Automatic suspension device for gait training.

The automatic suspension device (REHABOT) suspends the patient's body in a standing position allowing the patient to walk around the circular handrail without forward propulsion. Reduction of body weight is accurately maintained automatically while safely supporting the patient. The device was used for 23 patients with orthopaedic disorders or central nervous system disorders who were chosen because of their initial difficulties with gait training in parallel bars. Its advantages are that (1) it may be used for patients with open wounds or cardiac problems, or patients using prostheses or orthoses, (2) preparation and walking practice are simpler both for patients and staff than the therapeutic pool and walking trolley, (3) running costs are lower than the therapeutic pool. Its drawbacks are that the initial cost is relatively high, only one patient can be trained at a time, and the effect of warm water is missing. The automatic suspension device will become one of the new and fundamental pieces of equipment for gait training, especially for hospitals where there are many elderly patients and also severely and multiple disabled persons.