Essential facts about the Tek RMD
The Tek RMD combines the ability to stand with the ability to move in a unique way that is suitable for many people who have lower limb paralysis or weakness. In this article we will look at some essential facts about this “robotic mobility device”.
Who is the Tek RMD aimed at?
It is intended for persons who have lower limb paralysis or weakness. This includes many people after a spinal cord injury, or living with a nueurological condition such as a stroke, MS or indeed any person who might be unable to stand and move under their own power. Of course there are always what are called “indications” and “contraindications” for safe use. The Tek RMD is a medical device and we will always consult with a prospective user about whether it is likely to be safe and effective for them. There are some limitations due to stature (maximum or minimum height and weight) for example and also some medical conditions that we need to check for. You will find some information about this on our product page . Most of our users tend to date have experienced a spinal cord injury, but this is often to do with funding rather than suitability.
What can I do with the Tek RMD?
Basically you can move from sitting to standing at will - and back again. You can then use a joystick to move around in your environment. You want to reach something from a high shelf - no problem. You want to empty the dishwasher - no problem.
Empty the dishwasher
This Tek RMD user has a spinal cord injury. He has sat onto the Transfer Seat (cushion protecting his tissues) to empty the dishwasher
Reaching the high cupboard
The Tek RMD user has now easily moved across the kitchen to reach a cup from the cupboard. The Transfer Seat can be seen in the down position.
Sitting is bad for us. The body adapts to the demands placed on it and if paralysis or weakness means that you must sit in a wheelchair, then your bone strength, circulation, muscle bulk and strength are in decline. For this reason, for example, standing is always encouraged after a spinal cord injury. Standing frames exist that allow users to stand but may only allow the user to do this one thing. Some standing frames allow the user to exercise and some wheelchairs allow standing too. Standing wheelchairs tend to be good for quick standing situations but will tend to have the user tilted backslightly for stability reasons.
What strength is needed to use the Tek RMD?
The original version of the Tek RMD used a gas spring to reduce the effort required to move from sitting to standing. The user had to squeeze a handlebar lever and pull on the bars to stand. This meant that some effort was required and generally we found that many persons did not have the strength to do this.
Today, the Electric Lifter version is standard and this has eliminated the difficulty in standing or sitting for the majority of people. The user now need only lean on or squeeze a lever and the electric lift does it’s thing. The physical effort required is minimal now.
The ease of moving between standing and sitting ihas reduced the cognitive load too - the user doesnt need to think too hard about the movement so it becomes much more natural. This has opened up the Tek RMD for easier use by persons following a stroke or with MS.
Can I go outside with the Tek RMD?
The Tek RMD in standard trim is designed for indoor use although many clients were comfortable to use the product on paving or on their garden decks. With the Outdoor Wheel kit the capability for outdoor use has been extended, The kit is designed to raise the unit to allow both the rear tailpiece and the front wheels to be changed. This broadens and lengthens the base of support. You can then move over grass and similar surfaces. Dont expect to go down steep hills though!!
The Tek RMD outdoor kit
The kit includes a jack (lift) and handle, new front wheels with large pneumatic tyres, a new Tailpiece and a spanner for wheel removal.
Is the Tek RMD suitable for children?
The main limitation is likely to be the child’s stature. The TEK RMD is appropriate for users from 4’7” (140 cm) to 6’3” (190 cm) and the product can support weights from 88 lbs (40kg) to 265 lbs (120kg). Although it is not obvious at a glance, once you take off the bodywork, each section of the Tek RMD can be adjusted to suit the user’s height. Normally the joystick used to control driving around is set at the height of the user’s sternum. A very short person might find it’s not comfortable to reach the controller.
Tek RMD User
This individual is 14 years of age with a spinal cord injury.
Conclusion
The Tek RMD is a unique piece of equipment that is neither a wheelchair nor a standing frame but offers some of the features of both. Standing more is good for health as well as allowing more activities of independence which cant be a bad thing. We have clients who use the product to work and others who are content to use it at home. There is no such thing as a perfect product and the only way to know if this would be suitable for an individual is to enquire about a demonstration. The Electric Lifter version certainly has ensured that many more people can enjoy it’s benefits.