Medical benefits
Below is a short summary of the medical benefits of the iWALK2.0. Scroll down to see what the medical professionals have to say about the hands-free crutch.
- improved mobility
- improved motor function
- improved personal esteem through management of daily affairs
- improved prospects for coping and well-being
- potential for reduction in muscle atrophy & muscle strength
- potential for decrease in loss of bone density
- potential for shortened rehabilitation time
- improved ability to exercise
- improved personal safety
The iWALK2.0 is CE-marked as a Class 1 Medical Device in the European Union.
Testimonials
‘Hands Free Approach to Patient Mobility’, Orthopaedic & Trauma Times, March 2012
Dr Parker is not only an orthopaedic professional, but has been an iWALK user himself. Below is a summary extract, or you can read the full article as a PDF document here.
“It has not been often in my 25 years of orthopaedic practice that I have come across a device that is straightforward in its concept, simple in its construction and use and yet proves so effective.
“Patients using the hands-free crutch demonstrated better MFA scores (p<0.05), exhibiting better coping, a trend towards better lower extremity function and improved ability to perform everyday tasks around the house. ..While these results are compelling, it is also important to consider the effects on morale and well-being for all patients with NWB and PWB injuries and the practical assistance that the hands-free crutch can provide in helping them to get back to normal following an injury.
“Our job as practitioners is not simply to help our patients recover but to ease that recovery in any way we can, and making them aware that there is an alternative to normal crutches should, I believe, be part of that good practice.”
‘The use of a hands-free crutch in patients with musculoskeletal injuries: randomized control trial’
Below is a summary extract, or you can read the full paper as a PDF document here.
The HFC was associated with a better overall musculoskeletal functional assessment score (P<0.05), better coping, a trend towards better lower extremity function,and with performing activities around the house. The HFC was well accepted, safe, and easy to use. A clear trend for better function with the HFC was seen. The HFC has been useful in all the patients, helping them to have an early discharge. This not only helps in decreasing the burden on the hospital in terms of the expenses of hospital stay, but also helps the patient to be independent quickly, after an injury.
Prospective Clinical Evaluation Comparing Standard Axillary Crutches vs. The Hands-Free Crutch [iWALKFree, precursor to the iWALK2.0]
The primary clinical evaluation of iWALKFree was conducted in 1999 by the SWCHSC’s Orthopaedic and Arthritic Institute’s Fracture Clinic in Toronto. The data from the clinical trial was presented at the Canadian Orthopedic Associations AGM in Edmonton (June 3-6, 2000).
Below is a summary extract, or you can read the full paper as a PDF document here.
We compared the newly developed Hands Free Crutch (HFC) to standard axillary crutches (SAC) with respect to patient acceptability, comfort, function and safety.
Six patients with below the knee injuries consented to participate in the study and were randomly allocated to two weeks of one crutch followed by two weeks of the other crutch.
All found the HFC easy to learn and use. All found the HFC easy to ambulate with, while 3/6 found ambulating with crutches difficult although the small sample precluded reaching statistical significance (p=0.08). Similarly activities of daily living were easier to accomplish with the HFC (p=0.06).
The HFC was associated with a better overall MFA score (p<0.05), better coping (p<0.05), and a trend toward better lower extremity function and activities around the house (p=0.07). SF-36 physical function tended to be better with the HFC (p=0.08) in addition to SF-36 vitality (p=0.07). The HFC was well-accepted, safe and easy to use. There was a clear trend for better function with the HFC. Patients who need to be non-weight bearing due to pathology below the knee now have the ability to maintain use of their upper extremities with the HFC. Potential applications are many.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
The iWALKFree Hands-Free Medical Crutch continues to be the subject of positive medical assessments and clinical study, particularly under the auspice of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada.
“In my personal opinion, the hands-free crutch would be of major benefit to the orthopaedic patient in the rehabilitative state.”
A. Dalton, Registered Technologist (Orthopaed), Fracture Clinic, Orthopaedic and Arthritic Institute Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
“Our groundwork findings demonstrate both its safety as well as its broad applicability. We have seen the prototype medical crutches and are very satisfied and impressed with it. We look forward to undertaking the next study, a multi-specialty and multi-disciplinary study with Sunnybrook and several departments of the University of Toronto.”
Maxwell, Registered Technologist (Orthopaed), Fracture Clinic, Orthopaedic and Arthritic Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Other comments from doctors and health experts
“I simply couldn’t use shoulder crutches because of the whiplash and even elbow crutches put strain on my shoulder so I couldn’t used them either. I was facing three months with no mobility. I ordered (an iWALK) straight away and it arrived the following day. After a twenty minute practice I was able to take the dog for a walk and one month on the iWALKfree has helped me to get on with a normal routine inside & outside the house.”
Dr Steve Cade, Lancaster UK
Read Dr Cade’s full testimonial by following the link below.
Dr Elmo Agatep, California
“A patient of mine, who I treated using conventional crutches, returned to my clinic on the iWALK2.0. I was quite impressed on first sight, especially with her mobility and stability. The effectiveness of the device was evident immediately.”
Had I not seen it being used, I would have had some reservations about stability or biomechanics. I would have also had concerns about balance and mobility – how mobile could the patient actually be on it. But having seen it in use, it looks quite natural – unexpectedly so. I found it to be very safe. Patients that I’ve prescribed it to have been successful.
The follow up comments have all been favorable, and “Why hasn’t this been done before?” is their common response. The key thing that really makes people happy is the freedom they get from the device. Part of it is the freedom, they remain active, they are able to function, and also, it’s the amount of relief they get from the pain of the injured limb. They can focus with getting on with their daily living without focusing on the injured limb.
“I definitely see a psychological benefit – less depression because the patients don’t feel so helpless. They can go to work and many still pursue their hobbies and even sports…”
“I was very impressed with the ingenuity and simplicity of his design, but was more impressed at the ease with which I was able to apply the apparatus and ambulate without any weight bearing on my foot. I think that there will be a large group of patients throughout the country… who will benefit from this type of apparatus.”
Dr. Stephen J. Snyder, Southern California Orthopedic Institute
“When used appropriately, this walking aid could allow early mobilization and help decrease loss of both bone density and muscle strength.”
Janet Cleave, H.B.Sc., B.Sc.P.T. Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Alliston, Ontario
“It is my personal opinion that the hands-free crutch mobility walking aids allows for greater mobility, thus enabling the user to handle their day to day affairs with greater independence.”
A. Ragunathan, Coordinator, Home Healthcare, Canadian Red Cross
This crutch… was used effectively by Mr. Matthews after a lower extremity injury.”
Dr. David J.G. Stephen, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Toronto, Ontario
“The design of the device appears innovative, and will provide an important treatment option for victims of land mines and others for which [sic] a hands-free crutch is appropriate.”
The Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Health, Canada
“iWALKFree has enormous potential in the management and rehabilitation of traumatic lower extremity injuries.”
Dr. Hans Kreder MD, MPH, FRSC
“Over four years ago I spent six months on my iWALKFree, healing a complicated ankle fracture. Since then I’ve loaned it to my brother for achilles tendon surgery, twice! Today I strapped it on again as I’ve just had all the plates and screws removed from my ankle. I still think it is a fantastic piece of design work. Cheers!
Rick Shallman, MD
Buy online
Have the medical experts convinced you? If you’d like an iWALK2.0, you can purchase one from our quick, easy and secure online shop or by phone by following the link below. It’s just £174.95 including free delivery.