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 and 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 patients unique needs. Using Bluetooth technology WalkAnalyst is then used to program the WalkAide.

WalkAide Feature from CBS

Testimonial

"ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS,thank you so much for today, I want to tell the world I CAN WALK AGAIN! I realise I have grieved for my legs, they died and have come to life again, what a stupendous gift you have given me using this wonderful Walkaide. I walked up the step into the butchers, bought some lovely sirloin steak for supper this evening. I am running without the Walkaide it has certainly pressed a button somewhere. Walking up the ramp and step into the house was more like a jump, so easy! I haven't been this happy for nearly 6 years."

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