Editorial

We hope you enjoy this edition of our "In step with" Newsletter. We would like to thank LiteGait® clinical trainer John Kelly for taking the time to review this issue's research report.
Virtual Reality-Enhanced Partial Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training Poststroke: Feasibility and Effectiveness in 6 Participants, Walker, et al

Introduction by John Kelly, PTA, BS

Virtual reality has been defined as a 3 dimensional, interactive, computer-based simulation that occurs in real-time and is often multisensory (Wikipedia). When applied to a rehabilitation setting, real-time interaction with a virtual environment while walking on a treadmill may have the potential to improve patient outcomes. Adding a virtual environment to body weight supported treadmill training can allow patients to experience walking through a building, along corridors, and up and down stairs, while in a safe, clinician controlled environment. This presents an exciting opportunity for patients and clinicians that may improve motivation. The virtual environment allows an additional dimension of an interactive environment that is usually lost while using a treadmill, but is of crucial importance. Although the researchers do not report manual facilitation of improved gait patterns, the potential for an interactive experience during therapist-assisted gait training with body weight support is exciting. The dosage provided in this study is very similar to that provided in typical outpatient clinics, making the outcomes seem attainable in the real world, not just in the virtual (laboratory) world!

Research

Virtual Reality-Enhanced Partial Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training Poststroke: Feasibility and Effectiveness in 6 Participants. Arch

Walker, Martha L; Ringleb, Stacie I; Maihafer, George C; Walker, Robert; Crouch, Jessica; VanLunen, Bonnie; Morrison, Steven
Phys Med Rehabil, Jan 2010; 91:115-122.

Summary by John Kelly, PTA, BS

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a low-cost virtual reality system paired with partial body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on balance and walking ability in participants poststroke.  The investigators used a before-after comparison of a group of participants less than one year post right ischemic CVA.  The authors concluded that the combination of BWSTT and a simple virtual reality system improves performance of walking speed and duration.  Further, it was concluded that the intervention was effective when delivered at typical outpatient intensity, and that a low cost virtual reality system is feasible for clinic use. 

Education

Our Online Training Presentations are in full swing for 2010. They include lecture, videos, live dialog among attendees; Get all of your questions answered! Call us to schedule any of our sessions

We are able to stay connected with our LiteGait customers around the world .

We are available to provide education, service, product updates and so much more - free for our customers!

CEU seminars More Training Options

Arab Health 2010

The conference was a great success and LiteGait a big hit. This was our debut at this exhibit and thanks to our LiteGait friends at Arabian Ethical our booth setup was excellent. When asked if there was anything in particular Mobility Reasearch would like to share with the LiteGait readers one team member reveals "I have always enjoyed presenting on LiteGait especially to those from other countries. The exposure of those who may not have access to the techniques allows untold number of patients to potentially benefit from it. We had visitors from all over the Middle East and Africa - some countries I had difficulty finding on the map" Considering the main function of Arab Health is business to business connection and hence finding distributors in that part of the world, if we have areas requiring local distributors, Mobility Research believes they would attend again when the opportunity arises.

Meet the Trainer

Meet All of Our Current Trainers

MR:Tell me a little something about yourself that I may not find in your bio Keith:I am originally from Singapore. I was in the Air Force in Singapore. Worked for Singapore Airlines and made the first reservation on the Concorde when it first came to Singapore. MR: Why/How did you choose to become a LiteGait Trainer? Keith: Had the device 2 years and it sat unused. Liked the concept. Wanted to learn more about the device and got hooked after the training course. Had great outcomes with use of LiteGait following the course. Enjoy teaching and have been doing that for years. Only teach about something I believe in…outcomes driven evidenced based modalities. MR: What would you consider the most rewarding aspect of being a trainer? Keith: When the most resistive patient asks when they can get back on the LiteGait. When the attendees see how fast they can affect their patients interview cont'd

Users' Corner

"It Helps Me Do The IMPOSSIBLE" From The Watkins Family My son, Collin, has cerebral palsy and cannot walk without the use of a walker.  Even with the use of a walker, Collin still needs to be helped by pushing the walker in order to prompt him to take steps.  The first time that I ever watched Collin walk in a walker without any assistance is with the LiteGait walker.   The smile on his face demonstrated the happiness he felt through independent steps. We have always helped Collin be the best that he can be.  Because Collin cannot walk his overall fitness has been a great concern for us.  We feel that fitness promotes better physical and mental health.  Thanks to the LiteGait walker, Collin walks on the family treadmill for 30 – 45 minutes three times a week.  This exercise relaxes his tight muscles, strengthens his leg muscles, promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, and promotes his lung capacity.  Collin is a very healthy young man, and we feel that is due to his fitness level.  As equally important, the treadmill workout provides mental therapy as well as physical therapy.  This workout time allows Collin to walk off the stress and frustrations of the day, especially due to sitting in a wheelchair all day.  Collin is in a healthier state of mind after his workouts. If you ask Collin his opinion of the LiteGait, he will tell you, “It helps me do the impossible.” Collin has outgrown his litegait and we currently in the process of purchasing a larger one.

Iber, Collin's service dog, motivates Collin to do his best

Did You Know?

Mobility Research provides a forum for clinicians to post their specific questions, success stories, experiences and ideas related to patient treatment and LiteGait use. Membership is free to all LiteGait users and other clinicians, and we welcome your participation. Visit LiteGait.org to register today! All you need is a valid email address to join. And as always, your e-mail and any other information will not be shared.

Products

Turns your GaitKeeper 1800T/2000T into an elevated platform system Allows you to use GaitKeeper as regular treadmill when you want and easily convert to platform system, and vice-versa.