Step width increaser

Abstract

The apparatus provides a proper step width for patients during gait training with neurological disorders, such as spasticity or paraparesis of the lower extremities. The apparatus provides proprioceptive feedback through the ankles during gait training with an assistive device (cane, walker, or parallel bars). The apparatus can be adjusted to different step widths depending on the patient and the physical therapist's recommendation. The result would be an improvement in the patient's gait pattern over time (with less risk of injury to the patient) and an improvement in the method used by the physical therapist for gait training for this problem.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] This invention relates to rehabilitation equipment for the physical therapy field. More specifically, it relates to a portable apparatus which can be used in a clinic and / or a patient's home to assist in attempting to increase the step width of the patient. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] As a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Massachusetts, I have spent a few years gait training the elderly using assistive devices (e.g. walkers and canes). Many of them ambulated with a very narrow base of support, or worse, displayed a scissoring gait pattern (this happens when the patient's feet cross over each other during gait as opposed to normal gait with the feet being parallel to each ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] I have created a device which would facilitate a normal step width during ambulation without disturbing the patient's balance or putting the physical therapist in a position of compromised stability. The device would have a fixture placed between the patient's ankles to maintain a normal step width (7-10 cm) as he or she walked. It would prevent the patient's step width from decreasing to less than 7-10 cm. The device would only be used during gait training with a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant.

Problems solved by technology

This could be caused by a few problems such as weak hip abductors, poor range of motion or spasticity in the hip adductors, internal hip rotation due to spasticity or tightness, or hemiplegia following a stroke.

A crude (and unsafe) method of trying to prevent this occurrence during gait training is to place the foot of the therapist between the feet of the patient as he or she walks.

This method, although used quite often, is not the safest.

The patient is at risk for tripping and the physical therapist is assisting the patient with less than optimal stability.

Images