Woodway LOKO HELP

PATENTED “END EFFECTOR” GAIT TRAINER

The LokoHelp® is an electromechanical gait-training system based on the “end effector” principle. The mechanical support of the standing/swinging- leg cycle is accomplished by using the feet as the last link in the kinematic chain. The patient should not be moved passively but should instead work along with the machine as much as possible. Ideally, the extensions of the knee and hip should be controlled by the patient.

POSTURAL TRAINING FUCTIONALITY

Postural control, in addition to standing and the swinging of the legs, is essential for the ability to walk on the ground independently. Consequently, during LokoHelp® training, the patient’s trunk and pelvis are not rigidly fixed. Thus, additional postural requirements can be identified for patient training through appropriate exercises.

ALL-SIDE ACCESS

The LokoHelp®’s design facilitates added support from the therapist whenever necessary. The patient’s hip and knee joints, as well as the anterior and posterior thigh muscles, are accessible from all sides during LokoHelp® training.

COST SAVINGS

LokoHelp® therapy dramatically reduces the time and expenses associated with the training of therapy personnel. Accordingly, given the short preparation time, more efficient throughput can be achieved. The LokoHelp® system is affordable and inexpensive to operate, and it pays high dividends through more productive therapy sessions.

SIMPLE PREPARATION

The easy to use LokoHelp enables a more cost-efficient and time-intensive training of the therapeutic staff. Short preparation times allow for greater patient throughput with relatively low acquisition and operating costs. The LokoHelp’s quick and easy preparation leaves more time for therapy and less set up time, which means more time for actual treatment.

AUTOMATED TREADMILL THERAPY: THE LOKOHELP®

Treadmill therapy, particularly with a patient who is severely impaired, can subject the therapist to increased physical exertion, uncomfortable body positions, and the pain of overexertion.

Regardless of the possible discomfort, the therapist wants to give the patient the best possible treatment and is, therefore, willing to accept the strain as part of his/her job. Despite the therapist’s dedication, the significant effort necessary in order to guide the patient’s feet consistently and symmetrically often makes therapy possible only for a short period of time and rarely can it be provided throughout an entire training session. Therefore, given the number of repetitions and the fact that trigger mechanisms are so important for the locomotor training program, the therapist can, and should, be supported.

The LokoHelp® gait trainer fulfills this important objective. It allows the therapist to face the patient directly, motivate him or her through verbal instructions, and properly correct the execution of each exercise.