With the aid of the Parapodium, children can move about fully independently and, if required, they can sit down. If the upper body leans in one direction, the opposing side of base plate will raise from the ground and, the forward pivoting movement will commence, almost simultaneously, when the body is bent slightly forward.
The Parapodium has provisions for the child to sit down.  The sit facility for the Parapodium is activated by turning two handles 90 degrees in the forward direction, releasing the hinges, and allowing the infant to sit down.

The Parapodium can be provided with a Klik-klak. (See illustration).  These are two supports, assembled below the base plate, which make it very easy for the infant to move about. What is best for the child depends upon the child and the advice given by the doctor.

Advantages
Infants with such complaints spend a lot of their time in a wheelchair. The standing and walking bearing, accepted through the use of the orthotic device, results in the following advantages for the child:

- The child, in the standing position, gets an alternative view of its surroundings and is  at the same height as others in its age group.
- The child uses quite a lot of energy and additional locomotive actions when 'walking'.
- Lungs and other organs acquire more space, through the 'walking'.
- Bed sores are counteracted and blood circulation is stimulated throughout the body.
- Improved functioning of the bowels, reducing the dangers of infections.
- More distributed load on the skeletal frame, so improving growth.

Technical specifications:
The Parapodium is manufactured from very high quality 'Orthos aluminium'. This makes the devices very lightweight and very robust. The device is supplied as a kit, in seven standard sizes, for customisation by the orthopaedic technician, who matches the size to exactly suit the patient.

The weight is approximately 5 kg.