Up & About Gait Stabilizing Orthosis

Virtually invisible beneath clothing, the Up and About™ is a gait stabilizing orthosis (GSO) designed to give the individual with paraplegia, spina bifida or other similar disorders the opportunity to stand and move about unassisted. Developed in Australia by an aeronautical engineer, the Up and About helps increase upper body strength, aids in reducing spasticity and promotes normal range of motion of the trunk, hips and knees. Regular use reduces the likelihood of pressure sores, improves blood circulation and contributes to the individual's greater self-confidence, autonomy and general well-being. Cascade is the exclusive North America distributor of the Up and About. The GSO consists of a stainless steel hinged joint with side mounting plates which attach to the medial uprights of each KAFO by means of a quick-release locking mechanism. Typically used during a patient's training phase, an optional waist belt (when used with inguinal straps) gives lumbar support and promotes leg swing. Forearm crutches complete the system. Ambulation is initiated by tilting the body slightly to one side and forward, allowing the opposite leg to swing through like a pendulum.