Modifiable walking-assistance apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for facilitating walking and a method of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a pole member, at least a first grip member and a second grip member, the first grip member is arranged to allow a user of the apparatus to move stably and the second grip member is arranged to allow a user of the apparatus to participate in a rigorous activity, and one or more ground contact members. The grip members are removably connectable to the pole member at a first end of the pole member, and the one or more ground contact members are removably connectable to the pole member at a second end of the pole member. The method includes the steps of participating in one or more diagnostic activities by an individual to generate data and selecting one or more walking-improvement activities that involve use of the apparatus based on the data obtained.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to an apparatus to facilitate walking. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus including a plurality of removably connectable parts, and a method of using the apparatus to facilitate walking, such as for the purpose of improving the rehabilitation of an individual having a walking disorder or merely enhancing the physical ability of an individual.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Walking disorders are common. They are attributable to accidents, such as falls and collisions, for example, to maladies, such as vertigo, strokes and muscular degeneration, for example, and to surgery. Most walking disorders can be treated and, in many cases, complete recovery is possible. However, the rehabilitation process often is fraught with problems that must be overcome before such recovery can be made. For example, during the earliest stage of rehabilitation, the rehabilit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for using the present apparatus as part of a rehabilitation or wellness program. The method generally includes the steps of: (a) participating in one or more diagnostic activities by a health care professional of the individual; (b) monitoring the one or more diagnostic activities to obtain data; (c) using the data to select one or more walking-assistive activities; and participating in the selected one or more walking-assistive activities by the individual, wherein the one or more locomotion-assistive activities are selected based on the data, and wherein the participation in the selected one or more walking-assistive activities includes the use of the app

Problems solved by technology

However, the rehabilitation process often is fraught with problems that must be overcome before such recovery can be made.

For example, during the earliest stage of rehabilitation, the rehabilitating individual typically faces mental challenges that impede his / her ability to enjoy optimal progress.

Further, some rehabilitating individuals may “have their good times and their bad times.” That is, their level of impairment may fluctuate widely in short swings throughout the rehabilitation process.

For the rehabilitating individual, once that stability has been achieved, the support cane design is unsuitable for the move from rehabilitation to a more rigorous exercise regimen.

On the other hand, a device such as a trekking stick is useful to the individual at the rigorous exercise stage of rehabilitation, but it offers little in the way of stability for the individual at the start of rehabilitation.

That is, the trekking stick is less suitable as a stability device.

Existing tools focus on one or the other of stability and exercise assistance, but these tools individually fail to be adjustable for the transition from initial rehabilitation to exercise.

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