FAQs

What is Walk On?
Where did Walk On originate?
What is a Walk On Recovery Specialist?
What is the role of a Walk On Recovery Specialist?
What should I expect from a Walk On session?
Is this a cure for spinal cord injury?
What are some of the benefits of the Walk On program?
What is the duration of a typical Walk On exercise session?
How many times per week is usually recommended?
When do I start recovery training?
Can my carer / family member attend the Walk On sessions with me?
Do I have options and how long do I need to attend the Walk On program?
What is the cost?
How do I pay for Walk On?
Who can apply to Walk On?
How do I apply?
What happens once I have applied to Walk On?
Is there a waiting list?
Any other questions?

What is Walk On?

Walk On is an intensive functional exercise recovery program for people with a spinal cord injury.  It offers a path to maximise functional recovery through an individually tailored exercise program.  It aims to help improve strength, functional ability and general health.  Walk On is not a cure for spinal cord injury.  It is about the recovery of independent function through the stimulation and retraining of a damaged nervous system utilising The Dardzinski Method™. 

Where did Walk On originate?

Walk On is based on the Project Walk® www.projectwalk.org methodology which was established in the USA in 1999 by founder, Ted Dardzinski.  He created The Dardzinski Method™ which involves a five phase intensive exercise based recovery program. 

The Five Phases of Recovery™ are:

Walk On is the only certified provider of The Dardzinski Method™ in Australia and was established in Brisbane in April 2008.  We currently have seven Walk On Recovery Specialists who facilitate the program in Australia.

What is a Walk On Recovery Specialist?

Walk On Recovery Specialists are experts in the Dardzinski Method™ and in the field of spinal cord injury recovery.  They are tertiary qualified in either Exercise and Sports Science or a related Allied Health Science, such as Physiotherapy.  Prior to delivering Walk On, each specialist undertakes an intensive training program at the Project Walk® Recovery Centre, based in Carlsbad, California, USA.  Training is ongoing and supported by the Project Walk® professional development program.  Each Walk On Recovery Specialist has a unique background and extensive experience in neurological rehabilitation.

What is the role of a Walk On Recovery Specialist?

A Walk On Recovery Specialist prescribes your tailored exercise program.  They will work one-on-one with you from the day you begin. Their role is to facilitate your recovery through load-bearing and closed-chain exercises to promote reactivation of your nervous system.

What should I expect from a Walk On session?

The Walk On program involves intense, dynamic, weight-bearing exercises. All Walk On exercises will be performed out of the wheelchair, on the floor, a table or rehabilitative exercise equipment.  Safety is our number one priority and you will have a Walk On Recovery Specialist supporting you with hands-on assistance throughout your session.   Exercises will involve the entire body and are designed to reactivate the nervous system through neural patterned movements.

Is this a cure for spinal cord injury?

Certainly not.  The Walk On program offers a pathway to maximising your functional recovery.  This means we will work with you to stimulate your body through an intensive exercise methodology to elicit maximum motor and sensory recovery.  Even small gains can mean large improvements in terms of independence and quality of life.

What are some of the benefits of the Walk On program?

Whilst Walk On is not a cure for spinal cord injury, it aims to assist in the recovery of your independent functional abilities.  Project Walk® findings and reports from previous Walk On clients have demonstrated that intensive exercise can:

• Increase central nervous system activity
• Increase muscle mass
• Increase muscle activity
• Increase blood circulation
• Increase sensation
• Prevent a decrease in bone mineral density
  
• Improve quality of life
• Increase independence in activities of daily living and occupational activities
• Decrease skin tissue breakdown and other health problems associated with spinal cord injury

What is the duration of a typical Walk On exercise session?

A typical exercise session is 2 hours in duration. 

How many times per week is usually recommended?

Your Walk On Recovery Specialist will discuss how many sessions per week you will undertake during your initial assessment.  Most people attend 3 times per week.

When do I start recovery training?

Once you have been discharged from the Spinal Unit, consult your GP or SCI physician and obtain their clearance that you are physically in a stable condition to allow you to undertake recovery training.  Early intervention is essential in maximising your functional recovery.

Can my carer / family member attend the Walk On sessions with me?

Yes.  If you need assistance with the bathroom or any other personal care whilst at Walk On, you will have to provide your own carer or family member as Walk On specialists are not trained to do these duties.

Do I have options and how long do I need to attend the Walk On program?

There are 2 options for attending the Walk On program. 

• Firstly there is the In-House program which is dedicated to pushing you as hard as possible to recover as much as possible, however long it takes.  This is a long-term commitment where you will attend the Walk On facility and work one-on-one with a Walk On Recovery Specialist.  Most people spend months or more than a year, not days or weeks in this program.
• Secondly there is the At-Home program for clients who can not relocate closer to one of our Walk On facilities.  A two week visit to one of our facilities is required to provide you with a home-based exercise program.  It involves exercises designed to maintain and improve your nervous system to facilitate your recovery at home.

What is the cost?

Click here to view the fees.

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia is a not for profit organisation and currently Walk On receives no government funding to support our clients. Due to the hands on nature of our program, working always with at least one Recovery Specialist, the fees are representative of the high quality service we provide. The majority of Walk On clients are likely to be private clients involved in the In–House program. All sessions are of 2 hours duration. Most clients are likely to be scheduled for 3 x 2 hours sessions each week to maximise recovery benefits. Clients need to take into account the hourly fee, additional GST component and gym fees when calculating their 4 week cycle program cost.

How do I pay for Walk On?

Fees are to be paid in advance via direct debit from a nominated bank account or by credit card. Your account will be charged on a predetermined 4 week cycle for your participation in the Walk On program. A Direct Debit Payment form is included in the application pack.

Who can apply to Walk On?

The criteria for someone to apply include the following:

• Clients must have a spinal cord injury (traumatic or disease) at any level from C2, but MUST be able to breathe on their own.
• Clients can have a complete or incomplete diagnosis.
• Clients must be discharged from the Spinal Unit prior to commencing the program.
• A bone density scan must be completed and your bone density must be approved by your doctor to be in the safe range for an intensive physical exercise program. Your doctor must provide a medical clearance for your participation in the Walk On program and also provide their interpretation of your bone density scan. 
• Currently, Walk On does not accept people into the program with progressive conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
• There are no age restrictions, although persons under the age of 18 require permission from their parent/guardian.

How do I apply?

Click here to download an application pack. Send your completed application and supporting documents to Walk On, PO Box 397, Matraville NSW 2036 or email walkon@scia.org.au or via fax (02) 9661 9598.

What happens once I have applied to Walk On?

Once your application pack has been received, the Walk On team will assess your eligibility and will contact you via email or phone to confirm your place on the waiting list.

Is there a waiting list?

Yes.  Due to the nature of the Walk On program, most clients attend on a long-term basis for the In-House program.  As such, availability of new places for the program is currently limited. However as Walk On continues to expand throughout Australia, more places will become available. You will be contacted regularly to be updated on your commencement date.

Any other questions?

If you are interested to know more about the program please email walkon@scia.org.au or contact us on 1800 819 775.