STROKE VICTIM COMES TO THE AID OF FELLOW SUFFERERS

Walk Easy is the comfortable solution to ‘dropped foot’ and similar disabling complaints

For many stroke victims the most frustrating reminder of their attack is dropped foot - the inability to flex an ankle whilst walking. London architect Marshall Walker tried various appliances following his stroke, but to no avail - so designed his own. He has now developed his invention, for which he acquired a USA patent, and has brought the Walk Easy Dorsiflexion/Eversion Assistor to the aid of other sufferers from the effects of strokes, Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological problems which result in dropped foot

It is a simple device that fits either leg and helps the wearer keep the sole of the foot parallel to the ground, thus aiding comfortable walking or permitting climbing stairs without the discomfort of a stubbed toe or a trip. It has also helped 'dropped foot' sufferers drive, dance, play golf and bowl in comfort.

The Walk Easy, which is completely adjustable, is washable and consists of an upper band, which is a garter-like device which fits around the calf, a tensioner, and a lower band. The lower band has a connecting cord and shoe attachments. The wearer is not restricted to the same pair of shoes as a connecting cord and special adhesive shoe attachment may be fitted to several different pairs so that any one of them may be used when the cord is joined together with the main body of the Walk Easy. Being Dynamic in use it allows the foot and ankle to flex so permitting muscular movement which thereby aids a rapid re-development of adversley affected motor responses.

Two adhesive shoe attachments and two connecting cords are supplied with the initial purchase; packs of replacement parts are available with five shoe attachments and two connecting cords.

The Walk Easy was designed to meet three criteria demanded by Marshall Walker’s physiotherapist: to allow unrestricted ankle movement during the weight-bearing phase of walking; to be fully adjustable; and to allow control of the position of the forefoot during the swing-through phase. All three aims have been met.

In walking, as the patient steps forward with the affected leg (the swing-through phase), the connecting cord pulls taut, causing the lower part of the tensioner to react to the pull, helping to keep the sole of the foot parallel to the ground. As the heel strikes the ground, the lower elasticated tensioner becomes taut, dorsiflexing the foot and preventing it from dropping. With each step the tensioner becomes slack and taut, to allow the patient a safe and normal gait.

Following a trial on eight patients from Barnet General Hospital in North London, all patients reported increased confidence, two were able to discard the device indoors after two months use and two others experienced higher tone and stronger associated reactions.

Physiotherapists have also found it useful in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis, early motor neurone disease, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy and even leprosy. A mother whose daughter suffers from spina bifida reports that one fitted to each leg had enabled her daughter to walk more easily. All reports from users indicate that the Walk Easy is more comfortable and less restricting than the standard ankle foot orthosis (AFO) or other devices designed to assist sufferers from 'dropped foot'.