The Sports Walker is a spindly contraption that allows those who have been afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis to regain the mobility lost to the disease and play low-impact sports again.
Brian Light designed the harness as an aid for him to return to playing volleyball, an activity that is extremely difficult to engage in due to the loss of balance and decreased leg mobility caused by MS.
The six-legged, eight-wheeled device attaches to the wearer with a harness that loops around the waist and allows the person wearing it to control the direction of the apparatus.
While it is definitely not the most inconspicuous device to strap onto one's body, the ability to engage in activities that may not have been possible to compete in otherwise certainly makes the spider harness something worth looking into.
Spider-Like Mobility Aids
The Sports Walker Helps Those With Multiple Sclerosis Stay Active
Trend Themes
1. Mobility Assistance Devices - The development of advanced mobility aids like the Sports Walker opens up opportunities for improved accessibility and independence for individuals with physical disabilities.
2. Inclusive Sports Equipment - The creation of specialized sports equipment, such as the spider-like harness, allows people with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis to participate in low-impact sports and maintain an active lifestyle.
3. Personalized Assistive Technologies - The customization options of mobility aids, like the harness attachment system used in the Sports Walker, provide innovative solutions tailored to individuals' specific needs and preferences.
Industry Implications
1. Mobility Aid Manufacturing - The rise in demand for advanced mobility aids presents a growth opportunity for manufacturers to develop cutting-edge devices that enhance mobility and improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
2. Sports Equipment Manufacturing - The development of inclusive sports equipment, such as the spider-like harness, creates a niche market for manufacturers to cater to the needs of individuals with physical limitations who still want to engage in physical activities.
3. Assistive Technology Solutions - The customization and adaptability of assistive technologies, exemplified by the harness attachment system of the Sports Walker, highlight the potential for companies to innovate and provide personalized solutions for individuals with various disabilities.