Details

Object type

walking frame

Artist/Maker

Doktor Perner Company Limited maker

Place Associated

Poland (place of manufacture)

Date

circa 2000

Materials

metal, leather, various plastic

Dimensions

overall: 1040 mm x 610 mm x 850 mm 23000 g

Description

Dynamic Parapodium is a reciprocating gait orthosis (walking frame) for people with a spinal injury or disability such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

The Parapodium is a type of reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO). Because it is an entirely self-contained unit i.e. requires no external bracing, it can be used by a range of people with spinal injuries (including those who could not use a ‘traditional’ RGO due to spasms).

The physical and psychological benefits of being upright vary from person to person and can depend on whether the disability is the result of injury or trauma or is congenital.

Before reciprocating gait orthosis devices were developed paraplegics were not able to stand upright without the use of their hands.

This Dynamic Parapodium allows users to stand without having to use their hands and does not immobilise their hips. It links the legs to the torso section of the parapodium and this allows hip movements to happen freely when taking steps. When standing still the torso is constrained and won’t flex forward.

These devices are available in 5 sizes: 2 adult, 2 children and 1 teenager

ID Number

T.2007.5.1

Location

Riverside Museum Main Exhibition Area

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