Balance Step Walk
Outdoor / Individual & Group

What is the Equipment?

The Suspended Balance Walkway is an outdoor play and therapy structure consisting of multiple flat wooden planks hung using chains or ropes from a horizontal frame. Each plank moves slightly when stepped on, requiring the user to balance and coordinate movements while walking across.

What is the Equipment?

This equipment is designed to develop balance, coordination, motor planning, and confidence in children. It is especially useful in inclusive settings as it provides both physical challenge and sensory input, making it beneficial for children with diverse learning and developmental needs.

This equipment can be used by all children. Those with special needs must necessarily be supervised by a teacher or adult at all times, and the equipment can be modified if required.

How to Make the Equipment?

• Planning & Layout
  • Decide bridge length: 1000–1500 mm
  • Bridge width: 750-1000 mm
  • Height of plank from ground: 500–600 mm
  • Mark positions for 4 posts (2 frames)
• Fabricate the Frames
  • Use MS square pipe 40×40×2 mm
  • Each frame:
    • Height: 2000 mm
    • Width: 800-1000 mm
  • Weld properly and ensure alignment
• Install the Frames
• Each side has:
  • 2 vertical posts
  • 1 top beam connecting them
• This top beam:
  • Holds all rope load
  • Place frames 1800 mm apart
  • Fix posts into the ground:
    • Pit size:300 × 300× 300 mm
    • Fbbill with concrete
  • Check vertical alignment using a spirit level
  • Welding Details:
    • Weld on all 4 sides
    • Weld thickness: minimum 3 mm
    • Continuous weld (no gaps)
• Prepare Wooden Planks
  • Cut 10 planks
    • Size: 350 × 70 × 25 mm
  • Drill 4 holes per plank
  • Smooth edges and apply paint/polish
• Prepare Ropes
  • Use 12 mm nylon rope
  • Cut:
    • 4 ropes (bottom support)
    • 2 ropes (handrails)

Materials Required:

BILL OF MATERIAL (BOM) – ROPE BRIDGE
 1. STEEL STRUCTURE

Total steel ~ 11–12 kg

2. WOODEN PLANKS

Breakdown:
1. Bottom ropes: 4 × 2.5 m = 10 m
2. Handrails: 2 × 2.5 m = 5 m

4. HARDWARE

5. CIVIL WORK (FOUNDATION)

 6. FINISHING

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Assemble the Bridge
1. Insert ropes through plank holes
2. Maintain spacing: 100–120 mm between planks
3. Tie strong stopper knots below each plank
Fix Ropes to Frames
1. Use eye bolts or welded hooks
2. Attach:
a. Bottom ropes → plank support
b. Top ropes → handrails

ROPE FIXING ON TOP BEAM

Installation:
1. Drill hole (12–14 mm) 
2. Insert M12 eye bolt
3. Tighten with nut + washer
Position:
1. 4 for bottom ropes
2. 2 for handrails
Adjust Rope Tension
1. Keep a slight sag in the middle
2. Ensure both sides are level
3. Avoid over-tightening

Time & Cost Estimate:
Time required: 1 week to 10 days
Approximate cost: ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 (depending on materials used)
How to Use the Equipment:
A. Basic Usage
Children walk from one end to the other by stepping on each suspended plank, maintaining balance.
B. Variations (for Inclusion)
1. Hold a support rope or handrail 
2. Assisted walking with teacher/peer 
3. Step-and-pause activity for children with mobility challenges 
4. Use fewer planks or wider planks for beginners 
5. Add visual cues (numbers/colours) for cognitive tasks 
Where and When to Use:
1. School playgrounds 
2. Therapy or sensory integration areas 
3. During physical education periods 
4. Free play or structured activity sessions 
Inclusivity Features:
To enable the inclusion of children with various difficulties, we can provide the following modifications. Reference images are provided.

1. Adjustable difficulty (spacing, height, assistance) 

2. Multi-sensory engagement (movement, visual colours) 

3. Can be used individually or collaboratively 
4. Encourages the participation of children with varying abilities

Benefits for Children with Special Needs

A. Physical Development
1. Improves balance and coordination 
2. Strengthens leg muscles 
3. Enhances gross motor skills 
B. Cognitive Development
1. Develops focus and planning 
2. Enhances sequencing and problem-solving 
C. Social & Emotional Development
1. Builds confidence and independence 
2. Encourages peer interaction and teamwork 
D. Sensory Benefits
1. Provides vestibular input (balance) 
2. Enhances proprioceptive awareness 

Instructions to Teachers

1. Start with a demonstration 
2. Provide physical or verbal prompts 
3. Encourage slow and mindful movement 
4. Celebrate small achievements 
5. Pair children for peer support 

Safety Considerations

1. Ensure the structure is firmly installed 
2. Regularly check chains/ropes for wear and tear 
3. Keep height low to prevent injury 
4. Provide soft ground (sand/grass) beneath 
5. Adult supervision is essential

Video – Balance Step Walk

Teacher Resource Document – Balance Step Walk