Scrappy (blame Joel for this nickname!):
So again this was written by a representitive from Bioness. It would be interesting to hear from a person and a representitive from Walkaide. Now in this thread at least there are the links for both websites. I use the L300 Bioness and it is very effective for me. I have the studies that are referred to in this message and can e-mail them to you. They are PDF's. Good luck!
Website:
www.bioness.com I would love to be able to answer some of your questions about the Bioness L300 vs. the Walk Aide. There are some pretty significant differences in the way the walkaide responds based on ‘event detection’ system ( how it tells when your foot is on the ground and off the ground…which then stimulates the nerve/muscle to activate your foot), there are differences in electrode size and comfort due to the size, ease of use, reproducibility (how you put on the Orthosis and get the electrodes in the same place each time) and with the control unit (so you can turn the stimulation up/down). Aesthetics are another difference.
These are WalkAide’s talking points…I will list what the difference is with the L300. Not to be biased, but it is a clear, hands down, no-brainer which system works better, more accurate and is easier for the patient…the L300. But just so you have all the facts:
The WalkAide System does not require use of a heel sensor. Individuals are free to choose their footwear, or to wear none depending on their safety and the judgment of the medical professional working with them. Because no heel sensor is used, there is no concern regarding inconsistency of triggering the sensor, for example if the sensor moves in the shoe, if the individual takes a step that doesn’t contact the sensor as with ambulating up stairs or on uneven surfaces, or if the sensor wears out.
Bioness L300 uses a heel sensor to detect direct event detection (when the heel hits the ground and when it lifts off the ground. The innovative technology in the heel sensor has a built in algorithm which monitors the patients gait cycle and is constantly updating the software to keep up with the patient. It monitors all the pressures (side to side, back and forth) that are placed on the heel due to change in surface area (up hill, down hill, uneven surfaces, stairs, etc.). It is an accurate detector due to the technology keeping up with the patient. The walkaide does have a heel sensor which the majority of patients end up having to use, but it has a wire from the foot traveling up to the leg.
The WalkAide System uses a patented tilt accelerometer to read the angle of motion of the tibia and the velocity of motion. It alone triggers the stimulation and turns it off at the appropriate times during the gait cycle. No heel switch is needed and the device works consistently on level surfaces, uneven surfaces and stairs.
B/C the tilt sensor is monitoring the ‘tilt of the tibia’, this is an INDIRECT event detector of when the foot is on the ground and off the ground. The person fitting the unit to the patient has to press a button when the patient’s foot is on the ground which teaches the computer system how the patient walks (if the therapist/orthotist isn’t accurate, your stimulation will remain that way) The patient is taught to walk at a certain speed to try to get a calculation that works…this does not adjust when a patient walks faster/slower and especially side to side. One’s tibia (leg bone) does not tilt when stepping side to side, or going up stairs, therefore they don’t receive stimulation which is a huge concern for a fall. (I have heard soooo often from Orthotists that they can’t get this system to work well…period)
The WalkAide System uses only 1 AA battery for power. A single AA battery that can be bought in almost any store will power the WalkAide for approximately 30 full days of use. There are not 3 batteries. There are no batteries that need recharging. The device will not fail if multiple batteries aren’t all charged, as there is only 1 replaceable battery and an indicator light that alerts the user 2 days in advance, that the battery needs changing.
The L300 uses the latest technology and is powered by lithium ion rechargeable batteries. The device uses radio frequency to speak to the different components (heel sensor, control unit, Orthosis). The L300 has a full days use of stimulation and is charged overnight by a single plug.
The WalkAide System is self contained. There are no other parts; no heel sensor and no remote control to be worn via hip pack or lanyard.
B/c the parts on the walkaide are all contained on the Orthosis, a patient would have to stop, lift up their pant leg and try to turn a knob to turn up/down the intensity. We have a hand held programmer to stop/start and turn up/down stimulation as you are walking. Easy to control and the controller can be kept in your pocket or a holder that is provided.
The WalkAide System uses blue tooth technology to transmit data between the computer software and the device. The blue tooth connection is made during programming and is disconnected when the programming is completed. Once the program is in the device, customized for the patient, it cannot be disrupted. In a situation where Wi-Fi radio frequency is used to communicate between multiple components, there is a possibility of transmission being disrupted due to outside interference or if the components are not all with the individual at all times.
The WalkAide is FDA approved and has published research to back up its claims of efficacy. No other similar device on the market today has such research. I’m including our research!
The WalkAide is a great tool for gait training, neuromuscular reeducation, building confident, safe and independent function, etc. Same for L300!
Walk aide electrodes- small, therefore higher current density which equates to more discomfort. The electrodes are a adhesive type electrode (skin irritator) L300 electrodes- hydrogel (little to no irritation), larger and have a patented grid to allow for a more uniform distribution of current…more comfortable
Reproducibility- essentially with the walkaide you have to draw on yourself to find your electrode placements. L300 has a patellar locator to find your knee cap and allows for easy single handed donning/doffing.
WalkAide definitely looks like some medical device, L300 looks like a sports brace.
We have great customer support, technical support and clinical support for patients and therapists…I’ve been told Walkaide has no customer support number.
You can trial the L300 for up to 4 months, on a month to month basis for $500/mo. You can return it at anytime during those 4 months. B/c the Walkaide is custom fit you must purchase upfront and if you decide to send it back, there is a 30% restocking fee.
