Neuro-prosthesis successful in assisting TBI survivors walk
Bioness Inc., developers of the NESS L300™ Foot Drop System, produced results from a research study that showed improvements in overall walking ability among stroke and traumatic brain injury survivors. Foot drop is a partial leg paralysis that prevents the foot from lifting while walking causing instability. Prior to the release of NESS L300™ patients used rigid plastic braces that restricted ankle movement. Research data from the NESS L300™ neuro-prosthesis revealed that daily use over a 12-month period enabled TBI and stroke patients to significantly improve their walking skills. The positive results from the L300 provide a breakthrough in the treatment of foot drop because all of the subjects in the study were in a state of recovery where significant improvement is traditionally limited. The findings of the long term study are encouraging for patients who have experienced foot drop as a result of stroke, traumatic brain injury and other neurological disorders. The L300 uses the most recent electronic capabilities integrated into a compact and wireless design. Sensors detect whether a patient’s foot is in the air or on the ground and communicates wirelessly to a microprocessor placed just below the knee. As the patient walks, low-level stimulation is sent to the underlying nerves and muscles that control the lifting of the foot. The NESS L300 Foot Drop System has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
