What is Innowalk and how is it different from a classic standing frame?
Innowalk is a dynamic stander: a robotic therapy device that holds the person in a well-aligned standing position and, at the same time, moves the legs in a motorized way, as if walking. This is what we clinically call dynamic standing, as opposed to the usual static standing, in which one remains standing but without moving.
The difference is important. A traditional stander puts a load on the body, and that already brings benefits. Innowalk adds movement: it repeats the walking pattern in an assisted and constant manner, so that the person experiences movements that they cannot perform on their own. It is designed for children, adolescents and adults who cannot stand or move independently.
The underlying idea: standing and moving is physical activity
All people, with or without disabilities, need to feel movement. When someone spends most of the day sitting or lying down, the body stops receiving many of the stimuli produced by the simple act of standing and walking. Dynamic standing seeks to recover part of that physical activity in a safe and guided way.
Using Innowalk makes it possible to experience movement at higher intensities than those achieved in a traditional physiotherapy session. It does not replace the physiotherapist's work: it complements it, allowing the movement to be repeated in a well-aligned position for prolonged periods, something that is hard to sustain otherwise.
What benefits are associated with dynamic standing?
The scientific evidence and clinical experience collected by the manufacturer point to several benefits of dynamic standing in people with major disabilities. It is advisable to take them as work objectives, not as guaranteed results: each person responds differently and should always be assessed by a professional.
Among the effects described are the improvement of bone mineral density thanks to muscle loading and activity, the prevention of joint retractions due to prolonged stretching of muscles and joints, and a possible normalization of tone. It is also associated with the improvement of the intestinal pattern with active standing and a lower risk of pressure ulcers, by redistributing pressure and promoting blood flow.
There are also benefits that go beyond the physical. Standing at the same height as others facilitates social interaction, participation and communication, and the active standing position itself stimulates mental activity. Finally, physical activity has a favorable impact on the respiratory and circulatory systems.
Who is it intended for?
Innowalk is aimed at people who lack the ability to stand and walk on their own, from childhood to adulthood. It can be useful both for those who barely have the ability to move, as well as for people with many involuntary movements or with an abnormal movement pattern.
The equipment is manufactured in different sizes to adapt to growth and different complexions, with indicative height and weight ranges. The indication, the appropriate size and the pattern of use are not decided by catalogue: they always depend on a professional assessment that takes into account the diagnosis, the therapeutic objectives and the situation of each person.
How to use it on a daily basis
The operation is designed so that the therapy moment is usable. Preparation time is short, and elements such as the swivel seat and folding bitutors facilitate transfers, also reducing the effort of caregivers and assistants. An intuitive control allows the user to participate and gain independence.
The movement is active-assisted and works the entire body under load. Safety is integrated: a muscle spasm detector triggers an automatic stop when any resistance to movement is detected, to avoid injuries. Accessories such as the arm kit, trunk supports or the feedback screen with number of steps, time and speed allow you to adjust the training to each case.
Thanks to the integrated transport wheels, it can be used in different environments: a hospital room, the school classroom or your own home. To decide if it fits, it is usual to try it first with the person and their therapeutic team before taking any step.
How to take the next step with clarity
If you think that robotic therapy for children or adults could fit your case, the most sensible thing to do is to consider it as a process, not as a purchase. A test with professional support helps to see how the person responds, what size and configuration they need, and what goals are realistic.
At Pitxuflitos, an orthopaedic clinic in Bilbao specialising in mobility and robotic therapy, we can advise you and answer your questions with no obligation. If you would like detailed information about the equipment, sizes, and accessories, you can visit the Innowalk page.
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