57 replies to this topic

[Tinbasher]

Amazing!

[Trinity]

What a cool bit of technology! I hope everyone who could benefit from it gets to experience it.

[Lucydog]

Unbelievable!

At $5000 it really is a cheap form of treatment which could get people back on their feet who never thought they would.

[fatdave]

This would be perfect for me. The price is out of reach at the moment, and getting the state to pay for it would be like convincing them I need breast implants. I wonder if it would allow me to drive a car with a proper manual again....or even better go back to work driving.

[Hikkakaru]

http://www.bioness.com/

not exactly a new concept, but pretty cool.

[wheelywendy]

interesting piece of equipment and at a reasonably affordable price, i got quite excited until i realised it wouldnt help unless you could already stand, but who knows in a few years time they might improve on it to include complete spinal cord injuries, in the meantime, i hope it gives mobility back to all those that can benefit from it, very impressive piece of technology http://www.walkaide.com/index.html

[wheeliebear75]

It would be cool if you could try one in an office to see if it would work or not 1st. Considering that my chair which was not one of the higher end chairs cost just over $3,000 & that the average lifespan for a w/c is about 5-10yrs it isn't all that bad a price.

[pierre]

Hey
How many para have use that besite her ? or is it knew?
strange that something like that is out and we still in our cuffin chair
how do it get it lol

[topperf]

Wonder if they could work something out for the hands... I'm almost scared of the thought.. the perspective..

trinity, on Aug 5 2009, 12:02 AM, said:

What a cool bit of technology! I hope everyone who could benefit from it gets to experience it.

Trin - speaking the truth.. as always

[twisted_ophelia]

Exactly like Trin said, what a cool piece of technology and I truly hope that it can become widely available to those people who will be able to benefit from it.

[greybeard]

It's interesting, but that's probably all it is for the bulk of folks here.

Unless I've read it wrong, to derive any benefit from these gizmos you have to be able to walk, albeit clumsily.

And that rules out most of us.

All they do is replace Ankle-Foot-Orthotics for dealing with foot-drop caused by peripheral nerve damage.

Now.......... if they made one that allowed me to stand up without the whole Southern region going numb, then I might show more enthusiasm.

That said, I agree with Trin - and hope all who would benefit from this technology, get the chance to do so.

[McCann]

greybeard, on Aug 5 2009, 02:55 PM, said:

It's interesting, but that's probably all it is for the bulk of folks here.

Unless I've read it wrong, to derive any benefit from these gizmos you have to be able to walk, albeit clumsily.

And that rules out most of us.

All they do is replace Ankle-Foot-Orthotics for dealing with foot-drop caused by peripheral nerve damage.

Now.......... if they made one that allowed me to stand up without the whole Southern region going numb, then I might show more enthusiasm.

That said, I agree with Trin - and hope all who would benefit from this technology, get the chance to do so.

Greybeard is absolutely correct in his overview of this product. Once again the product is nothing more than a mere bandaid (so to speak). It doesn't completely address the problem of drop foot permanently. Go back and re-read my posts as to what I wrote and you should see truth now, behind what I say. Only thing is even if in chair you have hope because I definitely was and hands became functional, not perfect, but very functional (pinch and grasp in both hands). Here's what, feel free to use my name when truly deciding to pursue the NMES I wrote of or post in here if and when used, not for bragging rights but to help other SCI members find help. Feel free to write me or state my name in a post that the process has begun. And as I said, I told the guy who invented the NMES that if my name was said as to referencing or knowledge of it, then 3500 should be the max cost with shipping (I advocate the product freely, based on experience and knowledge of its efficient results) and you get telephone instruction when needed for guidance (via phone or email) as to what protocols to do. I wouldn't spend 5000 grand on the "walkeaide" because it's not able to be used for hands, hips, or bladder restoration, and much more. I dont want to be reprimanded by Simon for even posting its name. But now I understand why I initially received such a hard time when I began posting because people do try to prey on the SCI community with new gadgets, etc and B.S. They do promote alot of spam/B.S.

[qbounce]

But Mccann,
You are the ONLY person on this particular site trying DESPERATELY to sell us your wares. All other posts to try help or improve SCI are informative material for us to digest, while YOURS is a commercial for the low low price of $3,500. I for one usually MUTE the commercials on my TV. When I'm on this site, I can at least choose to not read your posts. But here you are once again, spouting your same old drivel, and I must tell you that it's really getting old!

[McCann]

Thanks Qbounce for questioning my integrity, but do me a favor and read my posts fully/completely first before you question my intelligence and integrity. Otherwise do me a favor and kindly dont write any negative insulting comments questioning my nature, integrity, and SCI & TBI life. I'd really appreciate it. No nice comments to make/say, then type none aka "change the channel." Disagree intelligently and respectfully.

Edited by McCann, 06 August 2009 - 02:53 AM.

[greybeard]

McCann, on Aug 6 2009, 03:39 AM, said:

Disagree intelligently and respectfully.

I was the one who first suggested you were spamming here. Despite your relentless unintelligibly long denials and descriptions of "evidence" to support them, your latest posts confirmed that my original view was correct.

As for "disagreeing intelligently", you are the one who has to prove your case. It is sufficient for others to simply say "I don't believe you".

I don't believe you.

You often refer to "respect" and demand to be respected, but didn't you get taught that respect has to be earned? Those who continually feel the need to demand respect, usually are the ones who least deserve it.



Added: Sorry for the thread hijack!

Edited by greybeard, 06 August 2009 - 08:16 AM.

[tspence]

A very encouraging video,makes me very excited for Tina,hope all that is able to use this tecnology will benefit with every possibility that it holds.

[McCann]

greybeard, on Aug 6 2009, 03:54 AM, said:

McCann, on Aug 6 2009, 03:39 AM, said:

Disagree intelligently and respectfully.

I was the one who first suggested you were spamming here. Despite your relentless unintelligibly long denials and descriptions of "evidence" to support them, your latest posts confirmed that my original view was correct.

As for "disagreeing intelligently", you are the one who has to prove your case. It is sufficient for others to simply say "I don't believe you".

I don't believe you.

You often refer to "respect" and demand to be respected, but didn't you get taught that respect has to be earned? Those who continually feel the need to demand respect, usually are the ones who least deserve it.



Added: Sorry for the thread hijack!

How shall I prove my case to you further?? Get injured again and hope to live to be functional to comeback on here to tell of it and what worked for me? I do know and recall that it was you who started the false claims of me being a spammer. You're right about earning respect to a certain extent but do you mean/say that my experience doesn't warrant me to be a member of the SCI community? I don't need to prove my case further than being alive and well to take care of my daughter to be in Aug22nd. Go to my website and look for updated pics since you question my truthfulness and look me up on facebook too.

[Meadowlarkmark]

Interesting--but not the magic bullet--I am sure a lo of low levels might be able to benefit from the device.

[qbounce]

McCann,
At this juncture I honestly could care less weather your devices worked for you or not. The fact remains that no one else on this site brings their toolbox of trix on the forum, attempting to sell it to their peers. No one but YOU!! Imagine, if you will, everyone who's in the business of selling other related disability devices here, from bathroom devices, to timeshares, to god knows what else. This place would be a huge, disappointing, commercialized free-for-all, full of fluff and flutter, and there would be absolutely no way to weed through the crap in order to get to the knowledgeable information.

So you see, you've completely misread my intentions on putting your posts to shame. I do it, not based on your experience, which may whole heartedly be your saving grace, as it were. I question your CHARACTER because you've stooped down to the level of an AMBULENCE CHASER, or one who hangs around Hospitals, support sites, etc. in order to sell their ideas to whomever will bite, for a profit.

You have no scruples then, because you've decided to hang out here, post a few "Atta boy's" and "You can do it's" to build a repport. But your intentions haven't gone unnoticed because, unlike everyone else here, YOU are the ONLY SALESMAN HERE!! Get it??

[McCann]

qbounce, on Aug 6 2009, 05:11 PM, said:

McCann,
At this juncture I honestly could care less weather your devices worked for you or not. The fact remains that no one else on this site brings their toolbox of trix on the forum, attempting to sell it to their peers. No one but YOU!! Imagine, if you will, everyone who's in the business of selling other related disability devices here, from bathroom devices, to timeshares, to god knows what else. This place would be a huge, disappointing, commercialized free-for-all, full of fluff and flutter, and there would be absolutely no way to weed through the crap in order to get to the knowledgeable information.

So you see, you've completely misread my intentions on putting your posts to shame. I do it, not based on your experience, which may whole heartedly be your saving grace, as it were. I question your CHARACTER because you've stooped down to the level of an AMBULENCE CHASER, or one who hangs around Hospitals, support sites, etc. in order to sell their ideas to whomever will bite, for a profit.

You have no scruples then, because you've decided to hang out here, post a few "Atta boy's" and "You can do it's" to build a repport. But your intentions haven't gone unnoticed because, unlike everyone else here, YOU are the ONLY SALESMAN HERE!! Get it??

Quite interesting your comments are, "ambulance chaser," wow. I didnt know that if one attempts to give advice, options, or any good informative experiences that can possibly help one that has hope and is willing to try, as being a problem. It's not selling any product, only stating of truth as to what can work for some.

I'm done debating this with you, go ahead and be miserable to someone else and see how much further in life it gets you. I havent posted any "atta boys" maybe you have, whatever I expend energy on is real and truthful and beneficial to most that read whatever it is.

So what are you saying then, if you were without SCI problems you would care less about those that are in the SCI communtiy and move on with your life? Whatever you experienced and overcame you would offer no advice that may help another individual that is going through what you did? Basically, you're saying that you are selfish and care not about others; kind of like you first and forget the rest.

Wow! you have an interesting outlook and persona/character.

Edited by McCann, 06 August 2009 - 11:23 PM.

[E-DOG]

fatdave, on Aug 4 2009, 03:28 PM, said:

This would be perfect for me. The price is out of reach at the moment, and getting the state to pay for it would be like convincing them I need breast implants. I wonder if it would allow me to drive a car with a proper manual again....or even better go back to work driving.

Who cares if you ever drive a manual again!
I wanna see you with some big ol' knockers!

E

[Dave Bishopstone]

It's worth going to the company website at http://www.walkaide....ucts/index.html - this details certain restrictions on use, an important one being that the device cannot be worn when driving - I presume because the impulse causing the muscles to contract would hinder the proper use of the cars foot controls.

Whether they could be worn in combination with a Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis (SAFO) I don't know, but it seems that you could simply turn off the device when intending to drive.

Anything that improves mobility has to be welcomed - doubt if it is available in the UK as yet - unless anyone knows different?

[sherbs]

Dave Bishopstone, on Aug 7 2009, 08:59 PM, said:

It's worth going to the company website at http://www.walkaide....ucts/index.html - this details certain restrictions on use, an important one being that the device cannot be worn when driving - I presume because the impulse causing the muscles to contract would hinder the proper use of the cars foot controls.

Whether they could be worn in combination with a Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis (SAFO) I don't know, but it seems that you could simply turn off the device when intending to drive.

Anything that improves mobility has to be welcomed - doubt if it is available in the UK as yet - unless anyone knows different?

I would so be interested in giving this device a go, i walk, albeit with a pronunced limp, drop foot only on left side, this could maybe l help me. Anyone know if this will be available in th uk??

[Slowlegs]

sherbs, on Aug 8 2009, 07:50 PM, said:

Dave Bishopstone, on Aug 7 2009, 08:59 PM, said:

It's worth going to the company website at http://www.walkaide....ucts/index.html - this details certain restrictions on use, an important one being that the device cannot be worn when driving - I presume because the impulse causing the muscles to contract would hinder the proper use of the cars foot controls.

Whether they could be worn in combination with a Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis (SAFO) I don't know, but it seems that you could simply turn off the device when intending to drive.

Anything that improves mobility has to be welcomed - doubt if it is available in the UK as yet - unless anyone knows different?

I would so be interested in giving this device a go, i walk, albeit with a pronunced limp, drop foot only on left side, this could maybe l help me. Anyone know if this will be available in th uk??

It would be great for me too I think. I have a drop foot on the right side so perhaps we could go halves in a set. As the others have said though it only works from the knee down so most people on here wouldn't unfortunately be able to use it. Champagne all round in the apparelyzed lounge when they upgrade it for the neck down. My shout. I think that perhaps the reason it can't be used for driving is that the distance that it is from the body changes (which seems to be partly the way it works) so it would possibly be pulling the foot up constantly or the batteries may go flat opening the company for millions of dollars in American lawsuits.

Edited by Slowlegs, 08 August 2009 - 09:48 PM.

[sherbs]

Slowlegs, on Aug 8 2009, 10:39 PM, said:

sherbs, on Aug 8 2009, 07:50 PM, said:

Dave Bishopstone, on Aug 7 2009, 08:59 PM, said:

It's worth going to the company website at http://www.walkaide....ucts/index.html - this details certain restrictions on use, an important one being that the device cannot be worn when driving - I presume because the impulse causing the muscles to contract would hinder the proper use of the cars foot controls.

Whether they could be worn in combination with a Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis (SAFO) I don't know, but it seems that you could simply turn off the device when intending to drive.

Anything that improves mobility has to be welcomed - doubt if it is available in the UK as yet - unless anyone knows different?

I would so be interested in giving this device a go, i walk, albeit with a pronunced limp, drop foot only on left side, this could maybe l help me. Anyone know if this will be available in th uk??

It would be great for me too I think. I have a drop foot on the right side so perhaps we could go halves in a set.

Fantastic, yes, lets do it, tee hee. Seriously, does anyone know if this is going to be available in the UK, please

[rn_boy777]

amazing.......

[KarenFerguson]

That is pretty interesting. I would love to give them a shot, although I doubt they would work for me considering I don't have a lot of muscle to work with. I wonder if they could make some for arm muscles - such as triceps for hubby being a C5? Now, that would be pretty cool. God, now if we had those types of things combined with stem cells ... blows my mind.

[Dave Bishopstone]

sherbs, on Aug 8 2009, 10:49 PM, said:

Slowlegs, on Aug 8 2009, 10:39 PM, said:

sherbs, on Aug 8 2009, 07:50 PM, said:

Dave Bishopstone, on Aug 7 2009, 08:59 PM, said:

It's worth going to the company website at http://www.walkaide....ucts/index.html - this details certain restrictions on use, an important one being that the device cannot be worn when driving - I presume because the impulse causing the muscles to contract would hinder the proper use of the cars foot controls.

Whether they could be worn in combination with a Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis (SAFO) I don't know, but it seems that you could simply turn off the device when intending to drive.

Anything that improves mobility has to be welcomed - doubt if it is available in the UK as yet - unless anyone knows different?

I would so be interested in giving this device a go, i walk, albeit with a pronunced limp, drop foot only on left side, this could maybe l help me. Anyone know if this will be available in th uk??

It would be great for me too I think. I have a drop foot on the right side so perhaps we could go halves in a set.

Fantastic, yes, lets do it, tee hee. Seriously, does anyone know if this is going to be available in the UK, please

From what I can gather from the NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) at

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/IPG278 published in January this year.

This deals with Functional Electrical Stimulation and reading elsewhere it appears, on face value, that the guidance extends to such devices as the Walkaide.

On another issue it is worth reading an article in the UK Daily Mail dated 10th August 2009 -
http://www.dailymail...-use-hands.html

Good things are happening and may they long continue!

KarenFerguson, on Aug 9 2009, 05:46 PM, said:

That is pretty interesting. I would love to give them a shot, although I doubt they would work for me considering I don't have a lot of muscle to work with. I wonder if they could make some for arm muscles - such as triceps for hubby being a C5? Now, that would be pretty cool. God, now if we had those types of things combined with stem cells ... blows my mind.

Hi Karen,

You might care to read this article: http://www.dailymail...-use-hands.html

David

Edited by Dave Bishopstone, 10 August 2009 - 07:28 AM.

[Ches]

KarenFerguson, on Aug 9 2009, 11:46 AM, said:

That is pretty interesting. I would love to give them a shot, although I doubt they would work for me considering I don't have a lot of muscle to work with. I wonder if they could make some for arm muscles - such as triceps for hubby being a C5? Now, that would be pretty cool. God, now if we had those types of things combined with stem cells ... blows my mind.

I agree K-Ferg (you know.. like, K-fed but not?!) We're getting closer and closer..

[McCann]

The article states, "NICE has produced this guidance because the procedure is quite new. This means that there is not a lot of information yet about how well it works, how safe it is and which patients will benefit most from it.
This leaflet is written to help people who have been offered this procedure to decide whether to agree (consent) to it or not. It does not describe drop foot or the procedure in detail – a member of your healthcare team should also give you full information and advice about these. The leaflet includes some questions you may want to ask your doctor to help you reach a decision."


Dropfoot (aka plantar flexion) can be helped through several methods, but first a brief on how it works within one's body in easier terms. The body has many push/pull muscles like the bicep and tricep (most known). Regarding drop foot the problem area is the gastroc or calf muscle (3areas-inner, outer, and soleus/middle) is tight or "cramped" causing plantar flexion (analogy is as wearing high heels so ability to walk heel toe doesn't happen). Think of it as the "push" muscle.

The "pull" muscle would be your anterior tibialis. One well known/understood method is patients with drop foot get injected in the gastroc/calf (usually all 3areas of the calf) with botox (and not to make your calf look younger,lol). The biggest myth is that botox weakens the muscle and would make walking much harder/difficult, Wrong. Botox relaxes the tightness or "cramp" in your gastroc/calf and when that happens, one gets an increase in range of motion that would allow for dorsi flexion (heel toe). The problem is that your anterior tibialis has been out of function (atrophied) for so long, you don't have the strength to dorsi flex repetitively and properly as you walk.

Two good ways to check your dorsi flexion strength are to:
!) sit and attempt to tap your foot repetitively (as playing bass drum or tapping your foot to a fast beat of a song)
2) stand and try to walk on your heels.

Okay, how do you build strength in your anterior tibialis. As in the phases of ProjectWalk the first phase involves reactivating/activating your anterior tibialis to produce proper dorsi flexion. If you have slight anterior tibialis strength and can lift off the floor/surface do strengthening exercises or try FES. The problem with typical DC current FES machines is that they only work the percentage of muscle fibers already active. In other words if only 20% is active then that's the percentage the FES uses and fatigues. The other 80% will stay inactive not to mention the skin and nerve damage from prolonged use of it.

If you don't use an AC current NMES then a helpful strategy is doing the dorsi flexion exercises in water, on land placing ankle weights (progress from light to heavy) on top of your foot, foot reflexology, and calf massages.

Retrain your CNS by breaking down larger movements to smaller ones.