“Physical therapists should shift their paradigm of
rehabilitation from compensation to recovery.”
Behrman et al., Rehabilitation Researcher
“Great to see. What fantastic effort, innovation and
determination. I salute you all.”
Linda M., Physiotherapist, Queensland Australia
“I love
what you are doing with this!”
Cindy K., Athletic Trainer
& Fitness Instructor, Corvallis OR
Success Stories
The right exercise, for the right
duration, at the right time, can promote neurotrophic
growth factors. Therapists and patients should try
different things, until they find the method which
works.
The most commonly reported goal that
clients in rehabilitative programs report is to be able
to walk again. In
these video stories you will see how therapy
opportunities are increasing for many who are using the
Second Step Gait Harness System.
The therapists working with these users
believe that recovery is a better approach than
adaptation.
Throughout our website, you will see how
the GHS is different from everything else you have seen,
increasing your rehabilitation and recovery
opportunities with proven results, empowering both the
caregiver and the user.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Knute- Walks again
after 22 years -Taking the Road to Recovery
Knute was 11 years
old when he experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury
following an automobile accident. Knute had never walked
since, as he was at high risk for falls. 22 years later,
here begins his story. Knute is learning to walk again
WITHOUT any braces or computerized assistance, safely
with trained family/staff members. He began walking just
a few steps; now, he is walking up to 800 feet per
session. After 22 wheelchair bound years, he has come a
long way in a short period of time, and, using the GHS,
is making progress beyond anyone's expectations. While
walking, he is improving the quality of his social
communications with others, at an eye-to-eye level.
Knute is proud to share his video showing his "dream
come true!" He is proving when aiming high, anything is
possible!
Knute- Part 2 - Holding onto his Dream 25
Years Later: Taking the Road to Recovery
As you know from Knute’s video above, he had a
TBI resulting from a MVA from when he was just
11 years old. In the Second Step Gait Harness
System, he experienced his first steps, walking
for the first time in 22 years. Now 36 years
old, Knute is walking over 1,000 feet per
session! There is no end in sight for Knute's
continued progress. He is improving, one step at
a time, and is finding that all his consistent
hard work is making his dream to walk again come
true. This latest video shows Knute using the
GHS with greater ease, increased drive, and much
improved posture and endurance.
Knute- Part 3 - Recovering His Spirit,
Changing His Life
This latest video update from Knute shows
incredible progress in several areas. Knute has
expanded into walking in all available hallways
at his day center, transitioning back and forth
between carpeting, linoleum tile, and rubberized
flooring. Knute is walking 1,400 feet per 20
min.
session -- a 40% distance and endurance
improvement in 11 months! He has increased his
walking speed in the past 7 weeks from 48
ft./min. to 70 ft./min. Due to his increased
strength and endurance, Knute has abandoned his
former power scooter, and now uses a manual
wheelchair when he isn't walking. As you will
see in this video, Knute no longer requires
transfer assistance into the GHS via 2-3 staff
members and a mat table; he brings himself to
standing, independently, straight up from his
manual wheelchair. Knute continues to experience
commensurate cognitive and psychological
gains. He walks with such drive and
determination, he has earned the affectionate
nick name of "Knute the Brute" from staff, who
admire his intense commitment and remark
he shows the focus and persistence of a true
athlete. As always, Knute continues to be a
inspiration to other program participants and
their families!
Knute – Part 4 – 25 years later, TBI recovery
advancing through exercise
Having experienced a severe TBI when just a child, Knute had
been confined to a wheelchair, and not walked, for
22 years. Knute's most recent video highlights his
creative and inspiring progress in the Gait Harness
System II. Knute now transfers into the GHSII by
bringing himself to stand, then rotates himself
inside the System so he faces the open side. Knute
says he is excited that he can experience more
independence and options with walking and exercise,
with no barriers between him and the world. Knute
insisted upon beginning more challenging activities
on his recovery track . Using the GHSII, you'll see
him doing accelerated endurance work with resistance
tubing and squats, building leg strength and
stability. Knute is enjoying these more aggressive,
athletic approaches to his recovery, including
working on hand/eye coordination by engaging in ball
catching and batting. Knute's most recent video
shows him having fun. By using this personalized
approach, Knute is beginning to enjoy life more on
his terms!
Robert- Walks Outdoors for the
First Time since his TBI
Currently, Robert uses his Gait Harness
System II at his residential adult foster
home daily. Because the GHSII is portable
and easy to move, Robert's caregiver
staff takes the GHSII with Robert on grocery
shopping and other errands, where he walks
up and down the aisles freely. He also uses
the GHSII in an innovative exercise program
created by his foster home, structured
around Taekwondo. Robert loves the freedom
he feels being able to walk again out in the
world, and gathers a crowd wherever he goes!
Robert - Part 2 – 1 year
later, Robert makes astounding progress
Robert had been confined to a wheelchair, and
not able to walk for over nine years. 1 year
after he began using the Gait Harness System,
Robert is making progress beyond anyone's
expectations. While walking, he is improving the
quality of his social communications with
others, at an eye-to-eye level. He enjoys using
his GHS daily, taking it outside daily to enjoy
the fresh air and to spend time with family and
friends.
Robert - Part 3 – Robert gets
his life back walking outdoors in the Gait
Harness System
Robert walked outdoors for 5 circuits around the
building while he was attending the Brain Injury
Association of Oregon Annual Conference in Oregon.
The Gait Harness System has opened a whole new world
of walking to Robert, and he spends as much time in
the System every day as he can.
Courtney – Walking for the 1st time since
her Brain Injury
Courtney is walking again for the first time since
her traumatic brain injury. She is able to achieve
greater stability in walking with the Gait Harness
System. Using e-stim and an orthotic brace with the
System, she is making the impossible, possible
again.
Jen-
Stimulating the Senses and Successes
Jen is a T 10-11 ASIA A. No one had helped her to
stand or walk during the year following her severe SCI
and co-occurring TBI. Jen is a good example of how the
Gait Harness System can accomodate a larger adult,
keeping them safe from tipping or falling, so
the user can focus on standing and ambulation skills.
Physical rehabilitation should provide an
experience that encourages an individual’s desire to get
better and become healthier.
Stroke/CVA
- Cerebellar Degeneration
Donald – A Great Story: Veteran walking again after
TBI, stroke, and fall related-fractures
Donald is veteran who served our country in active
duty several years during the Korean War. Military
stressors included a traumatic brain injury, PSTD,
and shell fragment wounds following blast exposure,
at which time he was jettisoned from his jeep. In
the past several years, Donald has experienced a
heart attack, a stroke, and multiple repeated rib,
arm, hand and leg fractures resulting from falls.
Increasing falls have led to multiple
hospitalizations and increasingly protracted stays
in residential skilled nursing facilities. Here you
see Donald walk for the first time in 6 months after
being bed-bound in a skilled nursing facility. We
celebrated this wonderful accomplishment on Father’s
Day, 2010. This is a great story, and just the start
of seeing Donald improve after his injury and
illnesses.
Donald – Part 2 – 2 months later, Walking Again
following stroke
Six weeks ago, Donald took his first steps, after
not having stood or walked in over 6 months. He
required a one person assist with transfer and
ambulation. You will now observe Donald
transferring into the Gait Harness System II
independently from the bedside, and walking through
multiple halls of his residential nursing
facility, requiring no staff assistance. In fact,
he is walking so quickly, it is hard for staff to
keep up with him! Donald is excited to be getting
stronger each day, and is regaining his spirit.
Obviously, Donald's increasing mobility will allow
him residential options outside of skilled nursing
care.
Donald – Part 3 – 1 year later, celebrating Walking
Again on his birthday
Donald celebrated wonderful success walking again on
his birthday this year. It's been a year of combined
great progress and of secondary medical
complications. Donald loves being up and out of bed,
and walks several times a week in his Gait Harness
System. He has built a great deal of speed and
finesse in using the Second Step Gait Harness
System. Donald lives by his mantra that "every day I
can get out of bed, and on my feet, is a good
day!!!"
Marlene- Continued Progress brings her
more Freedom at Home
The Gait Harness System is allowing Marlene, a woman
with cerebellar degeneration and severe balance
disturbance, to walk again.
Since she began using the System, she has increased her
walking from 10 feet to 200 feet per session.
This is greatly improving her strength and stamina,
making chair and wheelchair transfers much easier for
her. Marlene says that "Using the Gait Harness System has
been a life changing experience. It is allowing me to
restore my ability and confidence. It’s hard work, but
it’s good work. It’s great to feel my muscles again!"
Marlene- Part
2-
Renewed Hope to Walk Again: Marlene Continues
Finding Solutions
Marlene is making progress reaching her goal of
learning to walk again, one day at a time. She
is using the Gait Harness System two times per
week in therapy. Marlene is now able to walk 250
feet per session, with more confidence and
purpose. She is increasing her strength and
control, which allows her to walk more
independently. For Marlene, who has been living
with severe balance disturbance and cerebellar
degeneration, her progress has exceeded anyone's
expectations.
Marlene – Part 3 – Regaining her Quality of Life
Marlene
has been living with cerebellar degeneration and
accompanying severe balance disturbance for several
years. Since beginning therapy with the Gait Harness
System II, she
has gotten out of her wheelchair, and is up and
walking again. Marlene is ready to work on
re-learning daily living skills, while standing, to
help her resume her day-to-day life. This video
story shows Marlene thrilled to be back in the
kitchen, facing the open side of the GHSII
to put up dishes, practice sideways walking, washing
her hands at the kitchen sink, and washing off a
table. Using the GHSII
in creative, practical ways like this opens
Marlene's eyes to a whole new window of
opportunities, parts of her life she has missed. She
can spend extended times in the System, combining
use between active, focused walking and doing
day-to-day living tasks and pleasures...such as
being able to stand to work on a high window mosaic
which previously she could not reach. As Marlene
says, "It takes concentration...it feels good! My
legs aren't used to standing this long...I liked
that!!"
David - Home Users find Recovery
David suffered from a stroke and then
severe muscle atrophy in his legs. He began using the
Gait Harness System at the end of 2008. Within 12 weeks
he went from walking 20 feet to walking 240 feet each
session. David uses the Gait Harness System twice per
week, and is very proud of his progress. This video
story shows how clinical hallways can become 2-lane,
active therapy corridors. Notice how the caregiver and
user have the room and freedom to walk safely. The
caregiver and the user have great control and easy
maneuverability over the GHS, without having to wrestle
with awkward, heavy or resistant equipment. You can see
David glides smoothly down the hallway, without intense
effort.
In the 10 months since this video was filmed, David
reports that due to his weekly use of the Gait Harness
System, he has progressed right out of using the GHS! He
is currently using just a cane for partial walking
assistance. David commented that prior to beginning use
of the GHS, he was entirely wheelchair bound, and wasn't
able to walk at all. He is delighted at his new freedom
and independence.
Spinal
Cord Injury - Amputation
Amy- New Freedom Found from Walking Again
using Second Step
3 years ago, Amy suffered a T-11
spinal cord injury following a MVA. Her local doctor
and therapist told her she would never walk again. Amy
had different plans! She began using the Second Step
Gait Harness System at a serious spinal cord injury
recovery center. Within 9 months, you can see the
progress she has made. Amy now has her own Gait Harness
System at home, and uses it daily to go for walks
outside with her boyfriend. Amy is highly motivated, and
is determined to recover.
Eric- Seeing is Believing
If someone wants to walk again, then why
not try? Neuroplasticity is a term that describes the
brain's ability to reorganize by forming new neural
connections. Eric
is a T6 complete. Eric has
worked very hard to be able to walk and stand on his own
again. He now requires minimal assistance for
guidance of his GHS. Eric is wearing carbon fiber KAFOs
with stance control knees. As you can see, the gait
harness works very well with his braces.
With Eric,
seeing is believing.
Billy – 8 years after his SCI, Billy Walks Again
Billy experienced a T 7/8 Asia A spinal cord injury
in 2003, when he was just 22 years old. For the
first 3 years post his injury he was so weak he
could barely lift a gallon of milk in his hand.
Billy has worked with STAR Rehab in Michigan over
the past 5 years, working on rebuilding his strength
and endurance. 8 years later, he is able to do a
variety of strength training exercises, including
wheelchair pull ups on pulleys, carrying 45 pound
plates in his lap. Billy does strength training 5
days a week, 3 hours a day. Over the past 6 months,
he has begun using the GHSII 5 days a week to get on
his feet and walk again. You see him here adjusting
and using his KAFOs, transferring into the Gait
Harness System II from his wheelchair, walking laps,
and then transferring out of the GHSII into his
wheelchair. Billy and his therapy team have worked
hard for his recovery, and he is determined to walk
again independently
John
- Walking using Second Step, After
not Walking for over 15 years
John is a T-11/12 incomplete. He sustained both an SCI
and above knee amputation secondary to a MVA. He had
not tried to walk in 15 years. John’s therapist has
graduated him, using the Gait Harness System, through 2
prosthetics and orthotics to what you now see. He has
progressed from crawling, to ambulation with a standard
walker plus stand-by assistance for safety. He
currently is walking up to 1500 feet in the Gait Harness
System and 600 feet with a rolling walker. John
exemplifies both therapeutic complexity and ease of use
application of the Gait Harness System with both a
prosthetic and orthotic.
Working with
the Second Step Gait Harness System also allows the
therapist to safely implement neuromuscular
electro-stimulation to John’s muscle in his leg. The
right exercise, for the right duration, at the right
time can promote neurotrophic growth factors. Products
such as the Second Step, which accommodates treatment
techniques like this, not only have a specific
rehabilitation intent, but also a hologic focus.
Norman- Saves his Leg, and Walks Again
Norman walks again after failed back surgery,
and secondary complications which lead to a
scheduled surgery to amputate his leg. He also
needed an additional
diagnosis and treatment in the area of his
C-spine. Norman traveled 65 miles to physical
therapy, every day. He has advanced beyond the
expectations of his MD, DPM and his
orthotist in under 1 month. Norman has so
improved lower extremity function that the
amputation was not only cancelled, he is able to
walk again. His therapy involved ambulation in
the Gait Harness System (GHS) with his RGO
(reciprocating gait orthosis) for 45 minutes a
session. Norman progressed from 5 minute
sessions in the parallel bars to 45 minutes in
GHS in just 1 week. After 6 weeks of therapy, he
had significant improvements in lower extremity
circulation, muscle mass strength, bone density
and cardiovascular studies, including a lowering
of his cholesterol and a reduction in his
hypertension. Norman's story shows that hope is
alive...and is living proof of how someone can
move from being wheelchair confined, and looking
at a future filled with challenges related to an
amputation, to resuming an independent life.
Walking, and recovery, are possible!
Abby- Moving toward Recovery in the
Second Step Gait Harness System
Abby is a C6 complete who had been non ambulatory for
over 10 years. She is able to walk AGAIN in the GHS,
with carbon fiber KAFOs. She only requires the
assistance of one person for guidance of her GHS.
Without the GHS, walking again would require at least
two persons assisting her.
Bob- With Second Step, Bob Walks Again
Bob is a 6 foot 5 inch C5 ASIA B status
post diving accident. His therapist has progressed him
from KAFO’s to AFO’s. Additionally, the therapist has
FES applied to the tib anterior and pernoneals that he
activates via a trigger switch to break the extension
spasticity. The GHS frees up an individual to manually
correct improper foot placement. The therapist reports
the harness works very well with the braces. This
particular individual also buckles on occasion.
Generally this happens when the patient accidentally
activates the e-stim bilaterally. The main point is
that the GHS effectively prevents him from falling and
there is no pain or skin irritation from the harness.
The therapist reports this client has tried numerous
harnesses and said the GHS harness is by far the most
comfortable.
Art is a T 6-7 ASIA B. He is approximately 2
years post injury, and had never been given a chance to
walk until he came to an innovative clinic , where
he had access to the Gait Harness System II. In
this video Art is using KAFO's, with a 2 person
assist. The enriched environment provided here
motivates and engage individuals so that clients
want to work hard, and actually enjoy the
experience. Science has shown that such
motivation increases the potential for successful
rehabilitation while potentially accelerating the rate
of progress.
Art – Part 2- 6 months later, Art increases his
options to Walk Again
If someone wants to walk again, then why not try?
Art shows an example of spinal cord injury recovery.
6 months later, he continues to make progress using
the Second Step Gait Harness System. Using KAFOs,
he no longer requires therapist assistance to
propel his legs, and is getting stronger each day.
Corey is a T 8-10, ASIA A. In March 2010, Corey made
his 1st attempt walking since October 2009. On Day
1, he was able to walk 18 ft. in the Gait Harness
System! As you can see, Corey is using KAFO's, with a 2
person assist. He attends an out-patient program at
an aggressive therapy clinic whose passion is to
rebuild, restore and recover. When a clinician does good
work, sees the results with clients like Corey, and
hears him say how much he enjoys coming to therapy, you
know you have a good recipe for success!
Greg - Exercise Reactivates Reorganization
in Chronic Brain Injury
Greg experienceda
closed headinjury
about year ago. His video
is an example of how good therapy seeks novel
applications of new and current rehabilitation
paradigms to stimulate, irritate and reactivate
the impaired central nervous system. Greg's
activity here is creative, complex, and involves
in-depth cognitive processing.
Memory
Care - Alzheimer's - Parkinson's
Mary Ann-
Making Walking Again a Reality After a Stroke
After suffering from a stroke, Mary Ann lost her
ability to stand and walk. She was able to begin
taking just a few steps (using the Second Step Gait
Harness System) two years ago, once a week. Mary
Ann's continued therapy goals have focused on her
consistent use of the GHS. Over time, this has
allowed her to now comfortably walk over 100 feet
each session, with continued hope for better days.
So far, this approach has brought success and opened
doors for new opportunities for her increasing
recovery.
Mary Ann-
Part 2 - Walking through Memory Care
Mary Ann currently walks in the Gait Harness
System at her day center's Memory Care Unit.
When asked if she wants to get out of her
wheelchair and try walking, she says "yes, I
want to walk for miles!" Mary Ann is very proud
of being able to do standing transfers into the
GHS, commenting that she enjoys "standing up
short." This video shows you the ease of
transfers into and out of the GHS, and how the
user can easily take rest stops as required.
Mary Ann is consistently walking 100 ft. per
session, focusing on maintaining her best
possible healthy functioning, while working
through issues of chronic back pain and a memory
impairment disorder. Each day, Mary Ann brings a
smile and cheerful words to everyone around her!
Orthopedic
Jim-Getting
Back on Your Feet
Recovery is closer than it seems for many
people. Using the Second Step Gait Harness System for
resistive and assistive therapy, Jim was pleased to find
his recovery after a stroke and a knee replacement got
him back on his feet again. Jim was able to address his
balance and weakness issues safely and productively, and
has resumed his hobbies and active lifestyle.
Educational
Joe – PT shows how the GHS helps Clients Walk Again
Joe Millen, a PT, shows you features and benefits of
working with clients in the Gait Harness System.
Maria- One Possible Solution for People who Need
Extra Help to Walk
This video will educate you on an effective, hands-free,
safe, and efficient client transfer process using the
TotaLiftII chair, for ultimate transfer and transport
flexibility, into the Gait Harness System. This transfer
process involves no complex set-up, bending nor lifting.
The Gait Harness System and the TotalLiftII are
individual systems which offer much when used
separately, but even more when used together.
Christina- Second Step Gait Training with Child Walking
Safely
The Gait Harness System is helping
children to be more independent when walking. The System
is designed to provide safety to children and to the
caregivers who are working with them.
In the context of the continuing and escalating need for
rehabilitative therapy for traumatic brain injury, spinal
cord injury, neurological, lower extremity amputation, and
stroke populations, these stories offer hope that there is
opportunity for recovery. You have seen concrete examples of
how using the GHS in therapy has made walking again possible
for many.
Do you or a loved one use the Gait Harness System?
If so,
click here to tell us your
story.
It's about
WALKING AGAIN
No problem is
too big…if the right people, with the right treatment, and
the right System, go at it the right way
“Your videos of brain injured folks, like my son, using
the GHS brings tears to my eyes because it reminds us to
never give up and to keep trying new things.”
Bonnie P., parent of user, Eugene OR
.....healthy opportunities for recovery
“Just
this morning the Gait Harness System was bringing some amazement and
tears to staff members as a student used it successfully.”
David Cacciatore, Physical Therapist, Lane School, Houston TX
…..keeping therapists & patients safe
“Patients
cannot fall using the GHS as the harness is designed to
support their full body weight if necessary. No
walker or cane can compare to the safety of this
System.”
Nicole Prieto-Lewis, Director of the Gait and Balance
Laboratory, Gainesville VA, Gainesville FL
Many clients
have found Second Step, and learned about the Gait Harness System, because of
their interest in one or more of the following:
parallel
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At
Second Step, Inc. we specialize in helping people walk and stand again. Our
product line includes:
second
step gait harness system, gait harness system, adult harnesses, Gait Harness
System II , pediatric harnesses
