Why would I need to wear a WalkAide 2?

The WalkAide 2 Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) device is the 2nd generation of the original WalkAide which has helped thousands of people globally walk with greater confidence and safety. It is worn by people that are experiencing a condition called foot drop which is caused by lower limb muscle and nerve injuries, muscle disorders, and brain and spinal disorders. As a result, people will experience difficulty lifting their feet whilst walking which is where the WalkAide 2 device assists.

How does it work?

With each subsequent step, the WalkAide® II sends gentle, electrical impulses to nerves in the leg that tell the muscles to lift the toes. How does it know when to stimulate? Well, whilst wearing the WalkAide® II on the lower leg, an internal sensor identifies the leg motion and speed as the person takes just a few steps and then uses that information to create a customised walking program. Stimulation timing adjusts to accommodate changes in walking speed in real-time, ensuring appropriate stimulation with every step and enabling the user’s toes to clear the ground throughout their gait. Walking and training program adjustments can be made by the user to promote optimal results.

Features & Benefits

• Design is slim and self-contained
• Electrodes don’t need replacement
• Device plugs in for charging
• Fits under tight clothing
• Footwear doesn’t need to change
• Barefoot walking is possible
• Smartphone app controls adjustments
• Activity mode options include Gait mode and Training mode
• App tracks number of steps walked
• Water resistant against short splash duration
• Additional benefits of FES may include increased range of motion, decreased spasticity, enhanced strength and endurance, increased gait speed and improved quality of life.¹

^{1. Damiano DL, et al. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2013; 27(3):2000-2007; Downing A, et al. Int J MS Care 2014;16:146–152; El-Shamy SM, et al. AM J Phys Med Reahbil 2016 Sep; 95(9):629-63; Miller L, et al. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Jul; 98(7):1435-1452; Prosser LA, et al. Dev Med Child Neurol 2012; 54(11):1044-1049; Stein RB, et al. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2006; 20(3):371-379; Stein RB, et al. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2010; 24(2):152-167; Street T, et al. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine 2017; 41:3, 361-366.}

Programming

The Walkaide® II is programmed by your physician through an application on tablet or smart phone. The program will be customised to suit your level of activity and comfort. The device settings can be adjusted directly through the app.

Indications

• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Cerebral Palsy
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
• Familial/Hereditary Spastic Paresis
  

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  oapl have a vast array of experience treating patients with drop foot and successfully prescribing the WalkAide 2 in conjunction with the NDIS and other state funding bodies. To book an appointment with one of our orthotists, please call us on 1300 866 275 or view our clinical locations here.

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