Yamada Orthopedic Clinic introduces Futto leg wearable to boost walking ability of hikers, elderly, and partially disabled

Yamada Orthopedic Clinic in Japan has introduced the Futto leg wearable as a solution for those who need assistance balancing or walking. The passive design is made of interconnected rubber bands connected to a waist harness that aid the leg muscles in balancing and taking steps properly.

Over the past year, powered exoskeletons have been released to the market to help the fully disabled walk again, to boost the carrying load and speed of hikers, and assist nurses moving patients. However, these devices have limited battery runtimes and high cost, so some potential users who need assistance walking and balancing are left with needs unmet.

The Futto has been proven to aid the elderly and partially disabled to walk better without such limitations. The Futto was designed to be a low-cost, assistive device to help people take better steps when their own leg muscles cannot due to age or disability. Also, the leg wearable helps users stand with better balance and posture through the use of interconnected rubber bands that enhance the action of the leg muscles using physics to enhance physiology.

The bands of the Futto help pull up a leg when the user initiates a step forward. When the leg straightens out to land, other bands pull the foot into proper position for landing. This continuous boost throughout the gait makes it easier for users, especially the disabled, to lift their legs and to plant their feet down without tripping. This boost also enables hikers to enjoy easier walks through varied terrain.

For sale at 33,000 yen ($220~) in Japan, the Futto is cost-effective and can be worn in less than a minute for all-day assistance. The Futto is available in models for waist sizes 50 to 120 cm (approx. 20 to 47 inches) and heights 130 to 180 cm (approx. 4 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 11 inches). The various models weigh about 300 grams (approx. 10 ounces).

Readers who want to try the Futto on their next walk or hike should wear a pair of good walking shoes or hiking boots, too.