22
23
9. Balance the eversion and dorsiflexion movements with very slight shifting of the
peripheral nerve stimulator. After determining the most appropriate ‘balance’ point, mark
the location of the posterior black-based node on the leg. This is the starting point for
placement of the posterior electrode.
The location of the branching of the common peroneal nerve varies between individuals.
Slow and methodical testing of the area will identify the most appropriate starting point for
placement of the posterior black electrode.
5.2 Electrode Placements and System Preparations
1. Turn the WalkAide OFF and attach the electrode lead cable to the back of the WalkAide.
Direct the cable to the right to fit a right leg and to the left to fit a left leg. This allows
approriate cable length to attach the electrodes and also prevents excessive bending or
flexing of the electrode lead cable.
2. Attach the WalkAide to the cuff on the medial flattened area. Position the cuff around the
mid-calf region and secure in place below the potential electrode sites. This places the
WalkAide in a convenient location to hook up the electrodes.
3. Moisten the electrode with recommended medium. Place the back electrode over the
mark identified during the testing procedure with the peripheral nerve stimulator and the
front electrode on the upper 1/3 of the tibialis anterior muscle belly. (Figure 26)
4. Connect the electrodes to the WalkAide electrode lead cable. Make sure the BLACK
lead (negative) is connected to the BACK electrode and the RED lead (positive) is
connected to the FRONT electrode. (Figure 26)
5. Turn the WalkAide ON by turning the blue Intensity Knob in a clockwise direction to the
1 (on) position. An audible beep will sound and a green light will flash intermittently
to indicate that the unit is on. ALWAYS start at a low level of intensity and gradually
increase during the testing procedure.
6. While maintaining total contact over the electrodes with one hand, test STIM. This can
be achieved by press down on the large blue STIM button on the WalkAide (labeled
√), the Hand Switch on the WalkLink (if it is connected to the WalkAide and if Default
Parameters have been previously sent), or exercise mode to initiate the stimulation.
(Figure 27)
7. Once the optimal electrode positions have been found, place Black & Red Markers over
the electrodes. Turn off the WalkAide, release the cuff strap and properly align the cuff
over and around the pretibial region. (Figure 28)
TIPS:
Electrode placement determines patient comfort and direction of foot movement.
•
Always begin by identifying the starting point for the black electrode
•
Generally, shifting the black electrode more posterior and proximal elicits more eversion;
•
and shifting the black electrode more anterior and distal elicits more dorsiflexion. (Figure
29)
Figure 26: Placement of electrodes, cuff and
WalkAide for initial testing
Figure 27: Exercise mode button
Figure 28: Carefully align the cuff over the electrodes and secure the leg
Figure 29: In general, the posterior black electrode
determines the direction of the foot lift
