Quest 88 Tiny Trekker, Trekker User Manual

Quest 88

therapy through activit y

User Manual

Trekker and Tiny Trekker

Quest 88

therapy t hrough activity

Quest 88 Limited products must only be used under appropriate supervision. Please consult a professional health care worker before purchasing or contact
Quest 88 Limited for more information. The products featured in this catalogue will only function correctly and safely when setup in accordance with the
product’s user instructions. Please keep these safe and accessible. Occasionally specifi cations and colours may change. To avoid disappointment please
contact our sales team for the most recent product information. Quest 88 Limited reserves the right to change product specifi cation without prior notice.

Quest 88 Limited
Aston Street
Shifnal
Shropshire UK
TF11 8DW

T: [phone]
F: [phone]
E: [e-mail]
W: www.quest88.com

© 2008 Quest 88 Limited

Original concept design by Orthotic Research & Locomotor Assessment Unit (ORLAU)

Orthotic Research & Locomotor

Assessment Unit,

The Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt

Orthopaedic & District Hospital NHS Trust,

Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7AG

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Frame

Accessories

Tiny Trekker Trekker

Total height (Top of rail) 76cm 96cm

Min. height 64cm 78cm

Min. Hand rail extension 25cm 32cm

Max. Hand rail extension 37cm 45cm

Chest/Hip support width Min/Max 23/28cm 24/31cm

Chest support depth 11cm 15cm

Min. Inside width 47cm 54cm

Max. Outside width (incl. wheels) 65cm 71cm

Max. User height 107cm 145cm

Max. User weight 20Kg 40Kg

Weights of frames: 14 - 18Kg. (approx.)

Abductor Pommel

(Reversible)

Foot Abductor

Frame Size Tiny Trekker Tiny Trekker

Length of pad 45 49 n/a n/a

Height of pad 16cm 17cm 17cm 17cm

Width of pad (2 widths)

4.5/6.5cm 4.5/6.5cm

3cm 3cm

Printed by: ORLAU Publishing Ltd.

Dimensions

1. Introduction

These instructions also include a guide to maintenance and general care. If followed, the Trekker
and Tiny Trekker will provide trouble free service. However, in the event of any severe dete­rioration in performance, take the Trekker and/or Tiny Trekker out of service immediately and
contact Quest 88 Limited, or your equipment provider.

These instructions must be kept in close proximity to the equipment. Should they become
soiled or illegible, or if further copies are required for circulation, please contact Quest 88
Limited or your equipment provider. Alternatively you can download a pdf of this manual from
the Quest 88 website.

Practitioners, therapists, parents and carers must make themselves conversant with the contents
of these instructions. Advice may also be sought from your equipment provider. If you are un­sure of any of the contents herein, please do not proceed to use or adjust the equipment.

In order to ensure safe and effective use of the walking frame, a number of means of adjustment
are provided and are described in detail in the following pages.

2. Declaration of Conformity

Quest 88 Limited, as manufacturer with sole responsibility, declares that the Trekker and Tiny
Trekker Walking Frame conform to the requirements of European Guidelines 93/42/EEC and

BS EN12182:1999 Technical aids for disabled persons - General requirements and test
methods. This product is registered as a Class 1 Medical Device.

Quest 88 Limited is a BS EN ISO 9001:2001 registered firm applicable to:

The design, manufacture and personal adaption of therapy, mobility and rehabilitation equip­ment for people with special needs

Introduction

1

10

11. Further safety advice

Quest 88 strongly recommends that you inspect your product annually and with even greater
frequency according to user weight and walking style.

Inspections must be carried out by a technically competent person who has received training
in the use of the product. If you have any doubts over your products continued suitability for
an individual because of growth or deterioration in ability, please contact us as there may be
a suitable accessory available.

Before re-issuing a product, Quest 88 recommends that equipment prescribers ensure that
the product does not have bespoke items attached and that the product is entirely suitable
for the new recipient/user. If you would like Quest 88 to run a check on the product’s serial
number and it’s original specification, please contact our offices.

Neither initial product assessments nor user manuals negate the need for carefully considered
product prescription or environmental risk assessment, especially in a product re-issue
situation.

3. Intended use

The Trekker and Tiny Trekker are intended to be used as part of a walking development
programme. A level of supervision appropriate to the user’s abilities should be applied at
all times. The Trekker and Tiny Trekker cocept was conceived as a device to enable Cerebral
Palsy patients to achieve locomotion. It is suitable for use by those with a mild to quite severe
disability whose mobility would otherwise be almost exclusively via a wheelchair.

The Trekker has been developed in 2 sizes and together with a variety of optional fittings to
meet the needs of individual users.

This equipment should only be specified or set up by a qualified clinician who understands
the clinical context in which the product should be applied. This leaflet contains important
information concerning the setting-up procedure to be observed before allowing the use of
the equipment, and should be read in full by those responsible for the user’s care.

4. Safety Information

The Trekker and Tiny Trekker are designed to be used within the weight and dimensional
constraints detailed on the table on the rear page of this manual. Failure to do so may lead to
equipment instability.

The design and function of the equipment is kept under constant review and minor
alterations to the description and diagrams given in this manual may occur. Quest 88 Limited
is constantly seeking ways of improving the product and welcome feedback from users and
their carers.

Do not use the Trekker and Tiny Trekker on any inclined surface or steps and stairs. Do
not use on uneven ground. If the Trekker and Tiny Trekker are used outdoors in wet weather,
please wipe off all mud and dry the frame immediately.

Do not store the Trekker and Tiny Trekker where it may block access to doors, walkways
or fire exits.

The Trekker and Tiny Trekker have been tested and checked by Quest 88 Limited staff.
Any adjustments or alterations which are not listed in this manual should not be made without
the authorisation of Quest 88 Limited as any such adjustments will affect the Trekker and
Tiny Trekker warranty and more importantly, may compromise user safety. Quest 88 Limited
does not take any responsibility for any Trekker and Tiny Trekker which has been adapted or
affected by actions not described in these instructions by any individual not authorised by
Quest 88 Limited.

DO NOT EXCEED HEIGHT AND WEIGHT LIMITS SET OUT ON THE BACK PAGE OF

THIS MANUAL

9 2

10. Cleaning & Maintenance continued

10.3 Cleaning & Hygiene

The Trekker and Tiny Trekker feature stainless steel folding tubes, chest rail, hip rail and hand
rail. These, together with any chrome parts, can be wiped clean with sanitising wipes or a
damp, but not saturated, cloth wetted with a weak solution of soap and water. It is important
that all metal parts are dried thoroughly immediately after cleaning. Treat plastic components
in the same way as described

Please note: Stainless steel components (darker, less reflective tubes) may be cleaned more
vigorously to remove marks and stains.

Fabric covers can be cleaned with a damp soapy cloth and wiped/rinsed with clear water.
A soft brush can be used for heavy soiling. The material used has some abrasion and stain
resistant properties, however, should wear or staining be excessive, replacement covers can be
purchased from Quest 88.

Please ensure that the covers are dried fully before use!

Do not use solvents, bleaches, synthetic detergents or wax polishes on your product

Disinfectants may be used in dilution as specified by their manufacturers. These include Haz­Tabs and other disinfectants commonly used in hospital infection control programmes.

If you are unsure about any of the above cleaning instructions please contact Quest 88
Limited.

3

8

5. Unpacking & Assembly

This section details the tools required for the adjustment, unpacking and initial assembly of
your Trekker or Tiny Trekker.

Upon receipt of your walking frame, carefully remove the contents from the packaging.
Please be careful not to score or scratch the contents whilst removing card or bubble wrap
protection. Please ensure that all parts are retrieved from the packaging before disposal.

To avoid the risk of suffocation, please remove plastic bags and bubble wrap from the vicinity
of small children and babies. Should you suspect that any parts or accessories are missing
contact your equipment supplier as soon as possible.

If it is possible, collapse the packaging and store for a short period of time (two weeks)
to facilitate return of the product. If the Trekker or Tiny Trekker has been wrongly
prescribed or is inappropriate, charges may be levied for equipment ordered incorrectly.

Returns: Your equipment supplier will have return procedures so it is important to contact
them before returning any product.

Tools: The tools required for the assembly and adjustment of your Trekker and Tiny Trekker
are as follows:

5mm Hexagon (Allen) key pivot adjustment on chest and pelvic pads
4mm Hexagon (Allen) key width adjustment on chest and pelvic pads
4mm Hexagon (Allen) key hip rail height and depth adjustment

All other adjustments are made via hand-wheels or indexing levers.

STEP

1

STEP

2

STEP

3

The Trekker and Tiny
Trekker have colour
coded hand-wheels, blue
for adjustment and yellow
for locking inconjunction
with poppers.

From the folded position raise the Trekker and Tiny Trekker
to a vertical position.

10. Cleaning & Maintenance

10.1 MAINTENANCE (Logging of and frequency)

A record of product servicing and maintenance should be kept for each Trekker or Tiny
Trekker.

Frequency of servicing and maintenance is dependent on the behaviour of the user. A Trekker or
Tiny Trekker used by a heavy duty user should be serviced and maintained more frequently.

A minimum monthly service check should be carried out and recorded. If a Trekker and Tiny
Trekker is being re-issued, the new user must be issued with an up-to-date set of user instructions.
Refer to the Medical Devices Agency Bulletin DB9801, supplement 2, for guidance on the safe
re-issuing and disposal of Medical Devices.

All Trekkers and Tiny Trekkers returned to your equipment provider for servicing or otherwise,
must be cleaned and de-contaminated before being returned.

10.2 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

If there is any doubt as to the condition or functionality of your equipment take it out of use
immediately, label it, and inform your colleagues and your equipment provider of your findings.
Similarly, if you suspect that the equipment is not suitable for the user, do not proceed to use
it and contact your equipment provider for advice. As well as following the schedules, always
be vigilant concerning this equipment.

Weekly

1. Check that the spring poppers always fully engage when unfolding the walking frame.

2. Check the front and rear wheels for ingress of dirt or anything that would prevent the wheels
from rotating freely.

Monthly

1. Check wheels for signs of wear or damage. Contact your supplier for replacements if necessary
to avoid equipment instability. Should uneven wear be evident please contact Quest 88.

2. Check all hand-wheels to ensure that they lock all moving parts securely and easily.

3. Check all nuts and bolts are firmly secured.

4. Check that the equipment folds freely and is not impeded.

5. Where directional locking devices are fitted to equipment, check that the walking frame runs
in a straight line by rolling it on a flat surface.

6. Check that braked front wheels do not rotate whilst the brake is engaged.

7. Check that pelvic/chest ‘width adjustment’ screws and chest ‘pivot cleats’ firmly hold their
position.

7 4

6. Initial assembly of optional accessories

6.1/6.2 Abduction accessories

6.3 Support harness

6.1

6.2

If an abduction pommel is fitted to the
Trekker or Tiny Trekker it will be necessary
to locate this into position using the
plunger hand-wheel which will locate into
the hole on the hip rail. The hand-wheel
can then be tightened to secure the
abduction pommel.

If a foot abductor is to fitted to the Trekker
or Tiny Trekker, slide the foot abductor
onto the mounting. Fit the retaining pin
which can be pushing into place and then
rotated to lock.

Fitting of Abduction Pommel
Assembly

Fitting of Foot Abductor
Assembly

STEP

1

STEP

2

Supplied New: Clip the support harness
onto the chest rail as shown. Adjust the
harness using the traps to suit the user.

Retrofit: First remove the chest rail of the
Trekker from the frame’s upright tubes.
Slide one support harness bracket on
each side of the chest rail towards the
closed end of the rail.

Re-insert the chest rail into the frame.
Repeat the procedure with the two
remaining harness brackets. Align the
brackets and tighten the white hand­wheels. You can now clip on the support
harness.

The harness must be used in­conjunction with the chest and hip
supports.

This accessory is to be used as a
support only. It is not intended as a seat.

Fitting of Support Har ness Support Harness.. continued

7. Adjustments continued

7.6 Hand rail adjustment

The height and the extension of the hand rail are in part, dependent on one another due
to the angles of inclination of the tubing involved. It is therefore, it is advisable to adjust
both height and extension simultaneously.
To do this release the hand-wheels “B” and “C” and position the hand rail such that the
patient can grip it comfortably. Elbows should normally be straight and the bar approximately
level with the top of the chest support. Re-tighten the hand-wheels.

8. User Transfer & Stability

Once fully adjusted,before transferring the user, ensure that all supportive components
are fully secure and that the front wheels are locked. Fine-tuning of hand rail length and
height, as well as chest support height, may be adjusted after transfer with some practise
as long as the user is fully supported during this process. This equipment must be used
under supervision at all times!

In a few cases, it may be found that these adjustments allow the patient to be positioned
only a short distance ahead of the rear wheels. Additionally, some patients will present with
uncontrolled jerking movements which can threaten to tilt the frame backwards. In such
cases the Trekker and Tiny Trekker should not be used.

Similarly, carers should be aware that in exceptional cases the transverse stability of the
frame can also be threatened by vigorous uncontrolled movements, particularly where the
patient’s height is at or near the maximum recommended. In such cases the Trekker and
Tiny Trekker should not be used.

9. Folding & Storage

The Trekker and Tiny Trekker can be folded by reversing the un-folding procedure. Note
that poppers can be released by pinching them into the tube. When folded the Trekker
and Tiny Trekker can be locked in place by tightening the hand-wheel with the yellow
dot.

Please adhere to best manual handling practice whilst transferring, folding, un-folding and
lifting the Trekker and Tiny Trekker.

Hand rail adjustment

Hand-wheel B

Hand-wheel C





5

6

7. Adjustments

7.1 Centralising the user

In order to ensure the stability of the frame when in use, it is necessary for the user to be
positioned centrally in the frame.

7.2 Setting the overall height

N.B. Refer to the table on the rear page for the maximum height settings for each size of
frame. It is crucial that these values are not exceeded.

Height adjustment is achieved by releasing the hand-wheel “A” and extending the top
sections of tubing (see step 1). Note that maximum height marks are to be found on
these tubes which indicate the limit of adjustment. Re-tighten hand-wheel “A” after
positioning.
a) Measure the height of the patient from heel of shoe or orthosis (if worn) to 50mm below
the axilla.
b) Set the overall height of the Trekker and Tiny Trekker (measured to the top edge of the
chest support) to this dimension. Ensure that both hand-wheels are fully tightened after
positioning.

7.3 Hip rail adjustment

The anterior hip rail is positioned by first releasing the M5 hexagon head socket screws
which allow both height, forward, and backward adjustment. The height to the bottom
edge of the hip rail should be approximately 25mm above the Greater Trochanter (hip
flexion crease). The position forward and backward should allow approximately 5° hip
flexion in the standing position. The posterior pelvic strap should hold the patient firmly
against the hip rail. Re-tighten the M5 hexagon head socket screws.

STEP

1

Overall height setting

STEP

1

Hip Rail

Hand-wheel A

4mm Hex/Allen Key

7. Adjustments

7.4 Setting the angle and width of the Chest and Hip supports

The chest support will normally be fitted in a horizontal position during manufacture but it
may be tilted to improve comfort for the user by releasing M6 hexagon head socket screws
as shown below. After re-positioning, re-tighten the M6 hexagon head socket screws.
Note: If it is found necessary to alter the position of the chest support then the previous
adjustments to chest support height and hip rail height may need to be changed.

The chest support can be adjusted by releasing the clamping blocks as shown. It should
be wide enough to allow small medio-lateral movements to aid weight transference when
walking, but not too wide to allow excessive and unwanted trunk movements. Thus,
depending on the size of the patient, a chest pad may also need to be the fitted for
additional cushioning when supplied to the patient.

The hip support can be adjusted by releasing the screws on the clamping blocks. The hip
support should be wide enough to allow small medio-lateral movements to aid weight
transference, but not too wide to allow excessive and unwanted trunk movements.

The fabric coverings for the chest and hip support can now be replaced.

7.5 Abduction pommel support

The height, forward, and backward position of abduction pommel can be adjusted by
releasing the indexing lever and plunger hand-wheel. Re-tighten the plunger hand-wheel
and indexing lever after positioning.

STEP

2

Chest/Hip support adjustment

STEP

1

Height adjustment

STEP

2

Forward/backward adjustment

Width adjustment screws (M5)

Indexing lever

Plunger hand-wheel

STEP

1

Chest/Hip support adjustment

Angle adjustment screws (M6)









