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Actual photos below of a 310 pound paraplegic simulate walking on an exercise machine designed and modified by the founder of S.R.F. Engineering. The ski-like sliding motion step was adjustable in length to 16 inches and demonstrated synchronized, reciprocal leg and foot motion of up to 120 steps per minute as in walking; see photos below. |
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Subject in wheel chair, with suspension harness and knee braces in place. |
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Subject is hoisted out of his wheel chair. |
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Subject in midst of exercise cycle |
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Subject viewed from rear in midst of exercise cycle |
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However, this appartus needs to be more user-friendly and with more effective benefits, specifically: 1. Provide synchronized walking exercise with all the benefits of mild foot contact for stimulating healthy bones and general well-being (witness astronauts after a prolonged flight who can not walk because of no weight-bearing activity). 2. Harness is too difficult to put on the patient, and must support the entire weight of the walker. Our new design which is illustrated in the animation below resolves all the above requirements. The treadmill is complete with overhead support bar. All the major parts to build the leg and foot synchronizer are in stock. “We are searching for a physical therapy institue to collaborate with and treat the entire range of mobility problems.” OBJECTIVE: IMPROVE HEALTH FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISADVANTAGED THROUGH REINFORCED WEIGHT-BEARING ACTIVITY. |
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TREADMILL FOR THE HANDICAPPED |
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What is it?:A proprietary physical therapy machine consisting of a treadmill with novel modifications. Who would it help?:People with minor or major difficulties in standing, walking, or who otherwise cannot do impact exercise. For example, paraplegics and other individuals who have upper torso control but have problems with arthritis, obesity, age, coordination, dizziness, etc. Impact exercise is required for bone health; witness astronauts carried off space vehicles after prolonged flights. What are the ergonomic advantages?The exercisers can lift themselves without assistance from their wheel chairs to a standing position, support their weight, walk on legs that always move in proper sequence. Choose an exercise program on the eye-level console panel, push Go and walk, unassisted. Extended exercise cycles of a mile or more, provide reinforcement of brain and limb synchronization. Is it safe?: Safety is provided by: (1) A standard safety harness that allows normal movement but arrests falls. (2) A pair of semi-rigid boots maintain correct leg, knee, ankle, and foot alignment. Reciprocating arms with soft cuffs to secure extremities, provide training for normal walking sequence. (3) An emergency button mounted on the top handle bar. |
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