This is largely a proof-of-concept project to create a device for people with disabilities to use for exercise per friendorphobia's request. Their mother loved dancing and hated the leg lifts and arm circles that were prescribed as "exercise" in the later years of her life.
"You know those baby exercisers that hang in the doorway - I think they are called Johnny Jump-Ups. They suspend the baby by elastic cords, and the baby can jump and kick without falling. I would think there would be a way to make something like that for an adult invalid, to support her or his body weight while allowing them to move to the music."
So here is my low-cost and low tech stab at a device to help with some mobility support.
"You know those baby exercisers that hang in the doorway - I think they are called Johnny Jump-Ups. They suspend the baby by elastic cords, and the baby can jump and kick without falling. I would think there would be a way to make something like that for an adult invalid, to support her or his body weight while allowing them to move to the music."
So here is my low-cost and low tech stab at a device to help with some mobility support.
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials
You'll need a few specialty items for this project.
- A harness - Depending on their mobility abilities you might want a full body harness. Just about any harness could work. I didn't have my climbing harness but had this arborist harness. I think a harness like the Black Diamond Alpine Bod would work well because of the ease of putting the leg straps on. The nice thing about the harness I used is that it is designed for hanging on the harness for a long period of time. However it is designed for a seated position.
- A large ring - I used a three foot diameter ring from a clothing store rack. You could construct a square or triangle out of lumber but I had this salvaged piece kicking around.
- 6-8 similar diameter inner-tubes from bicycles (these could be old ones with little damage.)
- 3 or more fairly large carabiners, snap links, or threaded connectors
- 20 feet or more of webbing, rope or cable.
- Ceiling attachment rig - perhaps a large eyebolt into a beam, or a length of webbing tied around a beam. Perhaps with a swivel. Or, this could be replaced with a structure attached to casters that would allow for more mobility.
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thanx
Thru that association I thought of what my assistants used to transfer Wheelchair bound people in our care...it was called a Hoyer Lift (trademark name, I think) and it had just the right sort of sling to put the client in and lift them from the chair to baths, commodes, etc. I am certain these slings are available at Hospital supply stores, as they do wear out and the lift mechanism is something that lasts forever (I have the one that a Grandparent had for our home use-now put to good use elsewhere). It has been a number of years and I do not remember How the sling attaches to the client, however-I think it was buckled. Might look at one of these and see if it serves the purpose!
Best. Baby. Toy. EVER.
If you ever need a gift idea for new parents, get them one. They are freakin' awesome! The only downside is that they're too small for adults... until now!
My wife recently learned about a track that some elderly or disabled people have that runs along the ceiling, allowing them to be moved from bed to places like the shower etc. Now I can't remember the name of it. Anyway this would be an interesting add on to that.
Ceiling hoists are mainly used for bed to arm chair, shower chair or wheel chair. Though you can have some that move throughout the house, they are alot more expensive and dangerous (The patient swings around a bit, and with two people already assisting with the hoist it would be hard to get them through tight doorways or halls.
But all my patients that managed to go home had one installed in their bedroom so they had alot more freedom. Luckily with the aussie health care system most of the costs are covered, I can't guess how much it would cost in other countries though...
And...yeah...it looks like it might be hoot to play around with, too!
May I repeat, I totally love that you did this proof of concept... I think this a huge kindness.
When I think of "suspension seat," I think of variations on the bosun's chair, which is still used by big-wall climbers, painters, window washers and riggers, etc.
Bungie cords might also be useful...
Maybe "Adult Johnny Jumper" would be best!
It's so exciting to see something that could help somebody like my mom who delighted in dancing around her kitchen, but was unable to for a good ten years after her stroke. Thanks for tackling this project! Good luck in the contest!
My understanding from my limited time working with people with disabilities is that a lot of the work ends up being specifically adapting equipment to the abilities of each person. Duct tape and padding. I think you're right, this harness wasn't the right one for someone with poor upper body strength. But it certainly could hold all of my weight. Perhaps the addition of a chest harness with inner tubing connectors would be the right trick for someone requiring better support.
It was really neat to see how well you could sway, rock, swivel, pivot and make all sorts of moves even while restrained. It could be a good way to get those larger leg muscles active.
I was tickled today when my wife talked about ways to further improve it. I need a welding buddy at my beck and call!
I should put those into a "thoughts and conclusions" section.