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Austin, TX - The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) announced Innovative
Neurotronics earned the esteemed da Vinci AwardŽ for Adaptive Technologies for its
product, the WalkAideŽ System. In the spirit of the 15th century artist and visionary
Leonardo da Vinci, the da Vinci Awards, founded by the National MS Society, honor
outstanding engineering achievements in adaptive and assistive technology that provide
solutions to accessibility issues for people with disabilities.
"The significance of this prestigious honor is magnified because it's bestowed upon
us by a national organization that represents many of our patients, people living
with multiple sclerosis," President of Innovative Neurotronics Jeff Martin said.
"Validation of the efficacy and importance of the WalkAide by our patients and their
advocates motivates and inspires us to continue on our mission of restoring functionality
to those with neuromuscular impairment."
According to the NMSS, the recognition drives the marketplace to stimulate investment
in and development of further creative advances, ultimately enabling everyone to
participate and contribute in all aspects of society.
"Having struggled with MS walking-related limitations for 17 years, I was thrilled
to read about WalkAide," said Ann Serafin, a member of the da Vinci Awards Committee
and the National MS Society Advocacy Committee. "To paraphrase a famous quotation
- one small step for a woman, one giant leap for persons with MS."
Presented by General Motors and chaired by Chet Huber, President of OnStar Corporation,
the 2007 da Vinci Awards presentation ceremony was held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel,
Dearborn, MI, on Friday, September 28, 2007. Funds raised through these awards support
the NMSS in their continuing efforts to aid those affected by multiple sclerosis.
Launched in May 2006, the WalkAide System employs functional electrical stimulation
to treat a form of paralysis known as "foot drop" due to multiple sclerosis, stroke,
spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and cerebral palsy. By using a patented
sensor technology called an accelerometer and transmitting data through a Bluetooth
connection, the WalkAide sends low level electrical signals directly to a motor
nerve in the leg, stimulating the muscles to raise the patient's foot at the appropriate
time in the gait cycle. The AA battery-operated device does not require surgery,
external wires, or shoes.
A study published in the September 2006 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Neurorehabilitation
and Neural Repair suggests the WalkAide can reveal hidden potential for
additional patient recovery and mobility. The walking speed of patients wearing
the WalkAide increased by 15% after three months. With continued usage, patients'
walking speed increased by 32% after six months and by nearly 50% after twelve months.
The study also showed the number of steps taken per day by WalkAide users increased
significantly over the year.
About Innovative Neurotronics: Designed as a portal to rapidly introduce
emerging neuromuscular technologies developed at major research centers, universities,
or in collaboration with industry suppliers worldwide, Innovative Neurotronics,
Inc. specializes in the development and commercialization of devices that utilize
electrical stimulation to improve the functionality of an impaired extremity. Founded
in May 2004, Innovative Neurotronics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hanger Orthopedic
Group, Inc. (NYSE: HGR). For more information on Innovative Neurotronics, Inc. or
the WalkAide, visit www.ininc.us.
About the National MS Society: MS stops people from moving. The National
MS Society exists to make sure it doesn't. We help each person address the challenges
of living with MS through our 50 state network chapters. Proceeds from the da Vinci
Awards have totaled more than $1.4 million and benefit the National MS Society Michigan
Chapter. Sponsorships and individual contributions are welcome. For details, please
contact the National MS Society at 248-936-0349 or visit www.davinciawards.com.
The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. We are people who want
to do something about MS now. Join the movement at www.nationalmssociety.org.
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