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FLOAT on: New device at AdventHealth Winter Park helps patients walk again

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Strapping up for her last day of occupational therapy is a milestone for Pat Carlson, who lost the use of her left leg after a stroke last month.

“My leg was like a wet noodle,” she said.

But now, she’s regained that strength thanks to the FLOAT system at AdventHealth Winter Park.

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The system doesn’t involve water, and allows patients recovering from strokes, brain injuries or broken bones to safely find their steps again on the ground.

The one-of-a-kind, computerized technology differs from other harness systems, enabling patients to move freely in any direction.

READ: AdventHealth doctors encourage parents to get newly eligible children vaccinated for COVID-19

“This allows them to do all of these tasks while being supported, and not having to use a walker at the same time,” occupational therapist Jacklyn Lethbridge said.

Now, Carlson can maneuver around the kitchen, unload the dishes and put them away.

READ: AdventHealth doctors encourage parents to get newly eligible children vaccinated for COVID-19

“You feel kinda like your feet are floating, but you have to move them to make them do it,” Carlson said. “Once you do that, it helps you walk. I’m feeling a lot of relief, knowing that its coming back.”

In just a few short weeks, the device has helped 10 patients on the road to recovery.

READ: OSHA vaccine mandate to affect hundreds of thousands of Orlando-area workers

The only place you can find the FLOAT system in the country is at AdventHealth Winter Park.

READ: Dozens of Florida entities under review for violating state ‘vaccine passport’ ban

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.