Standing in the parapodium.
The parapodium makes it possible for a disabled person to stand self-dependently and
comfortably without the aid of the hands for the period of many hours. Even if the patient faints, upright position is maintained
owing to continuous control of the child’s gravity centre.
Walking in the parapodium.
We start to learn walking by making periodic movements with the upper part of the trunk,
which leads to raising the runners and the platforms supporting the patient’s feet from the ground. It leads to the situation
when the patient’s weight is moved from left leg (runner) to the right one. Walking is possible only when: while moving the
body weight on the left leg we pull the handle on the right of the device and the other way round. Performing the next steps
can be achieved by regular alterations of the body weight from left leg to the right and simultaneously pulling the handle on
the other side.
DANGER
Even slight sideways movements of the upper part of the trunk, which causes lifting of the runners from the
ground, is sufficient to initiate the movement of the parapodium. The runners are equipped with lateral safety
supports. It is very difficult to make parapodium swing beyond the support provided by the lateral safety
supports by excessive movement. It should be remembered that any attempt to overturn the parapodium on
purpose is contrary to the instructions for use of the device and may cause serious injury of the patient.
ATTENTION
Even slight periodic movements of the trunk to the left and to the right (5
÷
10° from the vertical axis) leads to
lifting the runners from the ground, enabling walking thanks to slightly raising the handles of the parapodium
with hands.
1.
Walking can be very difficult (or even impossible) if:
•
The patient’s centre of gravity is positioned incorrectly in the parapodium; it may be caused by the mistake in
assembly of the parapodium, act according to “Assembly Instruction ”,
•
Front runner ends converge – the parapodium is assembled incorrectly, act according to “Assembly Instruction ”,
•
When the patient moves the trunk and lifts the runners from the ground, the front of the runners fall down –
“Assembly Instruction”.
2.
The change of direction of movement is obtained by raising higher the handle on the side to which we want to turn.
3.
In patients with injuries of the upper segments of the spinal cord and resultant tetraplegia it is very difficult to obtain the
effect of self-dependent walking.
Such effect can, however, be obtained with a little help of the accompanying
person.
ATTENTION
During the use of the parapodium the patient’s hands should be on the handles. The accompanying person
while helping the patient must pay attention not to place his foot before the runner of the parapodium.
Ad 3. Sitting down and leaving the parapodium (sitting on a chair, bed, etc.).
When the standing and/or walking phase comes to an end, it is necessary for the patient to return to the chair
quickly and safely. Leaving the parapodium:
a)
Unfasten the knee and feet holders,
b)
Unlock the back flap of the corset and make the patient sit down on the chair,
c)
Take out the patient’s feet from the platforms and put them on the wheelchair foot platforms,
d)
Close the back flap of the corset,
e)
Unblock the brake and move the wheelchair away.
DANGER
The patient can sit down on a chair, etc. only when it is protected from sliding back. While sitting the patient
should always
be helped by an accompanying person.
Non-compliance with the
above recommendations
may lead to falling down, contusion or injury.
2.5
Transport of the device
In order to transport the device it is recommended to initiate balancing movement as the patient would perform. In
case of carrying it through the door or stairs the parapodium should be kept by handles from the back, on the side of the
entry to the device.
While transporting the device for long distances it is recommended to disassemble it into two parts according to
pict.4.
In order to disassemble the device follow these instructions:
a)
Unscrew the screws with two pads (pos.3, pict.4),
b)
Take off the corset assembly (pos.1, pict.4) from the basis assembly (pos.2, pict.4).
12
