines.

l Is robotic assistance necessary?

No, robotic assistance is just an optional feature that some systems include.

l How should rehabilitation centers choose a system?

Look into what your patient population is, preferred support range, weight capacity, safety features, adjustability, desirable training functions, and facility requirements.

Each facility will have different needs and priorities.

15. Conclusion

A gait rehabilitation system allows for flexibility when it comes to modern gait training.

Thanks to features like body weight support, treadmill training, robotic assistance, and more, therapists can adjust to the needs of their patients.

Although every gym will have different priorities, by answering the questions above, you can find a system that will fit your facility’s needs.

Gait rehabilitation technology should be used to support traditional therapist-led training, not replace it.

With proper integration into your facility, a gait rehabilitation system can open up many opportunities for your patients.