A specialised focus
Our paediatric physios use the LiteGait and GaitKeeper Rehabilitation treadmills at our Goodwood clinic for targeted treatment focusing on enhancing balance, coordination, and strength, enabling children to move more efficiently and confidently.
Gait training is a type of physical therapy that focuses on a person’s ability to walk. It is especially beneficial for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and other neuromuscular disorders and motor impairments.
The primary goal is to develop or restore optimal walking patterns, enhance balance and coordination, and increase overall mobility.
LiteGate
LiteGait is a gait training device that simultaneously controls weight bearing, posture, and balance over a treadmill or over ground. It creates an ideal environment for treating clients with a wide range of impairments and functional levels.
LiteGait provides proper posture, reduces weight bearing, eliminates concerns for balance, and facilitates the training of coordinated lower extremity movement. Its unique harness design not only permits unilateral or bilateral support allowing progression of the weight bearing load from non to full weight bearing, but also allows the clinician to manually assist the legs and pelvis to achieve optimal gait patterns.
GaitKeeper
The GaitKeeper Rehabilitation Treadmill is the perfect treadmill for children of all abilities. Designed to seamlessly work with the LiteGait, or simply on its own, this treadmill caters for a wide range of children.
This treadmill has numerous functions which are beneficial to your child’s gait training and rehabilitation including forward and backwards directions and incline control to give the feeling of walking up or down hill. With controls that are easily accessible by a clinician while assisting a child, and a true zero starting speed for safety with children of all functional levels.
How can Gait Training help my child?
Enhanced Safety and Confidence
The LiteGait system ensures that children are securely supported during their training sessions. This support reduces the fear of falling, allowing children to concentrate on their movements and build confidence in their walking abilities.
Improved Muscle Strength and Coordination
Regular gait training helps strengthen the muscles involved in walking, including the legs, core, and hips. The repetitive nature of walking on the GaitKeeper treadmill promotes muscle memory and coordination, essential for developing a stable and efficient gait.
Customised Training Programs
Every child is different, and so are their needs. The LiteGait and GaitKeeper systems allow therapists to tailor each session to the child’s specific requirements, adjusting support levels, treadmill speed, and training intensity. This personalised approach ensures optimal progress.
Encourages Natural Walking Patterns
The LiteGait system supports the child in an upright position, encouraging natural walking patterns. This upright posture is crucial for developing optimal gait mechanics and avoiding compensatory movements that can lead to long-term issues.
Positive Psychological Impact
Success in gait training can significantly boost a child’s self-esteem and motivation. The ability to walk more independently or with improved efficiency can enhance their sense of achievement and encourage further participation in physical activities.
Versatility in Treatment
The LiteGait and GaitKeeper systems are versatile and can be used for various therapeutic exercises beyond walking. They can aid in balance training, postural control, and even functional tasks like stepping over obstacles, making them invaluable tools in a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
A different approach for each child’s unique needs
We assess each child’s current functioning level and create an individualised plan to help them reach their maximum potential. Our therapies are fun, engaging, and tailored to meet their unique needs.
Working with you
Moving Kids Physio are with you and your child every step of the way. Here are just some of the ways we’ll work with you to reach the best outcome for your child.
- Initial assessments to determine what intervention is best suited for your child
- Early intervention to work on gross motor milestones and infant development
- Goal setting with both the child and family
- Fun and individualised physiotherapy sessions and home programs
- Ongoing management and support for children with physical disabilities
- Manual handling advice, and transfer and positioning care plans
- Equipment assessment and prescription
Do I need a referral?
No, a referral from a doctor or health professional is welcomed, but not necessary.
Session locations
We work with you to determine the most effective setting for you and you child as this can play a big part in getting the most out of our sessions.
Options include
- Our Clinic in Goodwood
- At your home
- Parks and other public places
- Child Care or Educational settings
- Telehealth
- Hydrotherapy pool
We are also able to alternate locations/settings as required to ensure it is the best option for you and your child.