The Bungee Walker enables weight bearing through the lower extremities due to the pelvic support mechanism.  It consists of  (a) a height-adjustable, padded seat with leg straps that secure the client into the device (b) a series of bungee cords that support the individual’s body weight, thereby enabling weight bearing, and c) a width adjustable frame with rolling casters for free movement in all directions

Improve static and dynamic stability, mobility and weight-bearing ability.

The NeuroGym® Bungee Walker is a versatile body weight support mechanism enabling safe, intensive motor retraining. The unique patented design enables the re-training of gait and natural protective reactions by counteracting loss of stability as naturally as possible. Comparable to a pool environment in terms of support, the Bungee Walker allows graduated weight bearing while normal protective reactions such as sidestepping are re-developed. The Bungee Walker provides graduated support from underneath, rather than a harness mechanism that provides the support from above. Supporting the patient from above does not allow this ‘natural’ graduated support, particularly upon loss of balance. The Bungee Walker enables more realistic safe practice of gait, and most importantly, the protective reactions necessary to prevent falls.

Designed to fit through a standard doorway, the Bungee Walker is suitable for a variety of clinical settings. The base of the walker can be widened to enable mobility in all directions, and forearm supports can be added for users with weak trunk and upper extremities. These supports swivel around two axes to allow for optimal forearm position. They are also equipped with forearm straps and with vertical handlebars. With the assist of the forearm supports, even very weak individuals with limited upper extremity and trunk strength can effectively mobilize in the Bungee Walker. The Bungee Walker comes standard with a safety shoulder harness that can be worn by the patient and buckled onto the back of the walker.

Bungee cords provide safe and graduated support, while the seat follows the body around two different axes, allowing natural movement. The base of the walker can be widened to enable mobility in all directions. High forearm supports can be added for users with weak trunk and upper extremities (e.g. in quadri-paresis). The Bungee Walker comes standard with a safety shoulder harness that can be worn by the patient and buckled onto the back of the walker.

Key Benefits

Enhance reacquisition of motor abilities

• Early mobilization of patients is often limited by the lack of a safe, effective way to initiate gait training. The Bungee Walker permits graduated weight bearing and provides the safety and mobility necessary to retrain protective reactions like sidestepping and one leg stance.

Improve balance

• Static and dynamic stability can be retrained because of the graduated body weight support mechanism which enables the client to increase the amount of weight bearing as their strength, stamina and mobility improve. The rolling wheels allow for movement in any direction, enabling a patient to improve lateral, forward and backward mobility –crucial abilities for redeveloping the protective and corrective reactions necessary for safe ambulation.

Reduce number of therapists needed

• The Bungee Walker permits safe ambulation with graduated support, allowing patients to move freely and rest as needed on the seat.  In some cases the client may even ambulate independently.

Clinical Applications

• Brain or spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Cerebral Palsy
• Parkinson’s Disease

In Action

• A 20 year-old male who has an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C5/C6 level and who is unable to support his body weight in standing, is able to stand in the Bungee Walker and can take steps with therapist assistance.  He can also stand while performing upper extremity movements and games such as paddleball.
• A 50 year-old woman with Multiple Sclerosis who has limited static balance is able to stand safely for long periods in the Bungee Walker, thereby increasing her endurance for standing activities. She is also able to play games, such as balloon volleyball, training both reactive and anticipatory balance strategies in standing.
• A 50 year-old man who had suffered a stroke several years earlier has used the Bungee Walker to overcome deficits associated with right hemiplegia.  His goal is to run again. With the Bungee Walker he can practice the explosive push-off motion with the right leg that he otherwise does not have the strength and coordination to perform.  The Bungee Walker also provides the stability required to allow him to shift his weight more fully to the right leg without losing balance.

Specifications

• MODEL # EBW-A
• 28" x 37" x 48"
• weighs 100 lbs
• supports up to 400 lbs

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