Gait Trainer: Gait trainers offer a multitude of positioning options and prompts to encourage mobility. The gait trainer is responsible for “doing most of the work” as it offers postural support, weight bearing support, and facilitation prompts. The child is still required to move their legs for movement while being supported as much as needed. The gait trainers best serve the emerging mobility users or those that require more postural support. Gait trainers can be modified to meet a child’s needs as their skill level increases by removing the prompts and postural supports.

Walkers: Walkers are the next level of assistive devices. Walkers require a child to complete more work. The child is responsible for supporting more of their weight and fewer postural supports and prompts are available. A walker can provide support from the front (anterior) or the back (posterior).

Forearm Crutches: Crutches require the most amount of postural control by the child to be able to use. The forearm crutches require sufficient arm support and trunk control as well as the ability to tolerate weight bearing through the legs. The crutches require the child to do the majority of the work.

There are multiple ways for a child to explore mobility regardless of their diagnosis and level of physical involvement. Please consult the child’s therapists and physicians prior to beginning any mobility program. To view a more in depth article on adaptive walking equipment, please click on the following link.

If at any time, it becomes too confusing or difficult to navigate through the world of walking products or any other piece of equipment, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Tadpole Adaptive. We are always willing to provide unbiased and informed guidance.