SCI Daily News

SOMERSWORTH — For the first time in five years, Richard Vincent put his walking cane down on a table and walked away from it.

For the 57-year-old Loudon resident who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, this action was a breakthrough that would not have been possible without using the WalkAide System, which is offered in the Seacoast area at Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics on Route 108.

This small device, which has only been available in the U.S. for about four years, combats paralysis for stroke survivors, people with Multiple Sclerosis, spinal chord injury, traumatic brain injury and Cerebral Palsy.

It is about the size of a pack of cigarettes, Vincent said, and straps easily and unobtrusively just below the knee underneath clothing to aid patients in daily walking. It is most effective in treating a form of paralysis known as foot drop.

Rehabilitation Specialist Sarah Rotondo called the device a "breakthrough" for patients who have foot drop, which is the inability to lift the foot during a normal stride.

"For patients with foot drop, walking takes more energy and they are more prone to falls," Rotondo said.

The device uses electrical nerve stimulation through a patented sensor technology called an accelerometer. It transmits data through Bluetooth technology and sends low-level electrical signals directly to a motor nerve in the leg, stimulating the muscles to raise the patient's foot at the appropriate time in their gait cycle.

Rotondo said each patient is evaluated and, if it is determined they are a candidate for the device, the WalkAide is programmed for that patient's specific walking pattern.

In comparing the WalkAide System to a similar and previously-used device called an Ankle-Foot Orthosis, it is easy to see the benefits. The AFO is a large brace that straps onto the foot and lower leg. Rotondo said an AFO was not as easy to use and more obtrusive than the WalkAide.

"A lot of times (the AFO) was just not comfortable," she said, adding patients often had to buy a bigger-sized shoe to wear over the thick brace.

Rotondo works partially out of the Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics office and attended an all-day clinic Tuesday for people to come try the WalkAide System for free.

The WalkAide System helps combat paralysis by sending electrical pulses through patients' nerves, which contract leg muscles allowing them to walk.
(Aaron Leclerc/Staff photographer)

She expressed enthusiasm about the device and said it has been successful for several people who have used it.

"Its advantages are increased walking speed, lower energy expenditure and recovery in the muscle that has been paralyzed," she said.

Vincent, who has used the device for about a year and is also thrilled about the positive impact it's had on his life, found out about it when a representative for WalkAide came to his Multiple Sclerosis support group in Concord. He was targeted as a prime candidate for the system when he was able to walk easily and without his cane.

"(The representative) tested my leg and it moved, which was unusual because I have foot drop," Vincent said. "It's been great. It's made great improvements to my Multiple Sclerosis.

A Vietnam veteran, Vincent said he has been thinking a lot about how much it could help other veterans who may suffer from similar leg injuries.

He said the only drawback was the cost — he paid about $5,000 — but once he experienced the effect it had on his ability to walk, he "didn't really care."

"I said, 'Sign me up!'" he said.

After submitting documentation from the WalkAide company, Vincent's insurance company covered the device. Now, he is able to experience ease doing many activities that for so long he has had difficulty with.

"Going shopping? When I went with my wife I used to walk really slowly ... she always knew where I was," he said. "Now she can't find me!"

A free trial for the device is offered at Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics at 237 Route 108 in Somersworth. No prescription is necessary to try the device.

For more information, contact the office at 742-0334.

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