Hart Walker: Q&A

Q: I heard that a person who cannot turn in their sleep can use this product. Would it enable the person to turn in their sleep, sit up and crawl (reciprocal) etc.?

A: Yes, that is a very probable. There is a case of a completely bedridden child who took their first step after the third year of using this walker, and can now sit up and strengthen their muscles.

Q: Are there any symptoms we should watch out for before using it?

A: people with circulation problems might have anaemia and irregular pulse caused by an upright posture. In such cases we advise the potential user to consult a medical doctor before using it. In other cases too, if you are worried, please do not hesitate to consult us. We sometimes receive queries about intellectual impediment. There is no particular problem with use by people with intellectual impediments. The Koguma Welfare Association, a medical social welfare organisation, cooperates with our company, Hart Walker Japan, and their doctors and therapists give us medical advice.

Q: Can it be used to improve walking posture, even if the child can walk?

A: That depends on the walking posture. For example, in the case of a person who cannot keep the body properly balanced because of hemiplegia, we believe it is most important to practice walking with a four wheeled Hart Walker. So it is possible to improve walking.

Q: In what sort of places can they be used?

A: Relatively flat and even places such as your own home, car parks and parks. When used at nursery schools and schools, it requires the cooperation of the teachers and the school.

Q: What is the procedure for adjustment during aftercare?

A: First we check all aspects of walking posture and make any necessary adjustments on the first day of use, before handing it to the customer. The customer will try it for 2~4 months. During that period, the customer sends us video footage so that we can keep track of how they are getting on with the walker. This enables us to assess in advance what needs to be adjusted.

We normally make four adjustments a year during the first year, three a year thereafter.