
Gait Harness
Secure support with no restrictions.
Gait Harness
Key Features of the Gait Harness
Available as a sold
separately product
Custom size
option for adults
3 Adult Standard Sizes
S, M, & L
3 Pediatric Standard Sizes
S, M, & L
Easily Connects to
GHS Forearm Top
Used as Safe Support
During Client Transfers
3 Hand-holds to
Assist with Transfers
For Both Practitioner
And Home Users
Gait Harness for Practitioners & Home Users
The Second Step Gait Harness provides a safe and effective environment for patients who need assistance with transfers, standing, gait and exercise when partial or full weight bearing is desired.
Safety during Transfer
The Gait Harness reduces the load on the lumbar spine for both the patient and the caregiver/practitioner. The Gait Harness provides the caregiver/practitioner control over the patient’s pelvis and thigh while transferring or for the purpose of assisting the patient during upright activities.
There are three handholds located on the harness that assist the caregiver/practitioner in performing a safe transfer, and with which to manually assist the patient in movement. There is minimal superior migration of the harness during transfers through proper application of the leg cuffs.
The Gait Harness makes it easier for caregiver/practitioners to provide lateral support and keep patients in an upright posture to provide an effective environment to efficiently train patients, reducing stress during therapy. Caregiver/practitioners no longer must resort to potentially dangerous postures which may cause injuries. Consequently, caregiver/practitioners find it easier to maintain control when they ambulate patients using the Gait Harness.
Patient Comfort
The Gait Harness has a padded, comfortable trunk support with secondary support through the thigh of the thigh muscle. The Gait Harness provides a more natural, padded, pliable, snug, and secure trunk support, without rigid, restrictive, or uncomfortable bracing. The harness provides pelvic and trunk control during transfers.
Patented harness design leaves the perineal region free from straps that could produce injury to the groin during loss of balance. The higher degree of support and comfort makes patients feel more secure, and thus more inclined to participate in their therapy programs at an earlier stage of their recovery process.
Mobility
The Gait Harness provides physical, mental, and functional benefits. It also reduces staff needs while continuing to ensure patient safety.
Cost Savings
Using the Gait Harness results in decreasing fall related injuries during transfers and ambulation. Using the harness alone decreases stress on both the patient and caregiver/practitioner during transfers.
Liability
Reduces the risk of injury to the patient and the caregiver/practitioner during transfers and walking.
Mechanical
The Gait Harness is durable yet simple to use. This Gait Harness supports the patient, and distributes their weight more evenly.
Labor Shortages
Reduces staff requirements through safe treatment without having to use support staff.
Ease of Use
Proper set up and utilization of the Gait Harness can be accomplished in a few minutes. Varied harness sizes (S, M, L, and custom Gait Harness sizing) allow for quick and effective transfers of patients of different sizes, up to 6’7”.

Restorative Programs
Using the Gait Harness in restorative programs allows for staff to safely work with one patient at a time without the risk of injury or falls. The patient can rest in the Harness eliminating the need for frequent transfers in and out of the ambulator GHSII frame.
Public Opinion
Patients can be challenged in safe and functional ways and can see progression.
Productivity
The Gait Harness allows for improved staff utilization, reduces staff requirements, reduces the number of missed work days because of back or fall related injuries, enhances patient compliance and motivation, creates enthusiasm and increases job satisfaction.
Functional Outcomes
Caregiver/practitioners can progress clients into advanced activities earlier using the Gait Harness. Balance and coordination activities can be performed earlier in the patient’s program because the Gait Harness provides the “safety net” so the caregiver/practitioners can perform hands on training and let them use their skill at progressing levels. Patients have greater compliance and motivation, as well as improved independence, because there is a reduced fear of injury.
Providing Enhanced Therapy
Caregiver/practitioners can provide a higher level of skilled therapy through greater use of therapist knowledge and skill during therapy sessions. Treatment usually performed on mat tables can safely be done in the functional standing position. The combination of upper and lower support improves the positioning of the patient’s body during both passive and active sessions, to maximize the utilization of gait training methods.
Custom made Gait Harness
The individual ordering client/home user receives a personalized, custom made, patented Gait Harness, based upon their unique size. See GHS Order Form for specific client measurements needed.
Full set of Gait Harnesses for Practitioners
A set of small, medium and large adult or pediatric sized Gait Harnesses is available to ordering Practitioners.
Transfers with the Gait Harness are safe and easy from seated, supine, or standing positions. Contact us if you would like to see our Gait Harness Application and Transfer Technique brochure and video.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gennifer H., Director of Rehab, LifeHOUSE San Diego, San Diego CA
Yay! We’ve unpacked it already, can’t wait to begin using it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Second Step products are not designed to treat or cure any issue, condition or disease. Results vary and are not guaranteed. Consult with the treating doctor or health care provider regarding health-related questions, assessments, and recommendations, including addressing the client’s specific medical issues, limitations, or needs. Second Step manufactures custom merchandise. No refunds will be given on any order. All sales and layaways are final.
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