1. What Is Gait Training Equipment?

Gait training equipment helps support patients during walking rehabilitation.

Walking training typically involves practicing skills like standing up, stepping, walking, and transferring weight.

Patients may experience various mobility impairments that affect their ability to walk.

For instance, they may have weakness or poor coordination.

Alternatively, patients may struggle with balance during walking motions.

Gait training equipment can help provide controlled environments for performing these movements.

Adjustable equipment can also allow therapists to change how much support patients receive.

Body weight support gait training systems, for example, can adjust how much weight patients lift during training.

Many pieces of gait training equipment offer real-time feedback as well.

Robotic devices or body weight support can also offer assistance to patients as they walk.

Gait training equipment is a versatile tool that can enhance both conventional and technology-based rehabilitation treatments.

2. Why Is Gait Training Important?

Walking requires activation and coordination of the legs, trunk, nervous system, and balance.

First, the legs must be able to generate force with each step.

Second, patients must maintain stability through their trunk and core.

Third, the brain and nervous system must coordinate these movements.

Finally, patients must continuously adjust their balance while walking.

Since there are many moving parts to walking, patients can experience difficulties from many different causes.

For example, stroke patients often experience difficulty walking correctly.

Patients with neurological disorders can face challenges with walking mechanics.

Weakness and poor balance can impact elderly patients’ walking abilities as well.

Patients with orthopedic injuries or disabilities may also struggle to walk.

Each of these conditions can benefit from gradual, repetitive gait training.

Gait training equipment allows therapists to add more tools to this process.

3. Types of Gait Training Equipment

There are many types of environments where gait training can take place.

These environments determine what equipment would be most useful.

Some of the most common types of gait training equipment include:

• Gait training systems
• Gait training treadmills
• Body weight support systems
• Robotic gait training systems
• Lower limb rehabilitation robots
• Parallel bars
• Overground gait trainers
• Walking rehabilitation equipment

Each piece of equipment can fulfill a different role in therapy.

Clinics should have different equipment based on their patient’s needs.

Gait Training Systems

Gait training systems are devices that allow patients to practice walking.

These systems provide support for patients while they complete repetitive walking exercises.

Gait training systems allow therapists to break down gait training into progressive steps.

Gait Training Treadmills

Gait training treadmills allow patients to practice walking in a stationary position.

Therapists can set the speed of the treadmill based on patient ability.

Body weight can also be adjusted on some treadmill systems.

Body Weight Support Systems

Body weight support gait training equipment offloads weight from the patient’s lower body.

With body weight support systems, patients with weak leg strength can learn to step with assistance.

Robotic Systems

Robotic gait training equipment can support patients as they perform walking movements.

Robotic assistance can be useful when patients require help completing repetitive motions.

Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robot

4. Gait Training Treadmills

Walking or running on a treadmill is a common rehabilitation exercise.

The treadmill provides a stable surface for walking that patients can practice on.

Additionally, therapists can change the speed of the treadmill to match patient ability.

Progressive resistance can be added gradually during treadmill training.

This allows patients to practice walking at an appropriate intensity level.

Another benefit of treadmill training is the ability to practice repetitive steps.

Patients will need to produce consistent step cycles while on the treadmill.

Some treadmill systems can be combined with body weight support equipment.

This allows patients to practice walking while reducing load on their lower limbs.

Important Features of Gait Training Treadmills

When looking for a treadmill, clinics may want to look for:

• Easily adjustable speed
• Emergency stop functions
• Stability handrails
• Body harness compatibility
• Wide walking surface
• Speed adjusts without reaching away from patient
• Patient monitoring capabilities

These features can allow therapists to use the treadmill during different stages of recovery.

5. Body Weight Support Gait Training Equipment

Body weight support (BWS) is commonly used in gait training.

Body weight support systems support a patient’s weight with a harness.

The patient’s legs do not have to support as much weight when practicing walking.

Body weight support can allow patients to practice stepping correctly.

Who Can Use Body Weight Support?

Body weight support equipment can benefit many different patient populations, such as:

• Stroke patients
• Patients with neurological conditions
• Elderly patients
• Patients with weak leg strength
• Patients who are injured

Only a healthcare professional can decide if body weight support training is safe for a patient.

Benefits of Using Body Weight Support

Some benefits of body weight support include:

Reduced Body Weight

Patients do not have to support their full body weight while training.

This means they may find it easier to perform step movements.

Training can also be progressive with body weight support.

The therapist can gradually reduce how much support the patient receives.

Repetitive Walking Practice

With body weight support, patients can perform repetitive walking movements.

Body weight support allows patients to safely practice walking mechanics.

Additional Support

Body weight support equipment can also provide a therapist with greater patient support.

Therapists can ensure that patients do not fall while training.

Body Weight Support Gait Training

6. Robotic Gait Training Equipment

Robotic gait training devices are a newer type of therapy technology.

These devices can assist patients with performing walking movements.

Robotic assistance can allow patients to perform repetitive leg movements.

A robotic gait training system can support different forms of assisted walking.

The device can support the leg as it moves through a step motion.

Therapists can increase or decrease the amount of assistance provided by the robot.

Robotic therapy can be adjusted to match a patient’s progress.

Benefits of Robotic Walking Training

 Therapists can allow patients to perform repeated movements with robotic devices.

Some patients require more assistance than others.

Robotic assistance can be increased or decreased to match patient needs.

 Robotic devices can directly control the movement of legs.

Since the robot moves the patient’s legs, therapists can use robots to control walking motion.

 Certain robotic devices can record data while patients are training.

Monitoring this data can allow therapists to track patient progress over time.

7. Overground Gait Training Equipment

Patients do not have to use a treadmill to practice walking.

Overground gait training teaches patients to walk over ground surfaces.

Since the surface does not move, overground gait training can provide a more natural environment.

Types of overground gait training equipment include:

• Parallel bars
• Gait trainers
• Walking frames
• Body weight support harnesses
• Mobile body weight support systems

Parallel Bars

Parallel bars are long horizontal bars that patients can hold onto.

Patients can use parallel bars to support their body weight while they practice standing or stepping.

Gait Trainers

Gait trainers are devices that patients hold on to while they walk.

These devices can be useful for patients who need substantial support while walking.

Mobile Bodyweight Support Systems

Some systems give patients access to body weight support while they walk.

These mobile systems can assist patients while they walk during therapy.

8. Gait Training Equipment for Different Patients

Different patients require different styles of gait training.

Therapists should look at a patient’s specific needs when investing in new equipment.

8.1 Gait Training Equipment for Stroke Patients

Stroke can impair patients’ muscle strength, coordination, and balance.

Stroke victims may need additional support while performing gait training.

Body weight support allows patients to practice stepping while supported by a harness.

Robotic devices can help stroke patients practice repetitive leg movements.

Gait Rehabilitation After Stroke

8.2 Gait Training Equipment for Elderly Patients

The elderly often suffer from decreased strength and balance.

Gait training can be highly beneficial for elderly patients when done safely.

Supportive gait training systems can allow therapists to control exercise conditions.

Balance Rehabilitation for Elderly Patients

8.3 Gait Training Equipment for Neurological Rehabilitation

Neurological conditions can greatly impact how patients walk.

Some neurological diseases can lead to patients forgetting how to walk correctly.

Robotic assistance and body weight support devices can help patients practice walking.

8.4 Gait Training Equipment for Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Orthopedic conditions can temporarily limit patients from walking correctly.

Orthopedic injury patients may need to slowly progress into weight-bearing exercises.

Therapists can set treadmill speed to match orthopedic patients’ progress.

9. Benefits of Gait Training Equipment

9.1 Controlled Walking Practice

Gait training equipment creates a stable environment for patients to practice walking.

Therapists can control speed on treadmills or adjust support for patients.

9.2 Repetitive Movement

Many gait training devices allow patients to practice repetitive stepping motions.

For instance, patients can practice the same step pattern on a treadmill for multiple reps.

9.3 Adjustable Support

Many pieces of equipment allow therapists to adjust the amount of assistance given.

Machine-based assistance can be fine-tuned to match a patient’s capabilities.

9.4 Improve Training Safety

If a patient starts to fall during training, they can grab onto support bars.

Body weight support harnesses can also keep patients from falling to the ground.

9.5 Objective Monitoring

Many modern gait training devices come with monitoring capabilities.

Therapists can review this data to identify trends as patient ability improves.

9.6 Progressive Rehabilitation

The difficulty of therapy exercises can be increased over time.

For example, a therapist can reduce how much body weight support is provided.

Patients can also walk for longer periods as their endurance improves.

Gait training equipment can be used during every stage of rehabilitation.

10. How Gait Training Equipment Works

Many gait training protocols will typically involve 5 steps.

Step 1: Patient Assessment

Assessments should provide the therapist with an understanding of how an individual walks. This could include metrics such as:

• Balance
• Lower limb strength
• Walking speed
• Coordination
• Postural control

As a result, therapists can use this information to determine the appropriate training conditions.

Step 2: Equipment Selection

Therapists should select equipment which matches the patient’s abilities. If patients have high levels of weakness, they may require support during walking.

However, patients with higher functioning may be able to train overground.

As such, therapists should pick training equipment based on patient function.

Step 3: Initial Training

Patients should begin their training with the support and guidance they need.

Therapists should continue monitoring patients’ movements during therapy sessions.

This way, training can continue to stay controlled and managed.

Step 4: Progressive Training

Throughout the rehabilitation program, therapists should begin progressing patients to less support.

For instance, patients may experience reduced body weight support. Alternatively, patients may become able to walk for longer distances.

Ultimately, therapists should strive to challenge patients towards independence.

Step 5: Functional Walking

Ideally, patients should progress to more functional walking exercises. These can help better train walking abilities that apply to real life.

“Functional” walking tasks may involve:

• Starting/stopping
• Turning
• Changing direction
• Negotiating obstacles

In summary, patients should train walking skills that will help them outside of therapy.

11. How to Choose Gait Training Equipment

Clinics should keep a number of factors in mind when choosing equipment.

Patient Population

Clinics should first consider what patients they’ll be seeing.

Will you mostly treat stroke patients? What about elderly rehab patients?

Once you know your patient population, you can choose suitable equipment.

Training Goals

Next, think about what your therapy goals will be.

Will you focus on walking initiation? How about gait pattern training?

Once again, your equipment should align with your clinical goals.

Safety Features

Keeping patients safe should always be a priority.

Look for features that allow therapists to keep training controlled.

Body weight support is one great example of this.

Adjustability

Ideally, equipment should be able to accommodate a range of patients.

Systems with adjustable support allow therapists to change difficulty.

If equipment is adjustable, you can support patients through more than one stage of rehabilitation.

Space Requirements

Think about space requirements as well. If you buy a treadmill system, you may need to dedicate space to it.

Some equipment, like overground systems, may take up more open space.

As a result, consider how much space your clinic has when purchasing.

Maintenance and Training

Finally, make sure you can easily use and maintain the equipment.

Additionally, clinic staff should know how to operate the system.

Look for suppliers that provide proper training and equipment support.

12. Gait Training Technology Trends

Many trends are influencing how clinicians will conduct gait training in the future.

Intelligent Data Analysis

Gait training systems can gather huge amounts of quantitative data.

Thus, clinicians can continue to monitor select performance metrics.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) will allow systems to analyze movements.

With AI, it may be possible to provide more personalized rehabilitation.

Still, AI should never replace the expertise of clinicians and therapists.

Robotic Assistance

Robotic technology allows for precise movement assistance.

Therefore, therapists can use it to assist with repetitive gait training.

Virtual and Interactive Training

Virtual and interactive technology can make training fun and immersive.

Patients who are engaged may want to spend more time training.

Integrated Rehabilitation Systems

No longer are clinics limited to 1 piece of rehabilitation equipment.

Clinics can now find systems that integrate many training tools. Such programs may include:

• Balance assessment
• Gait training
• Body weight support
• Robotic assisted bodyweight training
• Digital tracking

Incorporating multiple technologies allow clinicians to provide well-rounded rehabilitation.

13. Why Choose Jamore Medical?

Jamore Medical is a supplier of medical rehabilitation equipment.

Equipments are suited for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and physical clinics.

Jamore Medical’s mission is to provide quality mobility recovery equipment and intelligent rehabilitation technology.

Products include:

• Gait Training System
• Body Weight Support Treadmill System
• Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robot
• Robotic Gait Rehabilitation Equipment 
• Walking Rehabilitation Equipment
• Balance Rehabilitation Equipment
• Balance Training Systems
• Balance Assessment Equipment
• Active and Passive Limb Trainer
• Medical Physical Therapy Equipment

Clinics have the ability to select which equipment they want.

For example, clinics can provide both gait training and balance rehabilitation.

Clinics can even use body weight support to progress walking rehabilitation.

Jamore Medical even has robotic rehabilitation equipment for more advanced therapy.

Need help deciding which equipment fits your clinic’s needs? Visit Jamore Medical to learn more about their rehabilitation technology.

14. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is gait training equipment?

A1: Gait training equipment refers to systems which are used to train walking.

These can include treadmill systems, gait training equipment, bodyweight support, and robotic systems.

Q2: What equipment is best for gait training?

A2: This will depend on your patients and rehabilitation goals.

As a result, therapists should select equipment that fits their patients’ needs.

Q3: Can gait training equipment help stroke patients?

A3: Certain stroke patients can benefit from gait training equipment.

BMI support and robotics are 2 options that can allow further customization.

Q4: What is a body weight support treadmill?

A4: Body weight support treadmills allow patients to walk on a treadmill with support from a harness.

Essentially, patients can walk without having to support their full body weight.

Q5: What is robotic gait training?

A5: Robotic gait training refers to the use of robotics to assist with walking movements.

Robotic training allows for repetitive, controlled practice.

Q6: Can elderly patients use gait training equipment?

A6: Yes, many elderly patients can benefit from gait training equipment.

However, therapists should first ensure the equipment matches the patient’s function.

Q7: What is the difference between gait training and walking training?

A7: Gait training specifically focuses on improving how someone walks.

Walking training can be used to describe training that focuses on broader mobility skills.

Q8: How often should gait training be performed?

A8: Every patient will have different exercise prescriptions.

Therefore, therapists should determine how often their patients should train.

15. Conclusion

Gait training allows therapists to provide structured walking exercises.

Through the use of gait training equipment, therapists can challenge patients in a variety of ways.

Treadmills allow for controlled walking practice.

Body weight support reduces how much patients have to support their own body weight.

Training overground allows patients to practice walking in a more functional environment.

Robotics can help patients practice proper movement.

Additionally, newer systems can provide digital tracking of patient performance.

Providing patients with challenging and structured walking practice requires many pieces of equipment.

Every clinic’s needs will be different based on their patient population and training goals.

However, therapists should first and foremost consider what is best for their patients.

At Jamore Medical, we understand how tough it can be to select the right equipment.

That is why we offer gait training systems, body weight support solutions, robotic rehabilitation equipment, and more!

Start building your rehabilitation program today with Jamore Medical’s range of physical therapy equipment.