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Health & Fitness

New device helps Northborough boy step up mobility after stroke

Brannock is an active seven year old who lives in Northborough, Mass. He loves all the things little boys love - superheros, soccer, video games and playing with his friends. As an infant, Brannock suffered from a stroke in utero, which left him with right side weakness (also known as a hemiplegia). Although the weakness is mild and hardly recognizable, as Brannock grew and became more and more active, he was challenged by some things that most of us take for granted - he began tripping frequently and struggled with balance as a result of the issues on his right side. Brannock initially wore an AFO (definition of an AFO) to help him with his mobility, however their thick plastic makeup and size made it restrictive and hot in the summer months.

During a regular visit to Dr. Patrick Brennan of Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Brannock’s mother, Elizabeth, learned about a brace that could help improve her son’s mobility and increase his muscle strength in his right leg. Elizabeth decided to give the Bioness L300 a try and purchased the device for Brannock in May 2013. With the help of the L300, these days Brannock has improved his leg strength in both walking and running, and his confidence in his abilities is soaring.

The FDA cleared L300 is worn as a small transmitter in the shoe and device strapped below the knee. When a patient tries to walk, the L300 sends electronic signals to stimulate the peroneal nerve which, in turn, signals under-active muscles to help patients lift their foot off the ground and get them walking again. A smaller-size leg cuff of the device was just approved for children in May 2013. Individuals interested in more information can contact Bioness at 800-211-9136, Option 2.  

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