Walk Aide Device

Foot Drop is most often diagnosed in people who have lost the ability to voluntarily lift their foot (lack of dorsiflexion muscle strength). It often results from damage to the central nervous system such as stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Walking becomes a challenge by causing the person to either drag the foot and toes while walking or exhibit a high-stepping walk called steppage gait.

Treatment options for Foot Drop depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Traditionally, many patients have been fitted with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), brace, or splint that fits into the shoe to stabilize the ankle/foot. Surgery may also be an option to correct or alleviate the underlying problem causing Foot Drop.

One of the more recently available treatment options is WalkAide. WalkAide uses sophisticated sensor technology to actually analyze the movement of the leg and foot. WalkAide then sends electrical signals to the peroneal nerve, which runs along the outside of the lower leg and controls movement in the ankle and foot. These light electrical impulses activate the muscles to raise the foot at the appropriate time during walking, producing a much more natural and efficient pattern of walking.

The small device attaches to the leg, just below the knee, near the head of the fibula. During the swing phase of gait, the WalkAide stimulates the common peroneal nerve, which innervates the tibialis anterior and other muscles that produce dorsiflexion of the ankle.

The WalkAide has two modes that can be utilized; the first is used during functional walking. The second use is for therapeutic exercise.

Patients need to commit approximately three - two hour appointments over a three-week period to test the device and train the individual on how to use it. They are also expected to attend follow-up appointments of approximately one hour each over the next year.