Accessories

The Up n’ Free in all size models has convenient hand placement locations on the sides that suit most users. These locations provide a comfortable, sometimes re-assuring place for the patient to rest their hands. They are not required to steer or otherwise use the device. But some users are most comfortable with a hand position that is based on their personal taste or need. For these users adjustable handles can be attached to the frame of the Up n’ Free in a wide range of positions and angles.

Mobile handles can be purchased for the Up n’ Free. These handles come as a u-shaped metal piece and can be attached to the top of the seat connector. Unlike the adjustable handles, these handles have the unique ability to move up and down with the user as he or she walks.

The chest support can assist users with limited trunk control to maintain an upright posture. The chest support consists of a comfortable pad which attaches to the Up n’ Free with a shaft that connects to the top of the seat connector. The mounting shaft’s length is adjustable to fit the patient’s body height. Because of the mounting location of the chest support, the piece tracks the user as he moves up and down. This provides firm support and without inhibiting the user’s movement.

The support pad is secured to the patient’s chest with an easy to adjust elastic strap. The elasticity of the strap allows unrestricted breathing while still providing the necessary support. Additionally, two cross-straps provide additional support by crossing behind the user’s back and going over his shoulders.

Scissoring Bars are rigid bars (approximately 27 inches in length) that can be attached to the lower front of the Up n’ Free gait trainer. The bars can be used singly or in combinations of up to four bars. The bars improve the ability of some users to maintain their leg positions underneath their trunk. Positioned between the legs the bars reduce the opportunity for a patient to scissor their legs while standing or walking. Positioned outside the leg(s) the bars reduce the opportunity for the patient’s leg(s) to splay outward. The angle at which the Scissoring Bar is mounted is adjustable so it can be positioned to align the patient’s legs from the ankle up to the knee.

Arm supports are rigid platforms that will support a user’s arm if they lack adequate motor or neurological control of their arm. The supports can be mounted on either the left or right side of the Up n’ Free and are fully adjustable to achieve a comfortable arm position for the patient. An adjustable handle provides the user with a convenient handhold. Velcro straps can be used to secure the patient’s arm to the support if required.

The arm support is specifically designed to not allow the patient to use it as a weight bearing surface (it is intentionally located too high to allow carrying significant weight with the patient’s arms). This is to keep the focus of therapy on improving strength and balance of the lower extremities. The arm supports do increase the sense of stability for some users but their primary function is to provide a comfortable place to rest a nonfunctional arm or hand.

This accessory has the same advantages and capabilities as the standard arm support with one major addition. This arm support can move up and down tracking the user’s gait during walking. This also allows the user to sit comfortably while attached to the arm supports, something that the standard arm supports prevent. Mobile handles (sold separately) are needed to attach the mobile arm support.

The adjustable tray accessory can help users be more functional while using the Up n’ Free. This dynamic tray can be easily adjusted through a variety of positions and angles allowing it to function as a book stand, coffee table, and much more. The tray can be easily removed when not needed.

Sometimes it is useful to limit the user to walking in a straight line. While the Up n’ Free comes equipped with pins to prevent the rear wheels from swiveling, a separate part is needed to lock the front wheels in line. This plastic part fits around the wheel casing and attaches to the Up n’ Free’s frame to keep the user on a steady trajectory.

The Up n’ Free comes equipped with a standard narrow width seat as part of its patented seating system. This seat is found to be comfortable by a wide variety of users and is an important part of the dynamic body weight support that the Up n’ Free provides. As the base from which the Up n’ Free provides up to one-hundred pounds (forty-five kilograms) of support, it is very important that this piece sits properly and is comfortable for the user.

Therefore, in order to achieve a more comfortable fit, a second wider seat is also available for oder. This seat provides a wider base of support and is found to be more comfortable for some users. If the standard narrow seat is uncomfortable and causing too much force over a small amount of the user’s bottom, the wide seat option may be the solution. This accessory provides a large base from which to apply the same amount of force and should thus be able to reduce the pressure that the user may have encountered.

Some users have expressed an interest in larger wheels. Now the Up n’ Free can be purchased with six inch wheels instead of the standard four inch wheels. Large wheels allow the device to roll over some obstacles, thus making walking outdoors a breeze. Walking on carpet is also much easier with this option.