Why doesn't the paddle move the legs for my child? The TAOS is primarily a piece of exercise equipment. The philosophy of the design was to aid the child with alignment and positioning so that they can build proper gait muscles and coordination used in normal gait. It is up to the child to initiate the movement so that they gain the benefit. We do not wish to move them like a robot. The paddle was designed to allow one leg to move forward at a time. When adjusted properly the child will need to bear weight on one leg to create slack in the rear cords so that the other leg can move forward. Sometimes we need to provide a little help for the child to swing the free leg forward. Verbal help works for some. Coach them to lift their free leg. Sometimes we need to offer more help with touching the hamstring or slightly lifting the heel. As a parent or therapist you may initially feel like you are the one getting the workout, crawling around on the floor prompting the child. With time and repetition the use of these outside inputs will decrease. Keep in mind that while you are focusing on moving one leg forward, your child is working on:      - orienting themselves in a vertical world      - holding the head      - supporting the torso and orienting it      - bearing weight      - balance      - what to do with arms      - trying to activate the many muscles used in gait      - relaxing muscles that oppose the muscles they need to fire      - adjust to the idea of an orthotic that forces their limbs in proper alignment (it can be distracting)