Hope Crutches

[emileesmom]

I have ordered Hope Crutches from Careborne Company in Reno, Nevada today.They are being used by many professional atheletes since the are supposed to be safer and more comfortable to use.
Has anyone had any experience with these crutches ?

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[emileesmom]

Since there have been no response I will guess that these crutches are as new to you as they are to me.
Any one using crutches or working with those who will need to use crutches for any extended length of time or must be active while on crutches should take a look at these.
They are a far bit more expensive then standard crutches but well worth the money. My son is not exhausted from walking short distances and is no longer slouched over and leaning.
Would love to get some feedback. They can be seen on the web by gooogling Hope Crutches

[gcoe]

Hi emileesmom

I did read your first post but haven't any experience of them. I would be interested to know the experience of other physios. Reading the advertising there isn't much explaining how they work. I checked Youtube just in case someone had put up a video of them in use.

As a superficial view they seem quite crudely constructed with some rather sharp edges - not a good look when there is to be an interface with the human body. As someone who holds an ergonomics qualification I am always suspicious of a company that claims ergonomic design and/or features - such claims should be backed by user studies of the crutches. It is incumbent on the manufacturer to provide evidence of the superiority of the crutches through peer reviewed research and this company doesn't provide that in their advertising.

So I would be skeptical at this stage although open to being persuaded if such trials have been conducted.

[emileesmom]

Hi Thanks for the reply. I have been talking with the company president by phone when I first inquired about shipping options to Canada. He is an engeneer and eagerly explained all the aspects of the crutches.I was very interested in this since I too have some ergonomics background in my human kinetics degree.
I will pass on your ideas if you dont mind to him, since the company is increasing their production and profile. They are in the procees of changing the web site.
I had mentioned that I had not seen pictures on the web when goggling them initiallyas well.
They have been successfull with this product, from what I understand. His prime customers being professional sports teams and the hopitals dealing with soldiers amputees.
Didnt think that was a bad reference!
By son says they are COOL..he can move faster and he feels safer ! He aslso said they are much easier. I like the fact that he is standing up straight ! He has been non weight bearing for 6 weeks now and maybe longer. He also is looking at 2 more surgeries after dislocating his knee and having tendon grafts.
Suprisingly they have no sharp edges. They are just one peice of tubular bent metal with hand grips! Interestingly they are rated up to 350 pounds!
My interest in this started by watching my son be so restricted after his accident. Im hoping these allow him to get around with his friends with less stress.
We will see.