WalkAide

Knee Orthotics Lower Extremity Orthoses Leg Brace image

WalkAide

Infinite Technologies carries the FDA approved WalkAide, which is revolutionary in the treatment of foot drop (also known as drop foot, dropfoot, and footdrop) by leveraging functional electrical stimulation to improve walking ability. The WalkAide system utilizes patented tilt sensor technology and functional electrical stimulation (FES) to analyze the movement of the leg and stimulate the appropriate nerves, prompting the foot to lift with every step. The gentle electrical impulses produced by WalkAide activate the muscles to raise the foot at the appropriate time during the step cycle, creating a more natural and efficient walking pattern.

Although WalkAide is a highly advanced medical device, it is surprisingly small and discreet, and quite easy to use. It consists of a battery-operated, single-channel electrical stimulator, two electrodes, and electroe leads. WalkAide is applied directly to the leg – not implanted under the skin – and can be worn discreetly under most clothing. A cuff holds the system in place. No surgery is required. We are a Preferred Provider for the DC region for pediatrics and adults.

WalkAide Leg Orthoses

WalkAide is for patients suffering from mobility dysfunctions as a result of the following:

  • Muscular Sclerosis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Stroke – Can lead to foot drop resulting from a cerebrovascular accident
  • Brain Injury
  • Cerebral Palsy
WalkAide foot drop treatment

WalkAide is a sophisticated medical device that can only be prescribed by a physician. As with all orthoses, a thorough evaluation by a credentialed and trained medical professional will determine if WalkAide is right for a particular individual.

Using the WalkAide, in most cases, frees the patient from AFO restrictions. Traditionally, foot drop is treated with bracing using an ankle foot orthosis (AFO). The passive treatement offered by AFOs do not promote active use of neuromuscular systems and also limits ankle range of motion. In addition, AFOs can be uncomfortable, bulky, and, if poorly fitted, produce areas of pressure and tissue breakdown. The WalkAide may replace the traditional AFO to re-engage a person’s existing nerve pathways and muscles.

The recruitment of existing muscles results in reduction of atrophy and walking fatigue – a common side effect of foot bracing. WalkAide users have the freedom to walk with or without footwear, up and down the stairs, and even sidestep.

Infinite Technologies has the ability to make custom cuffs for patients who do not fit in a traditional size.

Many children may reject brace wear in their prescribed rehabilitation protocols. In the recent NIH study, when given the choice, 90% of the children chose to continue wearing the WalkAide over their current treatment.Many children may reject brace wear in their prescribed rehabilitation protocols. In the recent NIH study, when given the choice, 90% of the children chose to continue wearing the WalkAide over their current treatment.

The new Pediatric WalkAide features several key advantages not found in other FES systems:

  • Pediatric Cuff: Designed to fit small children
  • Pediatric Programming Options: Amplitude, Frequency, Pulse Duration settings for sensitive cases are well-tolerated
  • Personalized Solution: Adaptive program & modular components through growth and maturity
  • Self-Contained System: Single unit system with no extra pieces, ideal for playful kids
  • Single Battery Operation: Operates up to 30 days on one AA battery, with no need for nightly recharges
  • Patented Accelerometer: Promotes natural, efficient, and safe multidirectional walking
  • Freedom in Footwear Option: Allows kids to have more freedom in footwear or no shoes at all
  • Improves walking speed
  • Improves gait quality
  • Reduces atrophy
  • Improves circulation and muscle condition
  • May promote natural bone growth*
  • May delay or prevent surgical intervention**