Who would use a Tek RMD?
The Tek RMD is a robotic mobility aid that has some novel features that are of particular benefit to those individuals who have had a spinal cord injury resulting in a paraplegia. Basically the Tek RMD allows the user to go safely from sitting to standing and then allows the user to move freely in an indoor environment. If the user has the necessary and sufficient function they can lower themselves to pick something from a low shelf before rising to full standing position at will.
The benefits of standing following paraplegia are often cited as including improved circulation, bone density and bowel and bladder function. However, there are many products that can offer the user the ability to stand.
What many of our clients want is the ability to stand - and then move around whilst standing.
Yes - an exoskeleton like the Indego can offer this ability indoors and out - and due to the impact stepping movement in the Indego it is probably more effective at preserving bone density than other more passive standing methods. However, the exoskeleton is relatively expensive compared with the Tek RMD for example.
The current Tek RMD can be adjusted to allow users of various statures to use it (between 140 and 190 cm in height and up to 120 Kg in weight). Each Tek RMD that we deliver is adjusted in the factory to suit the stature of the individual and then we make the final adjustments on delivery.
What we have learned since we started to work with the Tek RMD is that it is ideal for persons who have had a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia. This is because in these cases arm function is not compromised. In order to use the Tek RMD successfully and independently the user must have good arm function and grip strength. This unfortunately rules out many persons following a stroke, or for those living with other neurological conditions that affect strength.
The 1-2-3 of standing in the Tek RMD
We would never want to offer a product to someone who could not use it safely and effectively and so we try to screen potential users based on our experience to date.
The Tek RMD is a great product for client’s that are physically suitable and enjoy it’s undoubted benefits for health and indoor mobility. But it isn’t perfect and cant work for everyone. Therapists tend to like it because of the standing posture that can be achieved. Providing the contraindications for use are observed the posture is truly excellent. The problem with many “standing” wheelchairs is that they have to have the user leaning back in the product for stability. The Tek RMD’s weight is low down and the users weight contributes to it’s stability rather than compromises it.
To learn more about the product please see the main product page.