New walking aid device

Trials underway in the US

 

Kickstart is a new device designed with a pulley system to use and support the wearer’s own energy. It works without expensive electronics.

 

Kickstart Walking System

 

The Kickstart Walking System is an orthosis intended for individuals with lower extremity weakness – particularly in the hip flexors and ankle plantarflexors – and poor endurance, secondary to neurological injury or disease. This device is new in the US with trials being offered in various cities in the US and Canada, but is not yet available in Australia.

Who can benefit from the Kickstart Walking System?

It’s designed for those who have difficulty walking independently, especially if you experience any of the following:

  • Difficulty lifting your knee
  • Catching your toes often when taking a step, even while wearing a brace for foot drop
  • Lack of endurance – fatigue after walking short distances
  • Difficulty with coordination, balance or stability
  • Circumduction – tendency to swing your leg out to your side (instead of straight forward) in order to take a step
  • Step-to Gait – stepping forward with one foot and bringing the other to meet it

Ideal candidates for Kickstart are those who have:

  • The ability to initiate at least one step (with use of walker or crutches if needed)
  • Good core strength (back/abdominals)
  • The ability to stand up straight for two minutes (with only slight assistance from a walker or crutches for balance)

Other requirements include:

  • A strong motivation to walk
  • A strong, motivated support structure from family and caregivers

Contraindications include:

  • Severe knee flexion contractures
  • Severe quadriceps weakness
  • Cognitive impairments.

9 comments

  1. Editor’s Note: Kickstart advise as follows…

    Unfortunately Kickstart is only available in the US and Canada at this time.  If someone in Australia is interested in Kickstart and travelling to the US, they can arrange a visit, Kickstart trial and obtain a custom device. Otherwise we can let you know when we expand to other markets.

    Cadence Biomedical
    3534 Bagley Ave N
    Seattle, WA 98103 USA
    ph: 206.659.0614 | fax: 206.400.1596
    email: [email protected]
    http://www.cadencebiomedical.com
    @cadencebio <http://www.twitter.com/cadencebio>
    http://www.facebook.com/cadencebio

  2. I would also be interested in giving it a go. Has it arrived in Australia since these comments were posted? – it now being december 2015?

  3. I Live in California. where could I go to see the walk aid? I have SPG six. I’m interested in trying it out and hopefully buying it if it works. Can you give me the phone number that I could call and set up an appointment.

    1. Editor’s Note: We are based in Australia and have no information or connection with the company making the Kickstart. Suggest you try a Google search for contact details for them.

  4. 7/1/21 Hi has anyone had any success in finding out how to get this Kick start walking device to Australia or where we can buy them or get them made or use in Western Australia? Any Information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much

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