Doug Summerlin

DITCH THE “CRUTCH” Working alongside Physical Therapists we help patients improve walking function with the goal of discarding their assistive devices. The Problem: Approximately 30% of the 800,000 new strokes in the United States result in foot drop. Globally, there are 17 million new strokes per year. Nearly half are left with persistent mobility deficits even after completion of all conventional therapy, which invariably involve ankle weakness; a crucial joint for walking and balance. The existing 125,000 rehabilitation centers cannot effectively treat foot drop with current methods and are left to prescribing rigid archaic braces to imobilize the ankle. Current Solutions: "Crutches" - Currently the treatment for foot drop is to immobilize and brace the ankle. This technology has not seen much change since King Tut used his crutches. A New Option: We are developing a low cost and portable ankle robot that will treat foot drop in a way not yet accomplished before. Real Results: 85% of participants in a small randomized study self discarded their ankle foot orthotics or reduced dependance of their assistive devices. Forrester LW, Roy A, Hafer-Macko C, Krebs HI, Macko RF. Task-specific ankle robotics gait training after stroke: a randomized pilot study. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation. 2016;13:51.