BENEFITS OF WALKPORT
BENEFITS OF WALKPORT
WalkPort offers a way to engage in supported, stationary walking within your home environment. The system is designed to help users stand with assistance and follow guided walking movements in place. It can be used by individuals who prefer or require added support during their walking routine. WalkPort provides an option for experiencing walking-like activity at a time and place that works best for you.
BENEFITS OF WALKING
When someone experiences a spinal cord injury, so much changes at once. Movement can feel unfamiliar, the legs may not respond the way they used to, and even sensing where the body is in space can be difficult. That’s why walking therapy plays such an important role in many rehab programs — it gives people a chance to reco
It helps “wake up” movement pathways
After an SCI, the communication lines between the brain and the legs can be disrupted. Walking‑style practice helps stimulate those pathways — especially the parts involved in coordinating stepping and muscle activation. Recent studies even show that certain therapies can partially restore motor activity and sensory feedback during walking practice, which highlights how important it is to keep those systems engaged.
It gives the body a chance to relearn walking patterns
Gait training — whether over ground, on a treadmill, or with body‑weight support — lets people practice stepping in a repetitive, structured way. That repetition matters. Research shows that these kinds of programs can support improvements in gait tasks, balance activities, and leg function for individuals with incomplete injuries. In other words, walking therapy gives the nervous system the “reps” it needs to try rebuilding coordination.
It builds confidence through movement
Walking therapy also helps people relearn how it feels to be upright, shifting weight, taking steps, and balancing again. Whether someone uses high‑tech equipment, therapist guidance, or simpler overground practice, the goal is the same: to create safe opportunities for movement that feel doable and empowering.
It takes advantage of the brain and spinal cord’s natural adaptability
The first few months after a spinal cord injury are an especially important window, because the nervous system is more responsive to training. Research shows that gait practice during this period provides the kind of sensory and motor input the body needs to adapt and reorganize. Some emerging therapies are now combining walking practice with stimulation to further activate the legs during movement.
In short, walking therapy isn’t just about taking steps — it’s about giving the body every possible opportunity to stay engaged, relearn movement, and build confidence through guided activity.
A Simple Way to Practice Walking‑Style Movement at Home
If you’re looking for a way to stay engaged in movement, WalkPort can offer a supported space to practice gentle, walking‑like motions at home. It lets you stand with assistance and move your legs in place—no complicated setup, no large equipment, just a comfortable way to keep your body active indoors at whatever pace feels right for you.
BENEFITS OF WALKING
After a stroke, many individuals experience challenges with walking, balance, coordination, and endurance. These changes arise because stroke can affect the sensory and motor systems that work together to keep the body moving efficiently. Research consistently highlights walking and walking‑based activities as an important part of post‑stroke rehabilitation.
Why Walking Matters After a Stroke
Helps Re‑engage Gait and Mobility Patterns
Studies show that walking‑based exercise supports improvements in gait speed, endurance, and overall mobility during stroke rehabilitation. Programs that add structured walking sessions to standard therapy have demonstrated measurable gains in walking ability and quality of life by discharge.
Supports Balance and Sensory Reorganization
Stroke can disrupt the balance system, requiring the body to rely differently on proprioception, vision, and vestibular cues. Walking practice helps individuals engage these systems and begin developing post‑stroke sensory reweighting — a process associated with more stable balance and reduced fall risk in the months following a stroke.
Encourages Consistent, Real‑World Movement
Research tracking daily walking activity shows that structured exercise programs can lead to meaningful increases in step count and walking endurance. Moderate physical activity interventions have been linked with small but significant improvements in comfortable walking speed and overall daily movement.
Supports Progress During the Most Responsive Recovery Window
Early rehabilitation — especially the first few months post‑stroke — is a period when the brain demonstrates strong potential for neuroplastic change. Walking‑based activities delivered with increasing challenge can help individuals stay active during this responsive phase.
A Home‑Friendly Option for Practicing Walking‑Style Movement
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep practicing movement at home, WalkPort can fit right into your routine. It gives you a supported place to stand and move your legs in a walking‑like motion—no need for extra space or special conditions. Think of it as a simple, comfortable option for staying active indoors at a pace that feels right for you.
BENEFITS OF WALKING
Walking plays an important role in daily activity for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Many individuals with PD experience movement‑related changes such as slower gait, reduced stride length, balance challenges, and changes in posture. Research shows that exercise, including walking and walking‑based activities, can influence various aspects of movement and help people stay engaged physically in ways that feel manageable.
How Walking Supports People with Parkinson’s
Studies have examined different forms of physical activity and their connection to gait and mobility in PD. While each person’s experience is unique, several commonly observed themes emerge across the research.
Gait Practice and Walking Rhythm
Physical activity has been shown to support gait elements such as walking speed, stride length, cadence, and endurance. These improvements have been observed across a variety of activity types, including treadmill walking, Nordic walking, Pilates, and Qigong.
Balance and Postural Engagement
Many PD‑focused exercise studies highlight that movement‑based activities can help individuals practice balance and posture. Certain activities—such as Nordic walking—may help improve trunk stability by encouraging more upright alignment.
Mobility and Daily Function
Research comparing aerobic and resistance training indicates that these forms of exercise can help support gait velocity and other movement measures used in PD assessments. These activities provide opportunities to stay physically active and maintain mobility routines.
Support for Coordinated Movement
Physical activity, including walking‑style exercises, has been noted as a meaningful way for people with PD to engage multiple muscle groups and maintain coordinated movement patterns that are part of daily life. Some studies report benefits to step length and overall gait mechanics when individuals practice structured movement programs.
Overall, the research suggests that staying active through walking or walking‑like exercises may help individuals remain engaged in regular movement that supports everyday function.
Bringing Supported Walking Into Your Daily Routine
For individuals who prefer a structured environment for practicing movement, WalkPort offers a stable platform for supported standing and guided leg motion. It’s an option for those looking to maintain walking‑style activity within the comfort of their home.
BENEFITS OF WALKING
Walking can be an important part of staying active for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Many individuals experience changes that affect how comfortably they move—such as fatigue, balance challenges, numbness, or muscle stiffness. These changes can influence the way walking feels and how long someone may want or be able to stay on their feet.
Despite these challenges, many people look for ways to incorporate walking or walking‑like activity into their routine. Regular movement—within one’s comfort level—can help maintain familiar patterns of motion and support overall engagement in daily activities.
How Walking Supports People With MS
The effects of MS on walking vary, but several commonly discussed benefits are associated with incorporating walking as part of daily movement:
Energy and Fatigue
Many individuals find that gentle, consistent movement can help support their overall energy throughout the day.
Comfort and Flexibility
Walking helps keep the legs moving, which some people feel supports comfort when dealing with stiffness or spasms.
Balance and Gait Practice
Walking offers an opportunity to practice coordinated steps, maintain balance strategies, and stay familiar with everyday movement patterns.
Mobility and Daily Activity
Staying active in a way that feels manageable can support general mobility and help daily tasks feel more fluid.
Motor Engagement
Walking activates multiple muscle groups and coordination pathways, helping reinforce the body’s natural movement rhythms.
Alongside the physical aspects, many people associate regular activity with improved mood and a greater sense of well‑being.
At-Home Option for Supported Walking
For people who want a way to practice walking-like movement at home, WalkPort offers an option for supported, stationary walking. WalkPort is designed to help users stand with assistance and follow guided movements in place, providing a structured environment for engaging in walking-style at one’s own pace and comfort level.
BENEFITS OF WALKING
Healthy Aging
As people get older, staying active becomes one of the best ways to keep feeling steady, mobile, and confident in daily life. Walking is one of the simplest ways to do that — no special equipment, no complicated steps, just moving at your own pace. And research continues to show just how much walking can help older adults in very real, everyday ways.
Walking helps fight frailty and keeps you moving confidently
Studies show that older adults who participate in walking programs, even short‑term ones, can experience small but meaningful improvements in frailty levels. In one study, seniors who joined outdoor walking activities were less likely to progress into more severe frailty categories over several months.
It supports strength, balance, and lowers fall risk
Balance and strength naturally decline with age, but walking — especially when paired with simple balance exercises — helps keep your legs strong and your steps steady. Research found that slower‑walking seniors at high risk for falls benefited significantly from an at‑home strength and balance program, reducing falls by about 35% over six months.
Walking boosts mobility and functional fitness
Large reviews of exercise programs for seniors show that activities including walking often lead to improvements in strength, mobility, and gait speed — all essential for staying independent. These benefits show up across a range of studies, especially when activities are done consistently over several weeks.
Even small changes in walking speed make a difference
Research from UChicago Medicine found that walking just a little faster — roughly 14 more steps per minute than usual — led to noticeable improvements in physical function for frail or pre‑frail older adults. A small adjustment in pace created meaningful improvements in how far and how easily they could walk.
It’s accessible, familiar, and easy to stick with
Walking doesn’t require gym memberships, perfect weather, or high coordination. It’s something most older adults can adapt into their daily routine at a level that feels safe and comfortable. And studies show that programs encouraging consistent physical activity — including everyday walking — can be effective, even when delivered remotely or with simple reminders.
A Simple Way to Stay Moving at Home
If getting out for a walk isn’t always easy, WalkPort can offer a comfortable way to keep your legs moving right at home. It gives you support while you stand and make gentle walking‑like motions in place, it’s an easy, approachable option for staying active in your own space and at your own pace.
LUANNE’S STORY
LuAnne suffered an aneurysm over 4 years ago that left her with right side paralysis. She was able to use a WalkPort prototype for 30 days in her home. Kevin her husband and caretaker provided us with his perspective of the product
“In the end, LuAnne was able to gain muscle in her right leg and increase her stamina. Towards the end of our 30 days, we had to limit LuAnne to an hour in the evening sessions as she was enjoying it so much.” ~ Kevin
TESTIMONIALS
PRODUCT RESERVATION
Be among the first to experience WalkPort. Reserve your unit with a deposit and receive priority delivery. Select tiers include exclusive incentives such as complimentary white glove delivery and preferred pricing.
BENEFITS OF WALKPORT
Yes. The WalkPort is designed with user safety in mind and is manufactured using applicable safety standards. When used as instructed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional (if recommended), it is safe for its intended use.
If you can move your arms, you could possibly use adaptive grip gloves to assist in holding the swing arms.
If you can transfer independently and are able to move your arms it may work for you. Consult your physician for evaluation.
Yes, if you meet the specification requirements. WalkPort may be a good option to help you practice a true stepping motion in a supported environment. Always consult your physical therapist or healthcare provider before beginning any new physical activity.
You are full weight bearing when using WalkPort. The front, back, knee and foot supports keep you stable so you can safely shift your weight and work on balance and core strength. As you get stronger, you can gradually move the front support back to allow a larger range of motion.
We had the privilege of trying out Medthera’s new WalkPort machine for 30 days. First look at this product had me amazed at how compact it is, while adding more natural leg action into the design that can easily be adapted from a 6-foot patient to my 5-foot 2-inch wife. My wife, LuAnne, has been in physical therapy for 36 months. In that time, we have used 3 different styles of machines, most of which required one or two therapists to get her into. One took over 20 minutes to go from wheelchair to harness to the machine. Once in, one of the therapists would control the speed while the other would make sure LuAnne was OK and, in some cases, moving her leg. WalkPort does a fantastic job of addressing all the problems I have seen in the current style of machines on the market today.
The 3 area’s that I feel make it stand out.
1. The design is so easy to adjust to fit the patient. Once set up, the patient can do as much of the transfer from the wheelchair to the WalkPort as their disability will allow. In our case, LuAnne can roll up to the machine and get into the seat on her own. We have to position her right leg, which is paralyzed, into position and secure her foot. Once that is done, she can get herself to a standing position and start the motion of walking with no assistance from us. This allows her to walk for around a half hour quite easily.
2. The motion of the legs, knee and ankle is so close to actual walking movement, helping her re-establish the motor function of walking in her brain. The muscle gain and stamina were rather noticeable every day with major improvements over the course of our time with WalkPort. Towards the end of our 30 days, we had to limit LuAnne to an hour in the evening sessions as she was enjoying it so much.
3. The last and probably most valuable aspect is the attitude/excitement LuAnne expressed. She was incredibly proud of the work she was doing, especially how much of it she could perform unassisted. She always had a bright smile on her face when using the machine. She had gained such a boost in confidence while doing her exercises, from maneuvering around the machine on her own, to holding a standing position, to starting the motion of walking without assistance. She was very empowered seeing how much progress she was making on her own.
The size of this machine is about one-third the size of the other machines we had tried in the past. The first day we were introduced to the machine, LuAnne was in it and walking on her own within minutes. No motors controlling her stride. The enjoyment we saw on her face was so nice to see. Something else my daughter noticed was LuAnne walking forward for a while, then stopping and starting to walk backwards. I am not a therapist, but this seems to be a big deal to me.
In the end, LuAnne was able to gain muscle in her right leg and increase her stamina. We are still working on her walking on her own, but I am sure using this machine will reduce the time it will take to get to the next level of recovery.
