gait aide

product design

The PROBLEM:

People with cerebral palsy and a gross lower extremity weakness (LE) often have difficulty maintaining a proper lower extremity alignment. In most cases, they also have overactive adductor muscles to compensate for weakness of the abductor muscles. As a result, they often have a scissoring gait pattern, as well as limited strength in their legs. Our team was asked to design a device that would separate the user’s legs and hence correct her scissoring gait, focusing on patients who receive physical therapy at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

The PROcess:

We began the process by conducting user and background research and identifying the requirements and limitations associated with our design. The research process included user observation sessions and examining current solutions.

The treadmill used during rehabilitation sessions, with rails on either side and a support above

Swim floaties, one of the existing solutions, worn by the therapist

Based on our research, we developed two potential solutions: a rigid external support and a rolling thigh separator. Through user and performance testing, we decided on a final design that would have a soft cushion and rigid wrapping.

Front view of the rigid external support

Foam component of rolling thigh separator with wheels and sheet metal

Method by which the rolling thigh support would roll against platform

The solution:

Our design, the Gait Aide, features three components - the separator, padded component, and stabilizer. The separator, held onto one leg by adjustable straps, separates the user’s thighs. The padded component, on the other leg, provides comfort. The Gait Aide also has a system of straps that will stabilize the design and attach it to the harness the user wears while on the treadmill. The Gait Aide satisfies three requirements that current solutions do not: functionality, durability, and comfort.