"Miracle in a Box" Helps Paraplegics Walk

(CBS)  A new device is changing the lives of thousands of Americans who have lost the ability to walk.

The WalkAide is about the size of an iPod and uses technology similar to what makes a Wii videogame work. It sends electrical impulses to the nerves and muscles of the lower leg, enabling its user to pick up hir or her foot. The WalkAide can restore mobility for people with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries, according to "Early Show" correspondent Dr. Debbye Turner Bell.

She said Wednesday the WalkAide costs about $5,000 for people who pay out-of-pocket. But, Bell says, this year, Medicare has started covering the cost for people with spinal cord injuryies and some private insurance is also covering the device on a case-by-case basis.

Tina Mann, who was told she would never walk again after a snowboarding accident at age 16, is walking -- with a WalkAide.

Mann's injury to her spinal cord paralyzed her from the waist down, and even with extensive therapy, she could never walk without assistance.

She told Bell, "I still couldn't pick my foot up, no matter what I tried."

However, with the WalkAide, the Orlando, Fla. woman is now able to walk whenever she wants. She told Bell she takes a walk sometimes just because she can.

However, walking wasn't enough for Mann. She wanted to face her fear of getting on a snowboard again -- and she did -- with the WalkAide lending a hand.

"This is my miracle in a box," Mann said. "This gave me my life. And I'm just excited to see how far I can truly go. ...My possibilities are truly endless."

Mann told "Early Show" co-anchor Harry Smith her life has changed dramatically since she started using the Walkaide.

"It gave me back all of my muscle strength. This is now me walking," she said. "I don't have to rely on metal, on plastic, on joints, on anything to help me. My muscles are doing the work."

Mann has taken part in a rock-climbing competition, and regularly does strength training.

How did her family react to her being on a snowboard again?

"They were very apprehensive," she told Smith. "They had watched the last eight years, they watched me struggle to get back. And they couldn't understand why I wanted to risk this, but I needed it. I needed to get back on a board to go forward."

[amanda_aldo]

hi all
am wondering if anyone knows how I can get in touch with Tina Mann or the same hospital for the device (walkaide) ??

amanda

[mlbjackson]

Amanda, hope you've already found the info you're looking for. From another forum I found, Tina works at the Hangar Prosthetics in Orlando, FL. You might want to read thru the forum for some insight from others. Tina responded wonderfully to their questions and concerns (there are about 5 pages I think on the forum) You'll want to note the conversations about what types of injuries & disabilities the WalkAide helps with, and what kinds it does not help with. Best Wishes!

http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=121935&page=2

[cetms]

I am in the process of getting a WalkAide from the Hangar in Albuquerque for $8325!!!!!!!!!!!! Am I being taken advantage of? This is not the price I was originally quoted.

[nls0402]

After a stroke, I'm walking, but not pretty......yet. Neither of the devices overides spasticity completely. Please read the comments by Otisni and ultramanse. I won't repeat what they said so well and I urge readers to recognize your experience as unique to you. I have used WalkAide and Bioness and some of the other things out there. I own one of the aforementioned devices. High Five and good job to Tina Mann. Never give up!

[ultramanse]

I think this article and news report is VERY misleading to people with paraplegia. I was recently injured in a crane accident in NYC, had 7 tons of steel dropped on me, crushed and had my spine fused with titanium. I am now left paralyzed from T10 downward. I looked into both the Bioness and WalkAid and found that I needed to be able to at least stand and walk on my own two legs first before these devices can work. If you look at Tina's video, she can walk already on her own, however the WalkAid dramatically improves her ability to walk "normal" again. Again, these devices were created for people with drop foot problems, NOT for people who are paralyzed and have no use of their legs, in otherwords paraplegia with complete injuries. Please comment and prove me wrong as I would love to walk again.

[nls0402]

You are so on target!

[calg123]

This is a really amazing article. I was recently injured in a ATV accident myself and I am now a paraplegic. I was wondering if anyone knows how I can get can way to actually get in touch with Tina Mann, I have some questions that I would like to ask her. If anyone has this info. I would greatly appreciate it.

[Otisni]

I have been a WalkAide user for three (3) years. This device has changed my life! It has increased my mobility and has decreased the fatigue I suffer from because of drop foot. In fact, last year I had to have my WalkAide re-calibrated because my walking speed had increased due to wearing it. True, there is the other device mentioned (Bioness L-300) in the comments, but this device consists of three (3) pieces of equipment; the cuff, clip-on sensor, and a remote control. For me, I like simplicity, but that is my opinion.

As a WalkAide wearer I can wear sandals, walk barefoot, and not worry about misplacing a clip-on sensor or a remote control. The WalkAide is simply just one piece of equipment, as seen in the story. It is just a cuff to wear with a built-in sensor. I can walk anywhere, any direction and on any slope with no problems.

In this case, seeing might not be believing, as someone stated, "they had seen both devices compared." A decision to use and try a myo-orthosis is a personal one. Each option should be explored and evaluated by the wearer. I encourage every potential wearer to do this. Please don't take someone elses word because they have heard or seen an outcome. Be pro-active in your own outcome and get evaluated. If you are interested in a WalkAide device then find the nearest Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics office for a free evaluation.

Tina Mann, you are one unique person with a truly inspiring story! YOU GO GIRL!!
May God Bless you with all that you will accomplish.

[nls0402]

You said right!

[ginrmike]

My granddaughter has CP and works hard at trying to walk. I would love more information about this.

GMR

[16112006]

I would also like to know more about this,As my son does not walk independently yet, he is 32 months old and he wears braces and walks pretty well holding on to my finger or a play shopping cart or a walker.

[bobo281114]

I would like more information on the walk aide. My grandson has cp and has never walked. this would be great if this would work for him.

[ginrmike]

How old is your grandson? I have a 14 year old granddaughter with CP. What a miracle this would be.

[BaciSimpson]

My granddaughter has CP. She has gone through several surgeries and wears braces but is still unable to walk without crutches or a walker.
Her greatest desire is to be able to walk on her own. This "Miracle in a Box" Walkaide sounds like the answer to our prayers. I would appreciate receiving any available information to help us obtain it. Thank you very much. Sincerely, LPD