FAQs
What is it?
The NewGait is a wearable assistive device for people with gait abnormalities. Strategically placed elastic bands provide mechanical refinements, postural corrections and inhibition or facilitation depending on patients needs. Learn more here.
How did the SpeedMaker become the NewGait?
An innovative therapist in Michigan saw the SpeedMaker, and used it to rehab a spinal cord injured patient with gait instability. After her patient made a miraculous recovery with the device, The company decided to pivot from the sports performance industry to healthcare. See our origin story here.
How does it work?
Strategically placed elastic bands offer compression across different joints and assistance to the desired muscle action. This allows for increased stability, stride length and stride frequency. See the science behind the product.
When and how would I use it?
The NewGait should initially be used with the supervision of your health care provider as a tool to compliment your therapy sessions. When you have become comfortable with the device, its ease of use, comfort and portability, coupled with immediate and sustained long term results, makes it a great tool for home and everyday use. Ask your healthcare provider about purchasing the NewGait, or contact us to see if it is available in your area.
How do I put it on?
We suggest being initially fitted by your health care provider. General fitting instructions can be found here.
Who can it benefit?
The NewGait has been used on individuals with multiple sclerosis, ataxia, connective tissue disorder, post-surgical joint replacement, spinal cord injury, back/hip/knee/ankle pain, varying gait abnormalities, post-stroke, with prosthetics, upper extremity impairment, and Parkinson’s.
See various stories of patients having success with the NewGait.
When and where can I buy it?
The NewGait is currently sold here on our online store. If you are a physical therapist and would like to partake in our 30 day trial program, visit our clinical trial program page and request a trial. If you are a patient, we recommend working with a physical therapists prior to using the NewGait for home use.
What ages can it aid?
The NewGait comes in a range of sizes to accommodate patients as young as 8, all the way through adults. Sizing is based on thigh, waist, and chest circumference, and height. See our sizing guidelines.
What are the contraindications/precautions for patient use?
The clinician must use proper judgement to provide a safe environment for the patient. The patient must have the ability to stand and initiate gait on their own to have success with the NewGait. When first equipping the NewGait, provide extra support as the patient will not expect the assistance and compression sensation with the first few steps. If the patient feels any discomfort, please discontinue using the device and reassess the placement of components. Do not use the NewGait with healing or unstable fracture sites, do not place the bands over healing incisions, Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots), or leg edema.
What is it made of?
The NewGait is manufactured from high quality neoprene; the same material wetsuits are made from. This allows for an elastic yet strong material that is comfortable on the skin. The NewGait is manufactured in the USA.
Are the elastic bands replaceable?
Yes, the elastic bands are interchangeable and offered in 4 different assistance levels. Purchase replacement elastic bands here.