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Reader Comments for
Subscribe to this threadHonda develops walking assist device to aid elderly/disabled
(Page 1 of 1)
LMBVette @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:14PM
I read the information and can't figure out how this thing is actually supposed to work.
Having worked as a Physical Therapist in my previous career, I fail to see any advantage this piece of equipment provides.
The typical person that uses a walker or cane does so because they have balance issues. They lean on the walker or cane when they lose their balance. Therefore, this machine will not be advantageous for this person.
Second, a person with weak leg muscles needs to strengthen them, not use an active/passive device to force them to move the joint. When you don't use the muscle you will lose strength and flexibility and whatever movements the muscle does will become more difficult. Full Range of Motion exercise is the key!
Other than the issues pointed out above...this piece of equipment sounds totally awesome!!! ;-)
tankd0g @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:20PM
It looks like all it does is assist in lifting the leg. I suppose you could put it on backwards to increase leg muscle strength :)
Shawn @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:22PM
...so if grandma falls, do her legs just keep on moving, spinning her in circles, ala Homer Simpson?
LMBVette @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:41PM
Edit: ...for somebody who suffers from paralysis due to a stroke or permanent injury, I could see this being beneficial.
@Shawn - I formed a mental picture of this as I read it and almost spit water out on my monitor. Thanks! ;-)
Kotse @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:16PM
Don't forget Honda...grandma/pops or the typical geriatric does not that have that good skin integrity no more.
I could see pressure points on that assistive walking device. Honda should consider the possibility of pressure sores, not even Stage 1 ("blanching" on vascular skin area, etc.) to happen on the contact areas...not to mention the usual suspects, on bony prominences. It ain't a joke to fix a decubitus nowadays!
Anthony @ Apr 26th 2008 8:13AM
On the contrary! I can walk quite well, but after just 300 yrds. I become extremely fatigued. It's arthritis in the hips. I have had a couple of accidents walking in the city, and falling forward and completely down. This Honda device would prevent this and help me overcome my pain!