Pacific Supply Co. Ltd.
Shunsuke Koseki, Prosthetist

Introduction

TurboMed XTERN is a new walking aid for people with foot drop that attaches to the outside of the shoe.
There are no weight restrictions, and it supports a wide range of activities, from daily life to sports.
It can be easily attached to shoes using a special clip.
Since the only part that touches the body is the calf support, there is no discomfort on the sole and no risk of skin damage caused by friction.

This time, we interviewed Ms. Ria Yanagi, a user of the TurboMed XTERN.

【Ms. Yanagi’s Profile】
Age: 29
Occupation: After-school care instructor
Condition: Right hemiplegia caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that developed at age 12.

Thank you very much for taking the time for this interview today.
Could you start by telling us how you came to use the TurboMed XTERN?

I was born with a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a congenital vascular condition.
When I was in sixth grade, it ruptured, and I collapsed. Since then, I’ve had paralysis on the right side of my body.

During my hospitalization, I used a Tamarack brace for rehabilitation. After being discharged, I wore an ORTOP brace for about two years, but eventually stopped. However, when I was about to start working as an after-school care instructor, my rehab therapist said, “Once you start working, you’ll be using your body in ways you haven’t before, so it’s better to wear a brace.” That’s when I started using the ORTOP brace again.

I first discovered TurboMed XTERN at the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition in 2019. I tried it on and ran a bit — it felt great.
I visited a nearby P&O workshop  and purchased one, but putting it on was tricky because my ankle didn’t move easily, so I didn’t use it much at first.
In 2024, I tried running with TurboMed XTERN again, and it felt amazing. Since then, I’ve used it whenever I run.
Opening the shoe wide enough makes it easy to put on, so it’s no longer an issue.

You’ve regained the ability to walk after right-sided paralysis and even started enjoying sports, eventually taking on triathlon.
Can you tell us how you got there?

I underwent Gamma Knife treatment instead of open brain surgery. During the three years it took for the AVM to fully disappear, I had to limit my physical activity.
Once I was cleared, I began challenging myself with swimming, cycling, mountain climbing, and more.

Even so, I often hesitated to try new activities because I didn’t want to burden my parents with transportation.
After learning to drive, I could go out whenever I wanted. Once I started working, I also joined para-athletics. Two years ago, I ran my first marathon.
Later, my rehab therapist told me about a para-cycling trial event, where I rode a road bike for the first time.
Last year, I also competed in a para-swimming meet.

Before my illness, I had always loved running, swimming, and cycling.
Triathlon combines all three, so now that I can do them again, I felt it was the perfect time to challenge myself.
In October 2024, I signed up for the Numazu Senbonhama Triathlon and started full-scale training.

At first, completing a triathlon seemed impossible. I could run, but I got tired quickly and couldn’t manage long distances.
I practiced cycling during rehab but was scared of hills. Swimming I could manage, but only for short distances.

Then, in December 2024, I broke my leg while training at the gym.
The doctor introduced me to a highly skilled trainer, and I trained with them weekly up until the triathlon.

When I asked the race organizers if someone like me could participate, they said, “Let’s finish it together.” I was so moved I cried.
Knowing I truly wanted to complete the race helped me push forward.

How did it feel to participate in the triathlon? Any memorable moments?

It was my first triathlon, but I wasn’t nervous at all.
The excitement outweighed fatigue. Especially during the bike leg — feeling the wind as I rode was exhilarating, and I even told my guide, “I’m having so much fun!”
I thought this would be my first and last triathlon. The training had been so tough that I didn’t expect to do it again.
But after finishing, I realized how much I loved it — and now I want to do it again.

Getting my clipping shoes onto the pedals was what I was most worried about, but it went smoothly, and I thought, “Now I’ve got this.”
I’d struggled with right-hand turns during practice and even fallen once, so I had planned to get off the bike if needed.
But during the race, even when I felt unstable, I managed to hold my balance and make the turn.

That morning, I ended up waking up early and did the core stretches my trainer had shown me. Looking back, maybe that actually helped.
When I told my trainer afterward, they were thrilled.

When I transitioned from the bike to the run, I was able to switch shoes smoothly.
The run went well, and the encouragement from people along the course helped me reach the finish line.

Have you noticed any changes since using TurboMed XTERN?

TurboMed XTERN has changed my running form. My paralyzed-side ankle lifts more easily, so I don’t trip anymore, and my leg swings forward naturally. I can push off more firmly.

I’m really glad I discovered TurboMed XTERN. The course I raced this time was shorter than the one other participants ran, but next time, I’m aiming for a full-distance finish.

After the Interview

Ms. Yanagi wore TurboMed XTERN during her first-ever triathlon. In the interview, she shared how TurboMed XTERN helped her during training and on race day.
She spoke with a constant smile, and seeing her accomplish such a big challenge was truly inspiring.
It reminded us once again that TurboMed XTERN can play a role in helping our customers achieve their goals and realize their dreams.

During the Interview
(Photo above: Ms. Yanagi / Photo below: Our staff)

Many TurboMed XTERN users challenge themselves not only in running and cycling but also in sports like tennis and mountain climbing.
We will continue to provide more opportunities for people with foot drop to discover TurboMed XTERN, so they can keep enjoying the activities they love.

TurboMed XTERN is available through medical institutions and P&O workshops, or directly from us, either for purchase or rental.

●Find your nearest retailer here
●Purchase or rent a pre-assembled TurboMed XTERN here
●Purchase from Rakuten Ichiba here