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The first of its kind in the world, iWALKFree is a revolutionary hands-free
crutch designed to meet the mobility needs of people with non-weight
bearing lower leg injuries.
iWalkFree is a potent alternative to traditional crutches, allowing its
users:
- Self-Sufficiency through the full use of their arms and hands
- The opportunity to take an active part in their lives and their rehabilitation
The device supports the knee and upper leg using a universal, ambidextrous
fastening system that allows for almost any adjustment for user height
and leg size
It's comfortable, easy to put on, take off, and adjust. And takes little
time to get used to
iWALKFree delivers to its users a remarkable level of mobility
and freedom.
Injuries, trauma, and circulation issues of the lower leg, ankle, or foot are
typically managed through the use of forearm, underarm or platform crutches,
canes, or wheelchairs.
While these devices allow users some mobility, they all engage the arms & hands,
further handicapping the user.
Playing with the kids, getting up and down stairs, exercising, using the
phone, going shopping… Now, with iWALKFree, you don't have
to miss out on any of your daily activities.
Medical Benefits
 iWALKFree… The
Hands-Free Crutch continues to be the subject of positive medical assessments
and clinical study, particularly under the auspice of the Sunnybrook
and Women's College Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada.
The medical benefits to users include:
- improved mobility
- improved motor function
- improved personal esteem through management of daily affairs
- improved prospects for coping and well-being
- potential for reduction in muscle atrophy & muscle strength
- potential for decrease in loss of bone density
- potential for shortened rehabilitation time
- improved ability to exercise
- improved personal safety
Product History
The story is familiar. A bad fall. Broken bones. Surgery. Then a slow
recovery period, during which the individual can only move around with
the aid of crutches, handicapping any useful activity.
 Not for Lance Matthews. In November of 97, after sustaining a bad fall, Matthews
set out to invent a device that would replace his crutches and restore his self-sufficiency.
The first unit was constructed from wood. It proved so practical that Matthews
was able to go on holiday as planned and indulge in long walks.
The doctors and orthopaedic technologists at Toronto's Sunnybrook and Women's
College Health Sciences Centre, one of the leading orthopaedic research facilities
in North America, were so impressed that they understood an immediate trial of
the device should ensue, and recommended patent protection. With manufacturing
advice from a colleague, Matthews embarked on a new phase of development.
Early prototype work was refined with the assistance of a variety of professional
advisors, all of whom shared in a determination to offer crutch and cane users
a dramatic improvement in their personal mobility.
In a letter dated July 30, 1999, the Canadian Minister of Health indicated that iWALKFree was
a Class 1 medical device and that its design "appears innovative … and
will provide an important treatment option for victims of land mines and others
for which [sic] a hands free crutch is appropriate."
The product has received a Medical Device Establishment Licence (769) from Health
Canada's Therapeutic Products Programme.
On the basis of early positive clinical and personal reviews, iWALKFree is
being commercially developed by CANADALEG INC., an authorized Canadian firm headquartered
in Mississauga, Ontario.
Product Design
iWALKFree… The
Hands-Free Crutch has been designed to be comfortable, lightweight, and
compact. It is easy to assemble and fully adjustable to meet the needs
of adults and young people of varying height. It is strongly recommended
that the device be adjusted by an accredited physiotherapist or orthopaedic
technologist prior to its initial use.
iWALKFree is
constructed of UV-resistant and hypoallergenic materials, and comprised of 4
simple parts:
- one stable beam with tread one supportive locking tray with strap
- two
comfortable padded straps with integral cam clips
To assemble and fit iWALKFree:
Trim the beam to equal the inseam measurement
- with the user seated with leg bent at a 90-degree angle, measure the
distance from the back of knee to the ground of the unaffected limb.
This determines the height for the top of the tray
to attach the tray, unlock the front cam clip; disengage locking pin; slide tray
onto the beam; lock pins; lock cam clip at the front of the tray
to attach the straps*, unlock cam clip of lower strap; slide onto beam just above
knee; lock cam clip; repeat with upper strap; slide onto beam just below groin;
lock cam clip
- install beam cap
*all straps can be flipped for right or left-handed use
To Check for Proper Fit:
When walking with iWALKFree, you should be able to swing your leg freely
front to back without catching it on the ground. If you can't move it freely,
then iWALKFree is too long, and needs to be readjusted
Wearing iWALKFree:
- place knee of affected leg on tray; fasten tray strap to a snug, comfortable
fit fasten lower strap to a snug, comfortable fit around leg just above
knee
- fasten upper strap to a snug, comfortable fit around leg just below
groin
Walking with iWALKFree:
- use either a handrail or parallel bars while becoming accustomed to
the device maintain a wide stance with legs apart while walking
- maintain an erect posture and watch where you are going
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