Jessica Sapel

In a continuation of the TAOS blog series, here is more information on how the TAOS walker is different than other gait trainers. 

The TAOS orthotic system support a child from their chest down to their feet, with specific joints aligned with the child's own hips, knees, and ankles.  The orthotic system's design allows it to harness all of a child's energy and movements and direct them into the movements needed for walking, without wasting energy on unproductive movements.  The child is able to move their legs through full flexion and extension patterns, while limiting undesired movements, such as scissoring.

When the child is using the orthotic system on the TAOS mobile base, all of their movement is directed to move the walker forward--which is our goal!!  There are cords in the front of the base that attach to the ankle joints of the orthotic system, and cords in the back of the base that attach to the knee joints of the orthotic system.  These 2 sets of cords work together as a pulley system to encourage hip and knee extension of the stance leg, while encouraging the opposite leg to swing forward and take a step.  The pulley system will then encourage the same motions on the opposite legs.  This pulley system also prevents inefficient gait patterns such as trying to push with both legs at the same time or toe walking. 

Learning to walk in any gait trainer takes practice, practice, practice, but the TAOS walker's many original features helps set a child up for great success.  Check out videos on the TAOS website to see how the walker works with a variety of children at taos1.com/prospective.html or contact a physical therapist at Child and Family Development in Charlotte to discuss if the TAOS is right for your child.