The TAOS walker was described in a previous blog as an orthotic system on a mobile base to assist children with different abilities in learning how to walk. Which children can benefit from the TAOS walker?
- Children as young as 18 months old can benefit from the TAOS walker.
- The TAOS walker can be used by children with a variety of diagnoses, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, genetic disorders, increased or decreased muscle tone,and children with neuro-motor impairments.
- The first area that is assessed by a physical therapist or an orthotist is a child's ability to actively move both legs--decreased strength and range of motion are not limitations in the TAOS walker. In fact, the TAOS can help children improve both of these areas.
- The second area that would determine if a child would be an appropriate candidate for the TAOS walker is the ability to learn through a cause and effect experience.
- Other factors to assess when considering the TAOS walker for your child are such areas as endurance, ability to hold his/her head upright for specific amounts of time, motivation, and the family and caregiver's ability to assist the child with using the walker.
More information on the TAOS walker can be found on their website at www.taos1.com/index.html or contact a physical therapist at Child and Family Development. Check back for my next blog on how the TAOS works as a system.
Image courtesy of www.taos1.com/index.html
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