Modular pathway system for gait therapy

Abstract

The Modular Pathways for Gait Therapy, I of the present disclosure, is a system comprising multiple interlocking platform segments. Each platform segment features its own distinctly textured surface, equipped with a hook on top and an interlocking dovetailed eyelet on the bottom. Thus, each platform segment can be easily and securely connected to another. One can rearrange any pathway, of varying lengths, as needed for the post-injury or post-surgery physiotherapy client. Additionally, the relatively compact & lightweight platform segments can be hung on the wall or elsewhere when not in use, ensuring convenient storage & quick setup. The system is designed to enhance diverse sensory feedback during gait therapy, aiding in finer tuning of the client's proprioception, gross & fine locomotor skills, & gait stability during the rehabilitation process.

Description

[0001] Modular Pathway System for Gait Therapy

[0002] Field of Invention: This invention is designed as a rehabilitation device, with various modular stepping platforms for gait therapy. Each platform presents differing textures to enhance visual & tactile sensory feedback, gross & fine locomotor skills, and a more finely modulated proprioception, which contributes to practicing and improving the client’s gait stability.

[0003] Background: Gait therapy is an essential component of rehabilitation for individuals recovering from injuries, or surgery, which impacts the client’s mobility. Traditional physiotherapy methods lack differing visual and tactile sensory engagement needed for optimal gait therapy, which enhances step modulation and ambulatory stability. The present invention addresses this gap by providing a modular system, with customizable, diversely textured, wooden platforms which interlock to provide ambulatory pathways for gait therapy. It also has the unique advantage of easily manipulable interlocking platform segments for convenient storage, or to put on display.

[0004] Summary of Invention: The Modular Pathways for Gait Therapy is an innovative system comprising multiple interlocking platform segments. Each platform segment features its own distinctly textured surface, equipped with a hook on top, and an interlocking dovetailed eyelet on the bottom. Thus, each platform segment can be easily and securely connected to another. One can rearrange any pathway, of varying lengths, as needed for the postinjury, or post-surgery, physiotherapy client. Additionally, the relatively compact & lightweight platform segments can be hung on the wall or elsewhere when not in use, ensuring convenient storage & quick setup. The system is designed to enhance diverse sensory feedback during gait therapy, aiding in finer tuning of the client’s proprioception, gross & fine locomotor skills, & gait stability during the rehabilitation process.

[0005] Detailed Description:

[0006] Structure:

[0007] Each wooden platform segment measures approximately 640 millimeters in height and 480 millimeters in width.

[0008] The wooden platform segments are framed by a thin wood strip border, and measure about 20 millimeters wide, providing structural integrity and smoothed softened edges for ease of handling.

[0009] The top of each platform segment is equipped with a hook that enables it to interlock with other stepping segments, or to be hung on the wall, or elsewhere, for convenient storage or display.

[0010] The bottom of each platform segment features a dovetailed eyelet, where the hook at the top of the next segment can securely be interlocked with the next platform segment. This interlocking design allows the platform segments to be securely attached to each other.

[0011] Textures:

[0012] The platform surfaces of the segments are covered with various textures at differing angles, designed to stimulate differing visual and tactile sensory input, and gross / fine locomotor responses, improving the subtler aspects of proprioception & gait stabilization. Examples of textures include rope, foam, and fake grass, amongst others. Each texture is selected to provide distinct visual and tactile feedback, promoting sensory integration and motor skill development during gait therapy.

[0013] Modularity:

[0014] The segments are designed to be easily connected and disconnected, offering flexibility to create pathways of differing configurations and lengths.

[0015] The modular design allows physiotherapists to customize the gait therapy sessions according to the specific needs and progress of the client.

[0016] Storage and Installation:

[0017] Each segment includes a secure hook at the top, enabling it to be hung on the wall or elsewhere when not in use. This feature ensures that the system can be stored efficiently and is always readily accessible.

[0018] The hanging capability makes the system ideal for environments with limited space, allowing for quick disassembly and setup of physiotherapy sessions.

[0019] During physiotherapy sessions, the platform segments are intended to be arranged on the floor to form a continuous pathway with varying textures, challenging the client to ambulate while navigating himself through differing stimulatory platforms, which engage differing sensory inputs, which he then must integrate and fine-tune to locomotor movements, which improves gait stability. Advantages:

[0020] The modular nature of the platform system allows for easy customization and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide range of physiotherapeutic treatments.

[0021] The variety of textures enhances sensory feedback, which is crucial for optimal gait therapy and rehabilitation.

[0022] The ability to hang the segments on the wall or elsewhere ensures storage convenience, making the system practical for use in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, and homes.

[0023] Quick assembly and disassembly of the platform pathway facilitates dynamic physiotherapy sessions tailored to the client’s progress.

Claims

Claims:

1. A modular pathway system for gait therapy, comprising: multiple platform segments, a thin wooden strip to frame each platform segment, an interlockable hook located at the top of each platform segment, enabling it to be interlocked with another platform segment, or for hanging up while not in use; an interlockable dovetailed eyelet located at the bottom of each platform segment, enabling each segment to be securely interlocked with another segment; a variety of textured and angled surfaces on each platform segment, including rope, foam, and fake grass, amongst others, to provide sensory feedback during gait therapy.

2. The system of Claim 1 , wherein each said segment has a height of between 550 and 650 millimeters and a width of between 400 and 550 millimeters, and each said frame is between 10 and 35 millimeters wide;3.4.

5. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the platform segments are modular and can be connected to form variously configured pathways of differing textures and lengths.

6. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the platform segments can be hung on the wall or elsewhere for storage when not in use.

7. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the textured surfaces are designed to enhance sensory integration, accurate proprioception, and gross and fine locomotor skill development to stabilize ambulation during gait therapy.

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