Every step toward recovery matters. For people rebuilding strength after injury, illness, or amputation, walking again means regaining confidence, independence, and control.
That’s the motivation behind BISEP Innovations. Working in long-term care, company founder Daniel Bordenave, a Registered Kinesiologist in Niagara Falls and BISEP’s CEO, saw how residents often waited for help to walk when what they needed was a safer, simpler way to practice mobility. His solution became the Ambulation, Retraining, and Mobility Mechanism (ARMM) — a device that connects a wheelchair to a walker, allowing patients to stand and move while supported.
“The ARMM was designed specifically to address the staffing gaps, safety concerns, and access issues that traditional equipment often overlooks,” says Bordenave. “Every feature, from tool-free attachment to single-caregiver operation, was developed with the realities of long-term care in mind.”
The idea is simple, but the impact is transformative. ARMM helps people recover more safely, lowers the risk of falls, and reduces strain on caregivers and health professionals. It also gives therapists an effective tool to guide mobility training and helps patients rebuild confidence with each step.
What began as a prototype is now improving therapy outcomes and quality of life in hospitals and care homes.
“At BISEP, success is defined by how effectively the ARMM increases independence, reduces caregiver strain, and enhances efficiency in care environments,” adds Bordenave. “We also gather feedback from clinicians, caregivers, and residents to understand usability, safety, and satisfaction. This ensures we deliver meaningful outcomes that improve quality of life for older adults and those who care for them.”
Support from the Glenrose Hospital Foundation and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), delivered through the hospital’s Research and Innovation (R&I) program, is helping BISEP continue its growth.
At the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, the R&I team is refining and validating the ARMM device through hands-on trials with clinicians and patients. Each stage of testing brings it closer to broader use and better outcomes for patients and care teams.
“The collaboration with the Glenrose and PrairiesCan plays a key role in advancing the ARMM Mobility Device from concept to clinical validation,” Bordenave explains. “Glenrose provides access to rehabilitation specialists, clinicians, and real-world testing environments to ensure the device integrates into existing care workflows. PrairiesCan supports this growth by enabling key partnerships and visibility, helping BISEP scale the technology across Western Canada.”
By connecting innovators like BISEP with clinical experts, the Glenrose Hospital Foundation is creating a pathway for solutions like the ARMM to move from concept to care, improving outcomes for patients and reducing strain on the health system.
“For us, supporting innovation is about helping people heal,” says Mark Korthuis, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Glenrose Hospital Foundation. “When we invest in new technologies, we’re investing in better outcomes, greater independence, and stronger communities.”
For Bordenave and his team, progress is measured one step at a time.
“Every stride forward tells us the technology is doing what it was meant to do,” Bordenave says. “It’s helping people take control of their recovery, restoring independence, and proving that innovation in rehabilitation starts with understanding human movement and compassion.”
