The American Physical Therapy Association in June endorsed the WalkAide system, developed by Austin, TX-based Innovative Neurotronics, the development and commercialization subsidiary of Hanger Orthopedic Group .
WalkAide, which debuted in 2006, is an intelligent functional electrical stimulation (FES) system that restores mobility to patients who suffer from foot drop secondary to stroke or other neuromuscular conditions. About the size of an iPod, and worn around the calf just below the knee, the device sends low level electrical signals directly to a motor nerve in the leg, stimulating the muscles to raise the foot at the appropriate time in the gait cycle. WalkAide uses Bluetooth technology to communicate during programming.
In February the company introduced the Bi-Flex Cuff, designed to maximize the functionality and precision of the WalkAide tilt accelerometer. Bi-Flex Cuff features include a new latch attachment system, dual durometer construction (rigid side to ease one-handed donning / doffing, soft side to conform to the leg for total electrode contact), a vented design, and an electrode locator feature.
“As experts in restoring and improving motion in people’s lives, physical therapists are pleased to endorse WalkAide,” said APTA president R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD. “Because the device simulates the typical nerve-to-muscle signals in the leg and foot, patients who have experienced damage to the central nervous system such as through stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis can greatly benefit from this technology.”
