Using Functional Electrical Stimulation to Enhance Walking Abilities
The WalkAide is a new programmable, battery-operated, functional electrical stimulator used to address Foot Drop. One unique feature of the WalkAide is that it uses a Tilt Sensor to control stimulation during walking, thus eliminating the need for additional wires from a heel sensor.
The WalkAide device is a small lightweight self-contained unit. The sensors are built into the unit which has been designed so that it can be operated by the patient with one hand. The WalkAide is comfortable to wear with a low profile making it undetectable beneath clothing.
Objectives of the WalkAide system:
- Address foot drop
- Improve overall walking abilities
- Dorsiflex the ankle at the optimum time during the gait cycle to improve limb clearance during swing
- Maintain and improve mobility
- Decrease energy expenditure & effort
- Muscle re-education and facilitation
WalkAide be used for the following Upper motor neuron lesions:
- CVA or stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Familial hereditary spastic paraplegia (FSP)
The WalkAide System
The WalkAide system consists of the WalkAnalyst computer software program that collects patient walking data from 3 separate sources then optimizes individual gait data for the patient’s unique needs. Using Bluetooth technology WalkAnalyst is then used to program the WalkAide.
If you would PhysioFunction to get in touch with you about WalkAide, or any other of our services, please Contact Us.
WalkAide for Foot Drop
Purposes
- Increase walking activities
- Increase the ease and security of walking
- Increase mobility and independence
- Improve muscle coordination
- Strengthen and/or assist weak muscles
Evidenced-Based Benefits of FES
- Reduces spasticity
- Reduced effort in walking
- Slow osteoporosis
- Reduce swelling, formation of blood clots (deep venous thrombosis)
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Increased walking speed