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Leg Straps : How to Apply

Clinical takeaway

      Consider leg straps when groin contact remains intolerable or inappropriate, while checking standard harness fit. A clinician-supervised assessment should confirm secure cuffs, stable harness position, and no unwanted movement restrictions or hip positioning.

      Fit assistance: clinicalsupport@litegait.com.

      Video demonstration: leg-strap use and application

      Watch “Got Leg Straps” — LiteGait demonstration, linked from slide 55 of the Back to Basics handout.

      The checklist below summarizes the written Harness Instructions and handout; it is not a video transcript. Use the manufacturer’s full instructions for application.

      1. Check suitability. Confirm adequate thigh muscle or soft-tissue bulk to secure cuffs. Assess unilateral or bilateral use.
      2. Position cuffs. Place below the bulk of the thigh and above the knee, without interfering with knee function.
      3. Connect to the harness. Attach male leg-strap buckles to compatible groin-piece female buckles, following the applicable instructions.
      4. Align straps. Keep the center strap vertical on the lateral leg, pointing toward the hip. Align the bifurcation point with the hip joint axis of rotation.
      5. Remove slack. Tighten all three straps using the specified two-handed technique to anchor the harness and transfer support to the thighs.
      6. Assess movement and positioning. Check restricted movement, unwanted hip abduction, cuff migration, or the harness riding up. Reassess if these occur.
      7. Reposition after sitting. Sitting changes hip-axis alignment relative to the straps. Reposition and reassess before resuming activity.

      Sources: Harness Instructions [3], “Leg Strap Application” and preceding sitting caution; handout [2], slides 54–56.

      Leg straps do not remove general harness contraindications

      Changing to thigh cuffs does not override medical restrictions or make all harness contact acceptable. LiteGait lists these general harness contraindications:

      • Physician orders prohibiting loading of the hip, pelvic, abdominal, or chest regions.
      • Acute fractured ribs until new bone formation begins.
      • Harness application over wound vacuum-assisted closures.
      • Pregnancy.

      Other conditions require consultation or modification, including DVT, wounds in harness contact areas, abdominal aortic aneurysm, compromised skin, and absent sensation. Review the complete manufacturer guidance; this is not an exhaustive screening checklist.

      Source: Contraindications and Precautions [4].

      References
      1. Webinar: TT20Q1 Tips and Tricks — Back to Basics: Better Setup = Better Results, Kayli Morgan, PT, MS. Access assistance: education@litegait.com.
      2. Companion handout: Back to Basics, Kayli Morgan, PT, MS. Harness setup and fit; leg straps on slides 54–56. Slide 56 appears on PDF page 10.
      3. LiteGait Harness Instructions. Harness fit, leg-strap application, and sitting/repositioning precautions.
      4. Contraindications and Precautions for LiteGait Use.

      This educational article summarizes manufacturer guidance. It does not replace applicable instructions for use, patient-specific medical orders, or the treating clinician’s assessment.