24
25
Anatomical variations are common.
•
Adjust the spacing between the black and red electrodes to achieve the desired function
•
and contraction of muscle.
If the contraction is not optimal initially, consider using the Exercise Mode prior to final
•
placement of the electrodes to “wake up” the neural pathways.
Make small movements when shifting the electrodes to determine final electrode
•
placements in order to detect subtle changes in muscle contraction/function.
Leave the electrodes on the skin until final placement is identified to prevent dissipation of
•
the water and to maximize user comfort. If the electrodes lose contact with the skin, rewet
and reapply.
Evaluate functional foot movement during sitting and standing before asking the person
•
to walk, assuring a safe and effective foot lift for safe walking. Function can differ with
changes in patient position due to movement of the peroneal nerve.
Preparation for Data Collection:
Open WalkAnalyst and log on.
•
Complete the WalkLink and Bluetooth pairing process (section 4).
•
Connect WalkLink and WalkAide control unit using a WalkLink
•
cable (Figure 31).
A blue light for WalkLink and green light for WalkAide on
•
WalkAnalyst software indicate the system is ready for data
collection.
5.3 Fitting a New Patient
Select
Create Patient Profile.
Add basic information (patient ID, location, primary diagnosis,
etc) and save the patient file. Select
Program
.
During the initial fitting, you have the
following programming options:
Rapid+ Program
•
is a simple and easy
programming option that can be used by
all clinicians. See section 5.5.1 for all the
details of Rapid+ Programming.
•
Standard Program
is a comprehensive
programming option used by advanced
clinicians. See section 5.5.2 for all the
details of Standard Programming.
•
Recover Program
is used when
the clinician attends a patient with a
programmed WalkAide unit but is missing
the patient file. See section 5.5.3 for more
details.
5.4 Fitting a Returning Patient
Select
Open Patient Profile
and select one
of the following options:
Re-Program:
•
to re-program the patient
using
Rapid+ Program
(see section
5.5.1) or
Standard Program
(see section
5.5.2) option.
Adjustment:
•
to make adjustment to the
WalkAide program. (see section 5.5.3)
•
Transfer Program:
to re-program a
WalkAide with a preferred setting or copy
a WalkAide program from one unit to
another. (see section 5.5.4)
•
Evaluation & Report:
to conduct a
comparative evaluation of the WalkAide.
(see section 6)
Figure 30: Final placement of electrodes relates to individual anatomical requirements
Figure 31: WalkLink cable
connects WalkLink and WalkAide
during data collection
Figure 32: Create patient profile
Figure 33: New patient programming options
Figure 34: Open patient profile
Figure 35: Returning patient programming options
