WalkAide:

A Major Step Forward in the Treatment of Foot Drop

WalkAide is a medical device that, after more than a decade in development, has received marketing clearance from the FDA for improving walking ability of people suffering from dropfoot. The condition is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot (including peroneal nerve palsy), which causes a person to experience symptoms such as dragging the toe of the shoe on the ground or slapping the foot on the floor. Invented by a team at the University of Alberta, WalkAide uses functional electrical stimulation to restore the typical nerve-to-muscle signals in the leg and foot, effectively lifting the foot at the appropriate time during the gait cycle. The resulting movement is a smoother, more natural and safer stepping motion. Users are able to walk faster and for longer distances with less fatigue. In fact, many people who try WalkAide experience immediate and substantial improvement in their walking ability, which increases their mobility, functionality, and overall independence.

What People Should Know About WalkAide

Not long ago, a diagnosis of foot drop meant an inescapable future of impaired mobility and reduced freedom. Treatment of the condition was usually relegated to bracing a limb with a device such as an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) or another type of limb brace.

However, AFOs may be uncomfortable to wear and are only designed to mitigate the effects of dropfoot, rather than restoring functionality.

WalkAide uses advanced sensor technology to actually analyze the movement of your leg and foot. The system sends electrical signals to your peroneal nerve, which controls movement in your ankle and foot. These gentle electrical impulses activate the muscles to raise your foot at the appropriate time during the step cycle.

Although highly-advanced, WalkAide is surprisingly small and quite easy to use. It consists of a battery-operated, single-channel electrical stimulator, two electrodes, and electrode leads. WalkAide is applied directly to your leg — not implanted underneath the skin — which means no surgery is involved. A cuff holds the system comfortably in place, and it can be worn discreetly under most clothing.  With the WalkAide’s patented Tilt Sensor technology, most users do not require additional external wiring or remote heel sensors.

What Medical Professionals Should Know About WalkAide

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 a remote Heel Sensor during regular use. 

How WalkAide Works

Unlike a traditional Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO), WalkAide employs advanced sensor technology to actually analyze the movement of the leg and foot. WalkAide then sends electrical signals to the peroneal nerve, which runs along the outside of the lower leg and controls movement in the ankle and foot.

These gentle electrical impulses activate the muscles to raise the foot at the appropriate time during the step cycle, creating a 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 electrode 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take before I know if WalkAide works for me?
Many people who try WalkAide experience immediate and substantial improvement. The medical professional who fits WalkAide will program the device to suit your individual needs for optimal effectiveness.

Will I be able to walk normally with WalkAide?
Many people who try WalkAide experience immediate and substantial improvement in their walking ability and enjoy a much more natural gait. However, there is no guarantee that WalkAide can help you.

Do I use WalkAide 24 hours a day?
No. WalkAide can be worn all day, but it must be removed and turned off before going to bed at night.

What does the electrical stimulation feel like?
The electrical stimulation in WalkAide replaces the natural, nerve-to-muscle stimulation. Many people report a light tingling sensation during the period of stimulation during walking.

How long does WalkAide work?
Depending on how much you use WalkAide, the battery should last anywhere from one to three weeks. WalkAide will give you both an audio and visual warning that the battery is low. A red light appears on the stimulator and the device beeps to indicate when the standard AA battery needs to be replaced.

Will I be electrocuted if it gets wet?
No, but you should avoid water while wearing WalkAide. While every effort has been made to weatherproof the device, continued correct functioning of the device requires careful operation.

Can I shower or swim with WalkAide on?
No, you should avoid water when wearing WalkAide. Remove the WalkAide when you take a shower or if you go for a swim.

Can I drive with WalkAide on?
No, you cannot drive while wearing WalkAide.

Is WalkAide covered by my health insurance plan?
All health plan coverages vary. Patients should contact a representative of their individual health plan to confirm their policy regarding WalkAide.

How can I get WalkAide?
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 you.