A Hart Walker is a walking aid which allows children with moderate to severe physical disabilities, especially those with cerebral palsy, to stand and to experience hands free walking.

Although it looks deceptively simple, the Hart Walker actually has up to 1000 working components. Once the child is used to the walker, it can become very manoevrable.

The Hart Walker is adjustable and grows with the child. This could be over a period of seven years. The Hart Walker has to be adjusted by the team on a regular basis. This adjustment not only caters for the child's natural growth but their physical development.

The Walkways Mobility Program is staffed by a part-time physiotherapist, an administration assistant and utilises the services of a specially trained orthotist.

Benefits of the Hart Walker

A Hart Walker provides hands-free mobility and allows children the opportunity to experience walking, often for the first time in their lives.

Health benefits may include:

• Improved circulation
• Improved respiration
• Improved digestive system
• Improved muscle control
• Improved balance

Social benefits are:

• A positive personality change
• Increased self esteem
• Better interaction with peers
• Better social communication

The Walkways Mobility Program attracts no government funding and relies on the generosity of the general public. The Lion's Mobility Foundation is a major sponsor.

Suitability

To be suitable for a Hart Walker, a child needs to fulfil the following criteria:

• Have a consistent, reciprocal stepping pattern when supported
• Be at least three years of age and measure no less than 90cm in total height
• Instep to hip joint to be less than 72 cm (for initial fitting)
• Be motivated to move

Referrals can be made by the parent directly to the program or by an agent or agencies acting on the parents behalf with written permission.

Leaving the Program

Once the child's leg length reaches 86cm, the Hart Walker is not longer suitable as it will be too unstable. When children outgrow the Hart Walker, therapy staff will work with the family to recommend the best form of equipment to assist and support the child for the future.

About the Inventor

David Hart was born into a family of inventors, the most famous of whom was Samuel Crompton who invented the Spinning Mule.

His grandfather and father also had patented inventions. David worked for a large medical company and eventually headed their research and development unit.

Research projects included development of the Myo-electronic artificial hand controlled by signals from the brain, powered by surgical implementation and designing body bracing which would allow paraplegics to stand and walk.

David set up his own research and development company in Keighley Yorkshire UK where he met with a little boy with cerebral palsy and was asked to help. David's destiny was decided and the Hart Walker was born.