Sorry about the lack of sound in this one - just one of those equipment set up mistakes!
This clip shows more advances in my walking training. I have used clips from two days - 2nd & 5th June 2008, which you can tell from the different polo shirts. It's hard for me not to be excited and yet critical and point out where I have improved since. The feeling of solidity and weight going through my hips, pelvis, knees & feet continues to become more solid and more felt by me - even two weeks on (as I write this).
The hoist is there but the straps are loose when I am up and do nothing for me. I am wearing my below knee braces to hold my ankles rigid.
The quad sticks allow me to walk in a far more upright and natural position - better than crutches - while giving more stability than just one prong. I robbed the handles from my crutches though as they're more comfortable and make the sticks higher to fit me (which I couldn't find in the market place!).
Here I'm still leant over too much, often because I'm putting the stick too far forward and taking too big a step. As I grow in confidence and ability I become more upright and the knees stay locked, reducing the insecurity I feel that make me do the wrong thing - a constant mental issue. I can see the improvement on the second day of walking after exercising at home.
When I take a shorter step, the kick through is much more punchy and evident, as it should be. When I fall it is because I haven't adjusted the weight properly before leaning on that leg. Turning is also getting easier, though it is a more calculated series of movements at this stage: these help balance too.
The getting up has become easier. And the next step is to practise getting up from a chair (start high and work lower) so that I can do that with confidence and know that however I am when I stand, I will be solid and can sort my stance and balance out as a second step.
As I improve, the weight goes more into my legs and less strain on my arms which means I can stay up longer, which means I will improve more. More will follow!