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Walkaide System 


Walkaide System
The WalkAide is a battery-operated, single-channel electrical stimulator that can be used to address foot drop with functional electrical stimulation. The device 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.

 

Walkaide ORthosis 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. T his type of stimulation will not work with people who have damage to the lower motor neurons/peripheral nerves.

 

Medical benefits of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) may include prevention of muscle disuse or weakness, increased local blood flow, muscle strengthening and maintained or increased joint range of motion.

 

Additional benefits include:

 

  • Easy one-handed operation and application
  • Small, self-contained unit that attaches to the leg below the knee
  • Does not require orthopedic or special shoes
  • May be worn barefoot or with slippers (upon approval of your healthcare provider)
  • Minimal contact means minimal discomfort with reduced perspiration
  • May improve circulation, reduce atrophy, improve voluntary control.

 

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

 

§          Foot Drop

§          Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

§          Traumatic Brain Injury

§          Cerebral Palsy

§          Multiple Sclerosis

 

WEARING PROTOCOL

 

Use with ambulation according to your physician’s specific instructions

 

DON AND DOFF

 

Your Certified Orthotist will provide specific instructions as to don and doff techniques.

 

CARE

 

WalkAide can be worn all day, but it must be removed and turned off before going to bed at night. Depending on how much you use WalkAide, the standard AA battery should last anywhere from one to three weeks. A red light on the stimulator indicates when the battery needs to be replaced.

 

WalkAide electrodes should be replaced every week or two for maximum effectiveness. The medical professional who fits your WalkAide will show you how to do this.

 

While every effort has been made to weatherproof WalkAide, it is not designed for use in water. WalkAide should be removed before you shower, bathe or swim.

 

A damp cloth with MILD detergent may be used to wipe the outside of the WalkAide unit.  DO NOT use a strong cleaning solution or one that contains alcohol.  DO NOT immerse the WalkAide unit in water.

 

To wash the WalkAide Cuff, remove the electrodes and the WalkAide unit.  The fabric cuff with the plastic insert can be washed together in COLD WATER in the gentle cycle of the washing machine or hand-washed, hung to dry.  DO NOT place the plastic insert or the fabric cuff in the dryer.

 

SUGGESTIONS

 

Care should be taken when using the WalkAide for people who experience dizziness or have difficulty maintaining balance.  The WalkAide is not designed to prevent falling.

 

The user should not relocate the position of the electrodes within the cuff.  Do not use the WalkAide without electrodes.

 

Never use the WalkAide on any area of the body other than the leg.

 

Stop using the WalkAide if stimulation doesnot come on at the appropriate time when walking and/or there is a change in the sensation perceived while the stimulation is on.

 

Always contact your Certified Orthotist  and physician with any questions.



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