Max - I've been meaning to write you. Saw a video on odd bicycles. Supposedly, the first bike was similar to today's but had no pedals and was meant as an aid to walking. The bike bore the weight and the person propelled and balanced with leg power. Struck me as ideal. Instead of a wheel chair and muscle atrophy, a trike sans pedals would be stable but would exercise the legs. One might use it part of a day for years.
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Originally Posted by Max19BC
I was diagnosed with PD in 2001. I'm doing OK, still can live on my own and will do so as long as I can. My walking is fine when my meds/ herbs are working, but when I get up in the morning (unmedicated) or when my meds wear off before my next dose, I end up doing baby steps and my balance is scary. I have a couple of store brought walkers, but they don't help that much, my legs freeze up when I try to use them. I haven't found anything on the market that's between a walker and a wheelchair, so for the past couple of years, I've been trying to make a walker that can support my weight as I'm walking. Here's a mini-video on my latest attempt:
Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN4daQWkQKg
or try typing in "A new kind of walker"#2 on You-Tube
I'm currently modifying this one so I can take it outdoors too. I don't have a video of it yet. But the modified walker #2 has inflatable mountain board tires, rear drum brakes, improved front suspension (for uneven ground) and I'm currently modifying the seat so it can fold out of the way, so I can use it like a walker when my balance is fine.
Enjoy life always,
Max |