WalkAide: Myo-Orthotics Technology for the Effective Treatment
of Foot Drop
The WalkAide can effectively counteract foot drop by producing dorsiflexion of the
ankle during the swing phase of the gait. The small device attaches to the leg,
just below the knee, near the head of the fibula. During a gait cycle, the WalkAide
stimulates the common peroneal nerve, which innervates the tibialis anterior and
other muscles that produce dorsiflexion of the ankle. Users of the WalkAide are
people who have lost the ability to voluntarily lift their foot, often as a result
of damage to the central nervous system such as stroke, incomplete spinal cord
injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. This type
of stimulation will not work with people who have damage to the lower motor
neurons/peripheral nerves.
The WalkAide is a battery-operated, single-channel electrical stimulator that can
be used to address dropfoot with functional electrical stimulation. WalkAide utilizes
a Tilt Sensor to control stimulation during normal gait. A Hand Switch on the WalkLink
is used by the clinician during setup to trigger stimulation while the Heel Sensor
collects additional data. The clinician uses the WalkAnalyst software on a laptop
computer to program the Tilt Sensor in the WalkAide. Use of the Tilt Sensor to trigger
stimulation eliminates the need for external wires or remote Heel Sensor during
regular use.
Although easy to use, the WalkAide is a sophisticated medical device. Since it leverages
functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology, certain precautions should be
taken when considering or prescribing use of WalkAide. These include:
Heart Disease — Use caution in applying electrical stimulation
to persons suspected of having heart disease. More clinical data is needed to show
that such persons will not experience adverse results.
Epilepsy — Use caution in applying electrical stimulation
to persons suspected of having epilepsy. More clinical data is needed to show that
such a person will not experience
adverse events.
Recent Surgery — Do not use FES following recent surgery
where muscle contraction
may disrupt the healing process.
Proper Use — The safety and efficacy of FES depends on the
proper use and handling of the FES system. Improper use of the device or electrodes
can result in injury to the user. Regularly check accessories for wear and replace
as needed. Electrodes should be firmly secured to the skin. Never use the WalkAide
if it appears to be malfunctioning. If there is a change in the way it usually works
(i.e. change in sensation, surging of stimulation, intermittent stimulation) do
not use the WalkAide and contact your WalkAide-trained clinician immediately.
Electrodes — Do not use lotion or oil in the area that the
electrodes make contact with
the skin. Stimulation may not be effective.
Sensory Deprivation — Use caution when placing electrodes
on areas of the skin with reduced response to normal sensory stimuli, due to the
risk of skin burns.
Operating Equipment —The stimulator should not be used while
operating potentially dangerous equipment such as automobiles, power lawn mowers
or large machinery. Abrupt changes in stimulation level could create a hazard.
Sleeping and Other Daily Activities — The WalkAide should
not be worn or used while sleeping or bathing.
Heat and Cold — The use of heat or cold producing devices
such as electric blankets, heating pads or ice packs may affect the electrodes or
the person’s circulation and increase the risk of injury. A medical doctor
and clinician should be consulted before using with FES.
Skin irritation and burns beneath the electrodes have been reported
with the use of powered muscle stimulators. Do not leave the electrodes in place
for long periods of time without checking or cleaning the skin underneath them.
It is normal to observe somewhat reddened areas under the electrode placements;
however, the redness should disappear within an hour. Signs of irritation are maintained
redness, small pimple-like lesions or blisters. DO NOT continue stimulation over
irritated skin.
Children — FES devices should be kept out of the reach of
children.
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