Build a walking aid for Therese

About Therese

Therese is a cheerful woman who had a rare cerebellar syndrome a few years ago. Since then, she sits in a wheelchair because she has problems with fine motor control and balance. She has strong physical limitations and troubles speaking, but is fully aware cognitively. Before her disease, she was very sportive and socially engaged, and loved to cook. Also today, she likes to spend her time outside in nature or cooking and eating with her family and friends.

Challenge

Therese would like to have a technical aid which allows her to stand and walk a few steps independently. On one side, this helps to stimulate her blood circulation, which brings a health benefit compared to sitting in the wheelchair all day. On the other hand, this would allow better social interactions with family and friends - she could, for example, be on eye-level with them while cooking instead of just “watching from below”.

Solution

A motivated team of engineers, scientists, and therapists tackled Therese's challenge and accomplished to develop a prototype for her that fulfills her requirements and wishes: A supporting frame which helps her stabilizing the trunk while standing or walking a few steps. Furthermore the prototype features brakes on the wheels and a safety harness in case she would get tired or loose balance. This was achieved by combining a frame of aluminium profiles (a first version of which was given to the project team as a starting point) with a rollator and by using a double harness (waist strap and a modified climbing harness). In addition, handles, supports for lower arms, and cushioning was added to improve comfort during use of the prototype.