Team 5
Assistive Walker Device for Ambulation, Fall Prevention & Fall Recovery
Team Members:
Assistive Walker Device for Ambulation, Fall Prevention & Fall Recovery
Team Members:
Rachel Hall
Alison Fahy
Krissian Hargreaves
Anisa Syed
Yvonne Chook
Team Mentors:
Dr. Paul Del Prado, MD - Valleywise Health Medical Center
Dr. Daniel Peterson, PhD - Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions
YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting
Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/82851954116?pwd=OVQ3VUtUMU5zNWxzY1ZVZ3MyL2h1UT09
Abstract
Gait Solutions aims to create an ambulatory assistive walker device for use as a walking/standing aid, with the inclusion of mechanisms for the prevention of and recovery from adverse fall instances. The current issues with existing walker devices on the market include: zero mechanisms to aid in getting a user back up if and when a fall occurs, a lack of fall prevention systems in place, and a lack of systems to alert necessary parties that a fall has occurred. The majority of our target customers include senior citizens (ages 60+) and patients who are mostly immobile, or who rely on walking devices on a daily basis. If a fall occurs and there is no one else in the room to aid the user/patient, they may not have access to help, which is an issue – especially in instances where immediate medical assistance is necessary.
After talking with key users and engineering/health professionals, the team was able to determine that a majority of the walkers on the market today are not meeting the needs of their customers. Many of the current models are bulky in size, contain unreliable braking mechanisms, and provide no assistance if a fall were to occur. Gait Solutions is thus working to develop an assistive walker that not only meets the basic needs of the user, but also provides novel elements that will assist in the event of a fall. The proposed device includes a seat that can effortlessly be lowered to the ground and raise a user back to a comfortable sitting position, and three emergency buttons (to dial 911, alert an emergency contact, or sound an alarm). This device will ultimately improve user independence, and peace of mind for their loved ones.
