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MKII Hart Walker, Child's Orthotic Walking Trainer
History
The Hart Walker was designed in 1989 by David Hart of Keighley, England. It was originally developed to help a little boy with cerebral palsy to stand and take steps. After working with the Hart Walker for four years, and realizing its limitations, the Hart Walker was redesigned and renamed the MKII Hart Walker. Today's generation of the Hart Walker is a greatly improved version of the original. The MKII Hart Walker was introduced into the United States in 1998.
How does the MKII Hart Walker Work?
The MKII Hart Walker is a customized four wheeled bracing system which provides proper body alignment by utilizing bracing around the chest, pelvis, and lower limbs, with moveable joints at the hips, knees, and ankles. It has been designed to provide a hands-free path towards independent ambulation for children with motor impairment such as CP spastic quadriplegia. The suspension system has the ability to be adjusted to support much of the child's weight in an upright position, yet still allow them to bear some of their weight through the use of their legs. While every child provides different challenges, your child must have the ability to initiate a stepping movement in order to use the MKII Hart Walker to its fullest potential.
Will the MKII Hart Walker Fit My Child?
There is a minimum height requirment in order for the componentry to properly fit your child. A minimum of 15.5 inches from the hip center to the sole of the foot is required to begin fitting your child with the MKII Hart Walker. The walker is adjustable to fit a teen as tall as 30 inches from hip center to the sole of the foot. The base of the walker is adjusted to provide maximum stability and balance according to your child's height so that there is no fear of tipping.
Benefits
The MKII Hart Walker allows children the opportunity to stand upright and move on their own. Standing and walking is important to prevent contractures and deformity, maintain bone density, and contribute to motor development.