Reactive Step Trainer (RST)

A versatile product, providing capabilities for objective measurements of specific gait parameters as well as physiological measures of kinesthetic, proprioceptive abilities and neuromuscular control.

Because you want to reduce falls for your patients at risk!

The Reactive Step Trainer (RST), has been designed to assist you in proven and controllable balance reeducation. RST delivers pre-selected perturbation challenges to help patients improve their compensatory step strategies. The Reactive Step Trainer allows you to set patients up for random perturbation challenges over a set period of continuous therapy for up to 20 minutes at a time. RST also gives you the control to challenge patients “on-demand” for close observation.

Our new Reactive Step Trainer combines all of the functionality of our Gait Trainer but now allows you to customize speed and perturbation intensity to help your patients improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling. RST must always be used in conjunction with a patient unweighing system for support and safety.

Click to Download Specification Sheet

 

Intended Use

The Biodex Reactive Step Trainer is both a gait assessment and fall recovery training tool. It is a versatile product, providing capabilities for objective measurements of specific gait parameters as well as physiological measures of kinesthetic, proprioceptive abilities and neuromuscular control. It is intended to be used as a training tool to assist patients with Gait Velocity, Average Step Cycle Time, Average Step Length, Co-efficient of Variation, and Time on Each Foot.

The Biodex Reactive Step Trainer includes the option to utilize Music-Assisted TherapyTM – an effective evidence-based tool for physical therapists and neurologists to enhance treatment of movement disorders and drive faster outcomes.* Reactive Step Training (RST), described in detail below, uses different types of perturbations – Slip, Trip, Step, Walk and e-Trip – to improve step recovery and dynamic balance and thereby reduce the incidence of falling.


All THE BENEFITS OF THE GAIT TRAINER 3 + UNWEIGHING INCLUDED IN THE RST

Learn About The Biodex Gait Training System
Allow every patient the opportunity to get an early start on rehabilitation. Combine the Gait Trainer and NxStep Unweighing System for body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) with unobstructed view and access to the patient.

Progress Report: Perfect for showing need Progress and outcome for specific gait parameters
  • Five types of perturbations – Trunk Stability Slip & Trip, Step & Walk Stability, and e-Trip – to improve step recovery and dynamic balance and thereby reduce the incidence of falling.

  • Instrumented Deck– The Reactive Step Trainer™ is the only treadmill with an instrumented deck that monitors and records step length, step speed and right-to-left time distribution (step symmetry).

  • Objective Documentation– Ideal for insurance reimbursement. Exercise Summary and Progress Reports display progress and document outcomes for specific gait parameters, including: Average walking speed over time Total exercise time Total distance and steps taken Average step length: RT vs. LT Step length variability: RT vs. LT Time on each foot: RT vs. LT

  • NEW Automated G-code Calculations and Impairment Level Reports– Increases efficiency and productivity, improves documentation of rehab effectiveness fostering continuity of care, helps with audits, efficiencies and reduces claims denial.

  • Normative Data– Age- and gender-based for comparison to healthy populations for assessment of patient results.

  • Audio and Visual Biofeedback– Motivates patients with real-time biofeedback, prompting proper gait patterns. Biofeedback help patients stay “on target” in each phase of rehabilitation; steps lengthen, step speed increases andsymmetry improves.

  • Heart Rate Monitoring– Polar®contact handgrips (telemetry compatible) ensures proper training intensity.

  • Large Display– Features 12.1″ color touch-screen display, powered by a Windows CE operating system.

  • Multipurpose Connectivity– Allows connection to larger monitors and LCD projectors to enhance interaction for visually impaired patients.

  • USB Compatibility– Accommodates external keyboard, a mouse, printing devices for remote operation and USB memory devices for data transfer and software upgrades.

Goal: Develop symmetrical gait by improving step length, step speed and right to left time distribution.


  • Audio cueing and visual biofeedback prompts patients into a proper gait pattern
  • Develops balance and coordination
  • Develops strength and range of motion
  • Increases cardiovascular capacity and endurance
  • Provides a safe environment for patients and therapists
  • Documents important gait parameters

 

Older Adult Patients

Method:
Have the patient walk at a comfortable step speed concentrating on symmetry of step length and step time. Once the patient has developed symmetry and cardiovascular gains, begin to work towards normative gait parameters. As an option, support the patient in the Biodex Unweighing System to provide a no-fall environment.

Results and Benefits:

  • Improved patient confidence with associated improvements of strength, balance and endurance.
  • Excellent for older adults to perform physical conditioning exercises associated with rehabilitation or fall prevention program.
  • Reduction in disuse atrophy effective
  • Efficient and safe use of clinician time.

When combined with the Unweighing System:

Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient.

Reference:
American Geriatrics Society, British Geriatrics Society and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Panel on Falls Prevention, Guideline for the Prevention of Falls in Older Persons, April 5, 2001.
Cress ME, Buchner DM, Questad KA, Essel PC, daLateur BJ, Schwartz RS. Continuous-scale physical functional performance in healthy older adults: a validation study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1996; 77:1234-50
Simpson JM, Harrington R, Marsh N., Guidelines for Managing Falls Among Elderly People. Physiotherapy, 84:4;173-177 April 1998.
Wolfson L. Whipple R, Amerman P, Tobin JN. Gait Assessment in the Elderly: A Gait Abnormality Rating Scale and its Relation to Falls. J of Gerontology 1990; 45:M12-19 


Orthopedic Patients

Method:
Utilize audio cues and biofeedback to develop step length symmetry and right to left time distribution. Initially support patient’s body weight using the Biodex Unweighing System. Set treadmill belt in reverse direction (retro-walking) to assist with gains in range of motion. Forward direction of belt works on symmetry of step length and step time.

Results and Benefits:

  • Initiate rehabilitation earlier following joint sprains, surgical repair or replacement.
  • Gains in range of motion, gait parameters, strength and endurance.
  • Treadmill training effects are readily transferred to improved over ground walking speed and endurance
  • Effective, efficient and safe use of clinician time.

When combined with the Unweighing System:

  • Rehabilitation can commence earlier as the Unweighing System provides a safe environment for both the patient and the clinician
  • Open access design of the Unweighing System allows hands-on interaction with the patient during gait training.
  • Improved proprioception and acceptance for weight bearing activity.
  • Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient.

Reference:
American Geriatrics Society, British Geriatrics Society and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Panel on Falls Prevention, Guideline for the Prevention of Falls in Older Persons, April 5, 2001.
Cress ME, Buchner DM, Questad KA, Essel PC, daLateur BJ, Schwartz RS. Continuous-scale physical functional performance in healthy older adults: a validation study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1996; 77:1234-50

Stroke/Traumatic Brain Injury

Method:
Progressively address step speed and right to left time distribution. Use a slow initial belt speed (.10 cycles/sec – .50 cycles/sec). Clinician may assist with paretic limb placement to initiate step length. Visual cues are used initially to reinforce step length. Once step symmetry is reached, gait speed can be addressed.

Results and Benefits:

  • The Gait Trainer forces the patient to focus on foot placement, which is reinforced through visual cues on the display.
  • Improved right to left time distribution and increased step time during ambulation is achieved in an upright and fully supported position through repetitive and rhythmic movements.
  • Treadmill training effects are readily transferred to improved over ground walking speed and endurance.

When combined with the Unweighing System:

  • Rehabilitation can commence earlier as the Unweighing System provides a safe environment for both the patient and the clinician.
  • Open access design of the Unweighing System allows hands-on interaction with the patient during gait training.
  • Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient.

Reference:
Barbeau, et al., Walking After Spinal Cord Injury: Control and Recovery
Gardner et al., Partial Body Weight Support with Treadmill Locomotion
Visintin et al., A New Approach to Retrain Gait in Stroke Patients Through Body Weight Support and Treadmill Stimulation
Suzuki et al., Determinants and predictors of the maximum walking speed during computer assisted gait training in hemiparetic stroke patients.
Suzuki et al., Relationship between stride length and walking rate in gait training for hemiparetic stroke patients.


Spinal Cord Injury

Method:
Initially, concentrate on developing step length symmetry. Once symmetry is achieved, increase speed of the treadmill for progression towards normative gait parameters specific to the age, gender and leg length of the patient.

Results and Benefits:

  • The Gait Trainer forces the patient to focus on foot placement, which is reinforced through visual cues on the display.
  • Sensory input from the rhythmic treadmill belt movement assists with patterning of the central nervous system.

When combined with the Unweighing System:

  • Rehabilitation can commence earlier as the Unweighing System provides a safe environment for both the patient and the clinician.
  • Improved right to left time distribution and increased step cycles/sec during ambulation is achieved in an upright and fully supported position through repetitive and rhythmic movements.
  • Open access design of the Unweighing System allows hands-on interaction with the patient during gait training.
  • Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient.


Reference:

Barbeau et al., Walking After Spinal Cord Injury: Control and Recovery
Gardner et al., Partial Body Weight Support With Treadmill Locomotion….
Visintin et al., A New Approach to Retrain Gait In Stroke Patients Through Body Weight Support and Treadmill Stimulation
Suzuki et al., Determinants and predictors of the maximum walking speed during computer assisted gait training in hemi paretic stroke patients. Suzuki et al., Relationship between stride length and walking rate in gait training for hemi paretic stroke patients.

Amputation of a Lower Extremity

Method:
Using audio and visual cues, initially concentrate on developing step length symmetry with focus on right to left time distribution. Once symmetry is achieved, increase speed of the treadmill for progression towards normative gait parameters specific of the age, gender and leg length of the patient.

Results and Benefits:

  • The Gait Trainer forces the patient to focus on foot placement symmetry, which is reinforced through visual cues on the display.
  • Efficient gait pattern with step length symmetry and improve right to left time distribution will reduce the metabolic demands associated with prosthetic gait.
  • Open access design of the Unweighing System allows hands-on interaction with the patient during gait training.
  • Goals can be set through comparison of the uninvolved and involved limbs performance measures.

Reference:
Peterson et al., Physiological responses during unweighted ambulation of three patients with below the knee amputation: A pilot study.

Parkinson’s Disease

Method:
Utilize audio and visual cues to assist the retraining of the temporal and spatial deficits associated with Parkinsonian Gait. The patient focuses on the visual and audio cues, which help to regulate step length.

Results and Benefits:

  • The Gait Trainer forces the patient to focus on foot placement symmetry, which is reinforced through visual cues on the display.
  • Improvement of step length and step time.
  • Improvement of muscular strength and endurance and overall cardiovascular tolerance for physical activity.
  • Improved step symmetry and increased step time during ambulation is achieved in an upright and fully supported position through repetitive and rhythmic movements.
  • Treadmill training effects are readily transferred to improved overground walking speed and endurance.

When combined with the Unweighing System:

  • Rehabilitation can commence earlier as the Unweighing System provides a safe environment for both the patient and the clinician
  • Open access design of the Unweighing System allows hands-on interaction with the patient during gait training.
  • Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient.


Reference:

Morris et al., Stride Length Regulation in Parkinson’s Disease 

Specifications

Click to Download Specification Sheet

  • Dimensions: 86″ l x 27″ w (218 x 69 cm)
    Walking Area: 64″ l x 20″ w (160 x 51 cm)
    Printer Stand: 24″ l x 24″ w (61 x 61 cm)
  • All-In-One Flat Panel PC: 15.6″ Color Touchscreen, Windows Operating System, Ethernet, USB, Video/Audio Out, Built-In Speakers, and Color Printer (HP Deskjet). Bolsters connectivity options to other devices enabling remote operation for data transfer and software upgrades.
  • Deck: 1″ thick (2.5 cm) reversible Teflon™ impregnated high-density composite fiber
  • Motor: 2 HP with 2Q-Pulse Width Modulation Control
  • Treadmill Speed Range:
    – Forward: 0-10 mph (0-16 km/h)
    – Reverse: 0-3 mph (0-4.8 km/h) in 0.1 mph (.16 km/h) increments
  • Gait Trainer Speed Range: .3 – 4.5 mph (.48 – 7.2 km/h)
  • Elevation: 0-15% Grade
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Polar® contact handgrips (telemetry compatible)
  • Printer: HP DeskJet
  • Power: 115 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 20 AMP dedicated line, or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 20 AMP dedicated line.
    Includes hospital grade plug with 12′ (3.7 m) power cord.
  • User Capacity: 60-400 lb (27 – 182 kg)*
  • Weight: 395 lb (179 kg)
  • Certifications:
    ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1:2005 + A1:2012 + C1:2009 and A2:2010
    CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60601-1:14. IEC 60601-1:2012
    EN 60601-1:2006/A1:2013 (CE) and IEC 60601-1:2005/A1:2012 (IEC)
    Test to EMC Standard EN 60601-1-2:2015 and IEC 60601-1-2:2014
  • Warranty: Two-years parts; one-year labor

*Music-Assisted Therapy is being included at launch as a limited time offer.

To order, call 1-800-224-6339

950-600Reactive Step Trainer™
Includes Standard Handrails
950-600Reactive Step Trainer™ 50/60 Hz, 115 VAC*
Includes Support Bar
950-485NxStep Unweighing System™
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