Balance4Mobility: Effects of Walkasins Use in Individuals With Peripheral Neuropathy and Balance Problems

Inclusion Criteria

• Able to understand and provide informed consent for him or herself
• Age 55 and older, male or female
• Able to complete all functional outcome measures without the use of an assistive device
• Clinical diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy prior to participating in the study as documented in the participant's medical record or by physician's note. Individuals with chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy must be at least one-year post-chemotherapy, indicating that their PN has become a chronic condition.
• Self-reported gait and balance problems
• Foot size that allows the Walkasins to function appropriately
• Willing to use the Walkasins device as recommended

Exclusion Criteria

• Ability to stand on one leg for at least 30 seconds (If the person can stand for at least 30 seconds, he/she is excluded because his/her balance is likely not impaired enough to benefit from Walkasins.)
• Self-reported acute thrombophlebitis, including deep vein thrombosis
• Self-reported severe peripheral vascular disease
• Untreated lymphedema
• Untreated lesion of any kind, swelling, infection, inflamed area of skin or eruptions on the lower leg near product use
• Self-reported, untreated fractures in the foot and ankle
• Other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions that moderately or severely impact walking
• Use of ankle-foot orthosis for ambulation that prevents donning of Walkasins
• Weight of more than 300 pounds
• Inability to perceive vibration from Walkasins Haptic Module