Modifiable walking-assistance apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for facilitating walking and a method of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a pole member, at least a first grip member and a second grip member, the first grip member is arranged to allow a user of the apparatus to move stably and the second grip member is arranged to allow a user of the apparatus to participate in a rigorous activity, and one or more ground contact members. The grip members are removably connectable to the pole member at a first end of the pole member, and the one or more ground contact members are removably connectable to the pole member at a second end of the pole member. The method includes the steps of participating in one or more diagnostic activities by an individual to generate data and selecting one or more walking-improvement activities that involve use of the apparatus based on the data obtained.

1 . An apparatus for walking assistance, the apparatus comprising:
 a. a pole member having a first end and second end;   b. a first grip member and a second grip member, wherein the first grip member is arranged to provide stability and the second grip member is arranged to enable rigorous physical activity; and wherein the first and second grip members are removably connectable to the first end of the pole member.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising one or more ground contact members, wherein the one or more ground contact members have at least one ground contact region, and wherein the one or more ground contact members are removably connectable to the second end of the pole member. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the length of the pole member is adjustable. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the pole member is formed by two or more shafts, and at least one of the two or more shafts is removably connectable to at least one other of the two or more shafts. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first grip member has a first grip region and the second grip member has a second grip region, wherein the first grip region is substantially axial to the pole member whenever the first grip member is connected to the pole member and the second grip region is at a substantially right angle with respect to the pole member whenever the second grip member is connected to the pole member. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein ground contact region of the one or more ground contact members is substantially blunt. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the ground contact region of the one or more ground contact members is substantially pointed. 
   
   
       8 . A method involving the use of an apparatus to facilitate walking by an individual, the method comprising the steps of:
 a. engaging the individual in one or more diagnostic activities;   b. obtaining data associated with the one or more diagnostic activities to obtain data;   c. using the data to select one or more walking-improvement activities; and   d. participating in the selected one or more walking-improvement activities by the individual, wherein the one or more walking-improvement activities are selected based on the data, and wherein the participation in the selected one or more walking-improvement activities includes the use of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a pole member having a first end and a second end, a first grip member and a second grip member, wherein the first grip member is arranged to provide stability and the second grip member is arranged to enable rigorous physical activity, and wherein the one or more grip members are removably connectable to the first end of the pole member.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the apparatus further includes one or more ground contact members, wherein the one or more ground contact members have at least one ground contact region, and wherein the one or more ground contact members are removably connectable to the second end of the pole member. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of determining one or more traits of the individual. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein one or more of the step (b), the step (c), and the step of determining one or more traits of the individual is carried out by a health care professional. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein one or more of the step (b), the step (c), and the step of determining one or more traits of the individual is carried out by using a computer. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the one or more diagnostic activities are performed while using the apparatus. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the data is further used to select one or more activities that are not walking-improvement activities.