Gait Training

Designed to enhance strength, balance and coordination, gait training is physical therapy focusing on improving walking abilities. Gait training is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions that affect mobility, and for those recovering from injuries, illnesses or neurological conditions that have affected their ability to walk.

With a goal to increase (or in some cases restore) normal movement patterns, and improve an individual’s ability to walk safely and efficiently. Gait training can involve a variety of exercises and strengthening activities, specific exercises and activities will depend on the individual’s needs and abilities.

In instances where an individual is unable to stand or walk without assistive support, they will often need the aid of equipment like a walker or gait trainer. A gait trainer is an adaptive equipment device, although similar to a walker, they are designed to provide more support around the trunk and pelvis, while walkers offer a more general frame for balance and support.

A gait trainer is generally used when an individual needs assistance with standing and walking. While a walker would be more commonly used when the individual can bear weight, however, needs help with their balance and stability.

Gait Trainer Key Features.

Customisable Support – As well as providing more trunk and pelvic support, the level of support can be adjusted to meet an individual’s specific needs. A gait trainer also allows adjustment to the levels of support as the progression of an individual’s strength and walking ability improves.

Weight Bearing – Gait trainers provide a controlled weight amount an individual bears through their legs. Going beyond simply holding someone up, the adjustable supports of a gait trainer (trunk, pelvic and leg separators) can be configured to the individual’s requirements to offload a portion of body weight. This reduces the burden on weak or developing muscles, as strength improves the support can be decreased to progressively challenge the individual to bear more weight and continue muscle strength and development.

Muscle Activation & Strengthening – With the gait trainers support, individuals are able to engage the muscles essential for standing and walking. The functional core muscles including the hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes even with the assistance of the gait trainer are activated and strengthened by the act of pushing off the ground.

Improved Bone Density – Weight-bearing activities are essential for stimulating bone growth and increased bone density. For those with limited weight-bearing capacity, or who are non-ambulatory, bones are at a greater risk of becoming weak and brittle. By providing the opportunity for consistent supported weight bearing exercise, gait trainers can help mitigate bone loss and promote healthier bone development and density.

Proprioception and Balance – As we bear weight on our legs, we are provided with essential proprioceptive feedback – this is the body’s sense of its position and space. A sensory critical in the development of balance and coordination. Even with support, the process of experiencing weight through the feet and legs helps train the nervous system. Improving the ability to sense body alignment and make adjustments to maintain stability, and helps the development of static (standing still) and dynamic (movement) balance.

Contracture & Deformity Prevention – Without weight-bearing, muscles can develop contracture (shortening and tightening) and lead to joint deformities. The motion of standing and movement helps to stretch muscles and maintain joint range of motion. This helps prevent secondary complications that may otherwise lead to further mobility impediment.

Motor Pattern Development – Walking is a complex motor pattern of rhythmic and reciprocal motion. By supporting upright posture and leg movement, gait trainers assist with the practice and refinement of these motor patterns. Through these repetitions (even with assistance) pathways and muscle memory is established, crucial for the development of independent walking.

In essence the key benefits of gait trainers is that they help create a supportive environment that enables safe and effective engagement in activities and exercise that encourage the fundamental strength and balance required for standing and walking. This foundation is the pillar that future gains in mobility and independence are built on.