TAOS Walker inquiry--replies

Kevin Matthews

Description

Title:

TAOS Walker inquiry--replies

Creator:

Kevin Matthews

Date:

7/10/2008

Text:

Thanks to all who responded.
   
  Original question:
   
  I had a patient's mother ask me about the TAOS Walker and if I had any experience with it. I said I'd seen it but that was it. She was very interested in getting it for her daughter, a long-time patient of mine with CP. She is not an ambulator and without significant support would never be. I told her I'd check into it for her. Once I looked into it I and was intrigued by what I saw. This system takes children from the chair and gets them up. I know there are PT devices that do similar things, but this is orthotically based.
   
  To order this orthotic system you need to set up and authorize two candidates. I have three already. They will come to fit and give an inservice to local interested PT's with free lunch and CEU's. We fit the patients and video or present live at the in-service (brief synopsis).
   
  If you have experience with this system I'd appreciate feedback. I'll post replies with names unless asked not to.
   
  I have not seen one except in their video, but am intrigued. Their website is www.taoswalker.com If that doesn't work just google taos walker. I'd like to say that I have no financial interest in this company, I haven't even met them yet. Kevin
   
  REPLIES
   
   
  I,m very interested in your course's impact on PT's. I've tried to stimulate idea, but Pt's don't see value. When is your course.Tom Beall cpo fresno,ca.

  THE OLD MAN FROM THE VALLEY

  Hi Kevin,
  Looks surprisingly similar to the David Hart walker of the 1990's, as well as the SMART walker from Ontario, Canada. They do work, but for the right person. The seminar should help to decide who is the right candidate for this device. It provides reciprocating gait as well as a reduction in scissoring, while stabilizing the trunk. There may be more research on the Hart and Smart walkers out there to aid you in your fact-finding.
  Jen Halliday BSc. CO(c)

Check out the Orlou (?) Swivel Walker. Similar.
Karl

   
   
  Kevin, We have fit 5 or 6 of the TAOS at our facility. We have had good
 success and compliance with these. Local therapists tell us they
 perform better than other comparable devices. Patient selection is
 important. Most recent patient is post-dorsal rhizotomy and his parents note an
 improvement in his gait when using his posterior walker. We arranged a
 training with Sky Medical at our facility and invited local therapists
 to attend. So far our experience has been very positive. Good luck.
 
Chad McCracken, MS, CPO Virginia Prosthetics, Inc. 540-366-8287


  

Citation

Kevin Matthews, “TAOS Walker inquiry--replies,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 23, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/229620.