
Gait Harness System
Standing & Walking Frame for Practitioners
Gait Harness System
Key Features of The GHS for Practitioners
375 lb. Max Patient Weight
Multi-Directional
Caster Adult Base
Set of S, M, & L Adult
Gait Harnesses
Open Design for
Easy Transfers
Multiple Facing
Design
Ships Fully
Assembled
Indoor &
Outdoor Use
6′ 7″ Max Patient Height
Gait Harness System Standing & Walking Frame for Practitioners
The new GHS for Practitioners has many quality features which make it uniquely different from other therapy equipment you have seen or used.
Commercial, clinical grade, FDA registered.
The GHS is commercial grade equipment, designed to last more than 10 years. Many of our clinics have been using their System for 20+ years.
Moves easily between rooms.
The widest point of the GHS is the forearm support top, which is approximately 31”, allowing for easy transition between rooms and hallways.
Transfers are safe and easy.
From seated, supine, or standing positions, transferring is safe and easy. All GHS models accommodate standard wheelchair and scooter transfers, hospital bedside and mat table transfers, and transfers with the client who is able to stand for short periods. Contact us if you would like to see our transfer technique video.
Standard Forearm Support Top frame.
The new System for Practitioners has a standard wide forearm support top, which allows for more reciprocal arm movement, and accommodates small, medium and large sized clients.
The support top frame features two telescoping columns to make height adjustments between clients easy, balanced, and more stable.
Forward, posterior and lateral positions in the Forearm Support Tops.
The client may face forward into the U-shaped frame, to the open-side, facing the posterior position, or face laterally within the frame. Facing the open side is great solution for those who want to learn to walk again with open visual and physical access to the environment.
Additionally, posterior positioning is a natural progression towards independent movement. The Hand Hold Set Accessory can be moved anywhere along the inside or outside arm rests of either forearm support top, to whichever position best matches the client’s needs.
Indoor and outdoor use.
The GHS allows your staff to help clients learn to walk again outdoors in more natural, real-world environments. The System may be used indoors or outdoors, on any level, finished surface. Contact us if you have specific questions about your indoor flooring surface or potential outdoor use of the GHS.
Full set of adult Gait Harnesses.
Ordering Practitioners receive a set of small, medium and large adult Gait Harnesses with their GHS order. Gait Harnesses provide a more natural padded, pliable, snug, and secure trunk support, without rigid, restrictive, or uncomfortable bracing.
Portable.
The System base frame and forearm support separate for easy transport in van, SUV, or pickup truck. Contact us if you have specific questions about GHS product dimensions.
Adjustable, horizontal Gait Harness support suspension system.
All GHS models have a patented, safe, comfortable support of the client via Gait Harness secure connection to the four adjustable support straps. The orientation of the client within the System ensures proper postural positioning. Contact us for more information on how the support straps adjust to the client during transfers in and out of the System.
Base frame provides optimal stability.
Overground, our base frame provides the greatest stability of any standing frame, walking frame or gait trainer. Base width and length provide extra steadiness for those who need it, and allow for safe wheelchair and bedside transfers. Our base frame provides exceptional functionality and support in indoor and outdoor settings, with improved casters and time-tested features.
Foot-actuated Steer casters.
The new multi-directional, foot-actuated casters provide effortless mobility throughout. The practitioner may lock the two green “steer” multi-directional casters to restrict movement to an inline, linear direction. This helps clients learn to walk again in a straight line and eliminate drifting sideways. Many clients with hemiparesis, seizures, ataxia or other balance issues find the inline orientation useful in their early stages of learning to walk again.
Release the multi-directional locks on the two green “steer” casters for free, 360-degree movement in any direction.
Foot-actuated Brake casters and client controlled braking system.
All GHS models have two braking systems. The first is the foot-actuated, red “brake” casters, controlled by the practitioner. Brake casters are engaged during transfers, and if the client is using the GHS as a stationary standing frame.
The second braking system is controlled by the client. This is an automatic, weight-activated front braking system, initiated by the two vertical braking pegs at the front of the base frame. When the client removes weight from their feet, they will be supported in a comfortable, semi-seated resting position. The client’s downward weight shift engages the spring-loaded braking pegs to the flooring surface, helping keep the System from moving during client rest breaks. The practitioner may provide extra braking assistance by resting their foot on the padded front bar of the base frame.
Margaret Giannini M.D., F.A.A.P, Director, Office on Disability, Health and Human Services, Washington DC
The Second Step program is most creative. It provides much-needed rehabilitation support for individuals with disabilities in long-term care facilities. Wishing you every success.
Nicole Prieto-Lewis, Director of the Gait and Balance Research Laboratory, Gainesville VA, Gainesville FL
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.
Ester Valazquez, MSPT, HealthSouth Rehabilitation, Tampa FL
In 5 years of on-again/off-again rehabilitation, one resident failed to develop independent ambulation to cover even short distances. With integrating the GHS into the treatment regimen, this resident made tremendous progress in independence, ambulating over 200-300 feet.
Gabrielle M., Director of Rec. Services, Genesis HealthCare, Baltimore MD
I’ve worked as the director of recreation services for a skilled nursing facility for 25 years. I am very impressed with how you have designed a piece of equipment that both supports the patient and allows the patient to ambulate. You should be proud of yourselves.
Sophia Bong, President and CEO, Strength Training & Recovery Corp., Grand Blanc MI
We have been using our GHS for years, and love it. We have incorporated it with the Interactive Metronome for gait training amputees. Our adult and pediatric GHS’s are both working wonderfully. We are even able to use one for the adults who are tall kneeling for gait training.
Gillian Medieros, OTR/L, Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Haverhill MA
At age 42, Ron collapsed in his doctor’s office parking lot, awakening to find he was paralyzed from the waist down. Ron’s a very serious and intense person. he’s a perfectionist. No matter how big a step Ron makes, he always wants to take one more. He’s not a quitter. Within a month, Ron was walking 150 feet with the Gait Harness System. It was an amazing moment. It was unbelievable. We were blown away.
A. Flood, PT, James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa FL
One of my veteran clients, who has a lower extremity amputation, lives in a rural area in South Carolina and inconsistently received therapy services at home. We helped the family get a GHS for them to work on his ambulation at home once he was discharged.
Gennifer H., Director of Rehab, LifeHOUSE San Diego, San Diego CA
Yay! We’ve unpacked it already, can’t wait to begin using it.
E. Wilzbacher, MS, Licensed Psychological Practitioner, Clinical Director, NeuroRestorative, Lexington KY
The GHS is awesome!! It has been amazing to watch our clients use it! Our PT is very satisfied with it.
Kandice Kinney, ATC/R, NASM – CES, Director of Therapy, ADAPT Training, Beaverton OR
One of our clients has decided to bring their Second Step Gait Harness System to our facility and we have had the opportunity to use it—it is amazing!
Stacy Tomczak DPT, PT, Optimal Health Institute, Addison IL
Using the GHS has changed my patient’s life forever. At first, he needed 2 people just to assist him standing. Now, he is ambulating 40 feet with only minimal assistance to advance his left leg. He has also built up trunk stability and tolerance enough to weight bear through his legs. He continually verbalizes his excitement with each new gain. He wouldn’t be walking if it weren’t for the GHS. I can’t thank you enough for helping him achieve his goals.
William Thornton, MPT, Lead Physical Therapist, The Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery®, Rehab Institute of Michigan, Detroit MI
The harness used in the GHS directs supportive forces (or fall recovery forces) through a much larger surface area on both thighs. Other, over-head harnesses direct these forces through the sensitive pubic area, which often leads to decreased treatment time and intensity.
Dru M., Physiotherapist, Queensland Australia
I have a client with a brain stem injury who’s spent 16 years in a wheelchair. I couldn’t find the right equipment on the web. Then voila! Yesterday a colleague said he’d found it. I think he’s right. My client has watched the videos and is excited. It looks like the GHS will really get him moving. We are really pleased to have found your website and are glad you can help.
Lisa Stevens, PT, Senior Physical Therapist, Brain and Spine Recovery Center, Brackenridge Hospital, Austin TX
The Second Step system allows earlier ambulation of stroke and other neurologically compromised patients by creating a virtually fall-free environment. While it may still take two or even three therapy staff in the most involved cases, initiating stepping as early as possible is critical to ultimately achieving functional gait. With the framework and the harness, I was able to move straight to standing and limited gait instead of being stuck in transfer training for the first day or two. It makes the process possible from the bedside, which allowed the staff members to work without a dedicated gym space when necessary.
William Thornton MPT, Level 11 Physical Therapy Clinics founder, Holly MI
I have a group of patients at a facility who were all told they would never walk again—after using the Gait Harness System, only two now use a wheelchair as their primary locomotion. I use the GHS daily with almost all my patients. I have had great success using the GHS with and without braces with tetras and paras of all levels. The unique harness is extremely comfortable, works very well with the braces, and reduces the number of seated rest breaks with any standing activity. The GHS allows for reinforcement of newly learned gait patterns, in a real-world situation. The GHS has allowed our program to be very challenging, efficient, and safe at the same time. Many of the higher level activities would require two or three staff members if it were not for the GHS. I cannot say enough about the ease of use and its ability to reduce the fear of falling.
E. King, PT, James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa FL
I have a 40-year-old male patient who sustained a TBI in 1994. He and his family were educated in the proper set-up and application of the GHS, and a request was made to have a unit shipped to Tennessee for patient to use in the home for continuity of care and continued functional training. This patient has high needs for mobility assistance and is in the GHS approximately 6x/week at this time. Without the GHS, he would not have ambulating opportunities.
Joseph Millen, PT, MTC Program of Excellence Coordinator SORS, Palm Harbor FL
We have treated patients with vestibular disorders, gait abnormalities, CVA, post-op THR, TKR, post amputee, TBI, and patients with a variety of lower extremity balance and coordination problems. Patients with mental dysfunction such as Alzheimer’s Disease can be safely and securely ambulated to provide important health benefits while maintaining a minimal risk to the patient, attending aide, or therapist.
Linda Horn, PT, NCS, Inpatient PT Coordinator, St. Agnes Healthcare, Baltimore MD
When properly secured in the GHS, the resident is completely supported, without need for caregiver assistance. Mobility activities can be performed relatively hands-free. The resident’s confidence is restored, which can be a huge barrier removed. The therapist is now able to fine-tune the resident’s mobility and address weakness and other gait deviations.
Mark A., PTA, Newport OR
I just finished reading your “About Us” page on your website. What an awesome contribution you’ve made to humanity! As a PTA, I look forward to having the opportunity to assist rehabilitation using your most innovative GHS. It is truly a pleasure to meet someone with your sense of vision and awareness of others.
Joe Mitchell, Financial Aid Center for Long Term Care, Inc., Grants Pass OR
The Gait Harness System is a truly marvelous device that could no doubt help thousands of people actually regain their mobility, not just spend the rest of their lives being pushed around in a wheel chair or riding on a scooter.
Dennis Yeichi, OTR/L, Irvine CA
You are AWESOME! On behalf of J. and his mom, THANKS! J. continues to use the Second Step as part of his maintenance program. I have to say your product, after all these years, has required minimal costs to maintain! Thanks so much for such terrific customer support for your product! Better than Nordstrom’s!
Joe Bongiovanni, CBIS CDSS, Chief Operating Officer, Strength Training & Recovery Corp., Grand Blanc MI
When our clinic opened, we made sure one of the first pieces of equipment we had was a GHS from Second Step. The GHS is a valuable piece of equipment that can be a multi-exercise station and a feedback machine for gait training. Of course, it is also a gait training device that can be used indoors or outdoors. We utilize the GHS on outdoor paths during nice spring, summer, and fall days. The hand holds are a great new feature as they have allowed our clients to have a more comfortable hand placement during their use of the GHS. The GHS allows clinicians here at STAR to create a variety of fun and challenging exercises that breaks the monotony of traditional therapy, and achieves better client outcomes.
Michael Haynes PT, Manager of the Brain and Spine Recovery Center, Brackenridge Hospital, Austin TX
We utilize the GHS with most of our SCI patients. Mainly with long leg braces, but we do have some clients who are becoming more ambulatory and it really helps establish a more normal gait pattern. We are having a lot of success utilizing this equipment.
Guy Brock, Director of Rehab/Sleep Center/EEG, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego CA
I have found the GHS really useful with clients on both the psychological and physical level. It’s made a huge difference with clients for whom other types of equipment have not worked, and with clients who haven’t been willing to work with any other type of equipment because of a fear of falling. It’s uplifting to see clients no longer have the fear of falling and be willing to do therapy. Clients who were hard to work with are now very motivated, and the staff is also motivated to help them. Many of these clients have never been able to successfully ambulate prior to using the GHS.
Debbie Pitsch, PT, Palo Alto Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto CA
The GHS promotes a faster gait velocity, which is difficult to do with over-ground ambulation. I have found benefits using the GHS with amputee patients, who are fearful of falling, as it can promote less dependence on the parallel bars. I have observed the Gait Harness System may reduce anxiety and fear of falling, and improve motivation.
K. Thornton PT, Benefis Healthcare, Great Falls MT
My client is an 18-year-old who experienced a TBI last year resulting from a shooting accident. He used LiteGait and complained about discomfort in the groin area with that equipment. He is very happy with the GHS and decided to purchase one for home use.
Richard O’Toole MSW, President of Informed EldercareDecisions, Inc., nationally published author and speaker, Boston MA
I viewed several of your YouTube videos and was astounded. In 25 years of working with disabled elders and non-geriatric adults, I’ve never seen a Gait Harness System or other device so revolutionary. I’ll spread the word to my nationwide network of professional colleagues.
M. Rosalia Arellano MSPT, Scripps Mercy Hospital, Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Department, San Diego CA
I believe the GHS would be beneficial in the home. It would help with carry over and safe household ambulation, decreasing risk of injury for patient and caregiver.
Contact Us Today
We are here to help you
For personalized attention, please call or email us today. We will take the time to answer all your questions about how the Gait Harness System is helping people walk again, and whether it could be right for you.
We will do our best to respond to your request within 24 hours, or on the next business day. All information you provide is strictly confidential and will never be sold or shared with any other person, entity or organization. See our Privacy Policy.
Office hours
Monday – Thursday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm ET
Friday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm ET
Sales Office and Support
P.O. Box 565
Anna Maria, FL 34216-0565
Phone: 941.567.4200
Toll Free: 877.299.STEP (7837)
Fax: 877.299.5428