Limbfrog temporary leg.
A crutch replacement that addresses the rehabilitant's emotional needs.
Opportunity
When we can’t walk on our legs, it’s more than just our mobility that’s affected. Rehabilitation can be tougher on the psyche than the actual recovering leg. How can healing bones be better supported physically and emotionally?
People with lower leg fractures or tendon/ligament damage typically lead lifestyles expecting greater mobility, such as athletes and children. These injuries are temporary, but force changes in routines, work and social activities for the extent of rehabilitation.
Existing crutches and braces are associated with tedious therapy. The active user is impatient to get back to regular life, often feeling guilty or weak, and so compliance is a significant problem. These devices also fatigue arms not used to the strain, force awkward gaits, tie up the hands, struggle on stairs, and provide no mechanical advantage.
Solution
Interviews with orthotics experts and fracture victims shone light on the emotional issues people face in changing lifestyle to accommodate recovery.
The Limbfrog temporary leg supports the user through the rehabilitation process with convenience, strength and hope.
Marking progress
In addition to being a structural element, the 'strut' acts as a personal rehabilitation calendar. It counts off the weeks until the person is back to normal, and serves as a memento of the recovery process.
Concept exploration
