The BBC News is reporting about a device invented by a British scientist that might help people with neurological disorders–cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke–to walk or to walk further:
A scientist whose wife has multiple sclerosis has developed a walking aid that has been shortlisted for an award…
The device consists of a shoulder harness and an elasticated cord connected the wearer’s shoe.
They are hoping it will help people with MS, cerebral palsy, those recovering from strokes and adrenoleukodystrophy, a condition similar to MS.
“My wife’s walking range was down to about 50 or 60 metres,” explained Mr Armitage.
“Aerobic fitness is really important. Just because one muscle group doesn’t work, that’s not to say the others can’t do a lot more.”
Mr Armitage uses the elastic cord to help people whose muscles won’t allow them to lift their feet during that part of the walking cycle.
“We found a way of transferring energy from the strong muscles in the thigh and back to the ones that weren’t working.”
Confidence boost
The next stage in the product’s development was to have it tested by a larger group of people. The South-West MS Society helped by coming up with around 20 volunteers.
According to Mr Armitage, over a 90 day period their walking speed increased by more than 100%.
The volunteers also reported – though this was not measured scientifically – that the distance that they were able to walk increased by up to 600%.
Musmate Ltd. website…
