Gait analysis of foot drop in the anatomic plan using the walkaide® device

Abstract

The human gait shows the single efficiency and functionality and can be considered the most complex functional activity of the human being. Foot drop can be defined as a significant weakness in the dorsal flexion of the foot. The functional electrical orthosis (FEO) are devices that use electrical stimulation to promote functional movements. Besides the FEO promotes the improvement of muscular tropism, this mechanism can be a source of relearning, because all events are interpreted by the body as his owns. This research sought to analyze the impact of the electrostimulation through the Walkaide® system in the angular movement of individuals with foot drop. The data were collected from seven patients and the focus of the evaluation of this research was the subtalar joint angle. After analyze the results, it could be seen that the Walkaide® promoted a significant gait improvement, meanly about the compensatory movements.