Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate a to natural gait upper body ergometer and gait therapy (UBEGT) device having a support frame within which is suspended rotationally coordinated left and right natural gait modules (NGMs). A position of each NGM may be defined by corresponding left and right pivot arms which are rotatably coupled to a left and right side of the support frame, respectively, and wherein each gait training module is provided with a corresponding foot support and knee support. The UBEGT may be provided with an upper body ergometer (UBE) rotatably coupled to a front of the support frame and configured to rotate a shaft rotatably connected to the left and right pivot arms when a hand crank is rotated.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate a to natural gait upper body ergometer and gait therapy (UBEGT) device having a support frame within which is suspended rotationally coordinated left and right natural gait modules (NGMs). A position of each NGM may be defined by corresponding left and right pivot arms which are rotatably coupled to a left and right side of the support frame, respectively, and wherein each gait training module is provided with a corresponding foot support and knee support. The UBEGT may be provided with an upper body ergometer (UBE) rotatably coupled to a front of the support frame and configured to rotate a shaft rotatably connected to the left and right pivot arms when a hand crank is rotated.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a natural gait therapy device having an adjustable gait timing linkage assembly configured to operate an adjustable knee support assembly and an adjustable height foot assembly to simulate a normal walking pattern for a user based on characteristics of the user. In an illustrative example, the adjustable gait timing linkage assembly includes a chain sprocket configured to adjust a degree of heel lift and a length to the point of the heel lift during a normal walking simulation. In some embodiments, a gait stride adjustment assembly may adjust a stride length to accommodate different sized users. The gait stride adjustment assembly may advantageously contribute to the natural walking pattern simulation.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a walking therapy station having multiple right linkages and multiple left linkages, where at least one of the right or left linkages is operably coupled to an actuator to transition the station from a standing mode to a walking mode. In an illustrative example, the station may have five right linkages and five left linkages, with a set of knee pads and foot pads. The station may include an actuator operably coupled to transition the station between walking and standing modes, for example. Various embodiments of the station may enable a user who is disabled or paralyzed to transition from sitting position, to a standing position, and then to a walking position, and provide the user with a very accurate gait and walking motion without putting excessive shear and pressure at the contact points between the station and the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a natural gait therapy device having an adjustable gait timing linkage assembly configured to operate an adjustable knee support assembly and an adjustable height foot assembly to simulate a normal walking pattern for a user based on characteristics of the user. In an illustrative example, the adjustable gait timing linkage assembly includes a chain sprocket configured to adjust a degree of heel lift and a length to the point of the heel lift during a normal walking simulation. In some embodiments, a gait stride adjustment assembly may adjust a stride length to accommodate different sized users. The gait stride adjustment assembly may advantageously contribute to the natural walking pattern simulation.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a natural-gait therapy device for enabling a user with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to independently transition between a locked standing position and a user controlled coordinated natural-gait movement, the method including an unlocking of a left and a right foot movement members, rotating one of the unlocked left and right movement members to a half-period gait position that is 180 degrees out of phase with the un-rotated one of the left and right movement members, coupling the left and right movement members in the 180 degree phase differential orientation, and rotating both left and right leg movement members in a natural-gait motion. In some embodiments, the left and right movement members may be uncoupled to permit a gravity assisted return to a standing position. The transition between the standing and the natural-gait motion may facilitate a user to stand before or sit after performing natural-gait therapy.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a walking therapy station having multiple right linkages and multiple left linkages, where at least one of the right or left linkages is operably coupled to an actuator to transition the station from a standing mode to a walking mode. In an illustrative example, the station may have five right linkages and five left linkages, with a set of knee pads and foot pads. The station may include an actuator operably coupled to transition the station between walking and standing modes, for example. Various embodiments of the station may enable a user who is disabled or paralyzed to transition from sitting position, to a standing position, and then to a walking position, and provide the user with a very accurate gait and walking motion without putting excessive shear and pressure at the contact points between the station and the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a natural-gait therapy device for enabling a user with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to independently transition between a locked standing position and a user controlled coordinated natural-gait movement, the method including an unlocking of a left and a right foot movement members, rotating one of the unlocked left and right movement members to a half-period gait position that is 180 degrees out of phase with the un-rotated one of the left and right movement members, coupling the left and right movement members in the 180 degree phase differential orientation, and rotating both left and right leg movement members in a natural-gait motion. In some embodiments, the left and right movement members may be uncoupled to permit a gravity assisted return to a standing position. The transition between the standing and the natural-gait motion may facilitate a user to stand before or sit after performing natural-gait therapy.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a knee-position control system having a knee engagement pad, a lower-leg control member and an upper-leg control member, the knee engagement pad configured to naturally position a user's knee in response to movement of a foot-rest of a natural-gait therapy system. In an illustrative embodiment, the upper-leg control member may pivot about a point substantially axially coincident with a user's hip. In some embodiments, the upper-leg control member may be pivotally coupled to the lower-leg control member at a pivot point substantially axially coincident with a user's knee. The lower-leg control member may be pivotably coupled to the foot rest at a pivot point substantially axially coincident with a user's ankle. The knee-position control system may advantageously position a user's knee in a natural position relative to both the user's ankle and the user's hip, in response to movement of the user's foot.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a knee-position control system having a knee engagement pad, a lower-leg control member and an upper-leg control member, the knee engagement pad configured to naturally position a user's knee in response to movement of a foot-rest of a natural-gait therapy system. In an illustrative embodiment, the upper-leg control member may pivot about a point substantially axially coincident with a user's hip. In some embodiments, the upper-leg control member may be pivotally coupled to the lower-leg control member at a pivot point substantially axially coincident with a user's knee. The lower-leg control member may be pivotably coupled to the foot rest at a pivot point substantially axially coincident with a user's ankle. The knee-position control system may advantageously position a user's knee in a natural position relative to both the user's ankle and the user's hip, in response to movement of the user's foot.

Abstract: A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.

Abstract: An ergonomic chair having a cooperatively adjustable knee support and seat is herein disclosed. The knee support and seat may be adjusted to position a user of the chair in a physiologic attitude that approaches the neutral position.