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8.3 Graph Analysis
8.4 Follow-Up and Re-Optimization
The WalkAide System is designed to be part of a progressive rehabilitation program. Many
users increase walking speed over time with consistent use of functional electrical stimulation.
Other changes in the walking pattern include decreased effort with gait, changes in step
and stride length, improved symmetry of stance and swing phases, decreased need for
external support (i.e. canes, walkers, crutches), and improved swing phase dynamics. Other
functional changes include increased ankle range of motion, increased muscle strength and
increased voluntary control of dorsiflexion. As a result, it will be necessary to re-optimize
each user’s walking program from time to time to promote continued improvements. It’s likely
that a user with a more recent walking dysfunction will require more frequent changes to the
programming than a user with a more chronic involvement. Often as a patient’s function
and mobility improve, there emerges potential for other gains in mobility, motor control and
quality of gait. A referral to Physical Therapy for further rehabilitation and gait training is often
appropriate even in users many years post the initial CNS event.
There are four methods to re-optimize the user’s walking program. These are outlined below
with clinical descriptors of when each method may be most indicated.
Option 1:
Rapid Adjustment: Adjust stimulation parameters to manually fine tune the programming.
These adjustments are transferred to the WalkAide instantaneously. Every adjustment made
will be configured by audible beeps.
To adjust an existing program (patient profile)
1. Open Patient Profile
2. In Patient Profile page, click on Rapid Adjustment
3. Rapid Adjustment
a. Turn on “Beep on Stim” and have patient walk. Adjust Initiation, Duration or Missing
stims in Control Setting view based on clinical observation and patient feedback.
b. Click on Advanced Parameter to adjust Stimulation Comfort and Quality
4. Click Finish to finalize the program
Option 2:
Send Default Parameters: If the new or experienced user has made significant changes in
their walking program since the last adjustments were made, proceed through set-up as if a
new user.
Connect all equipment (including the Heel Sensor) and establish a Bluetooth connection.
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Click on “Save WalkAide Settings” and then click on the icon labeled “Save WalkAide
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Settings”.
Click on the date and time-stamped trial listed below “Save WalkAide Settings” and make
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any clinical comments relevant to this walking program.
Follow steps 2 – 5 to Reset WalkAide, Clear Usage Logs, Verify WalkAide Settings, and
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Collect Walking Data.
Figure 67: Graph analysis
