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Introduction Foot drop is a common condition, which can affect either or both legs, and to different extents. The Musmate Walking Aid uses an adjustable elasticated assembly to support the raising of the affected foot with the help of a shoulder harness. The product comes in six pieces: an optional shoulder pad; shoulder harness (left or right leg); shoulder harness (both legs); the elasticated assembly; a shoelace or strap connector; a shoe harness. Each component will now be discussed in turn. The Shoulder Pad The shoulder pad is a simple foam cushion which spreads the weight of the shoulder harness. It was developed in response to complaints from some people that they were suffering from pain caused by the harness. It attaches to the harness with two velcro tapes which mean that they are detachable and can be used as required. As the shoulder muscles strengthen in response to the additional work, the pads are needed less and less until they can be dispensed with.

The Open Shoulder Pad

The harness sits on the open shoulder pad

The shoulder pad on shoulder harness for use

The Shoulder Harness (Left or Right Leg)

As shown in the different views below, the harness for use with one leg goes across the body diagonally (i.e. if the version is for the right foot then the shoulder harness goes over the left shoulder and vice versa). In addition, there is an optional waist belt which prevents the harness rotating or moving when in use.

Whilst the standard colour is black, the shoulder harness can be built in a wide variety of colours as shown in the following pictures. Whilst some people may prefer a more discreet colour, physiotherapists and NHS professionals may use a bolder colour to reduce the risk of their Musmate Walking Aids "walking". Please note that, currently, all plastic fittings are available only in black.

Left Leg Shoulder Harness in Blue

Left Leg Shoulder Harness in Beige

The Shoulder Harness (Both Legs)

In the case of a both legs Musmate, the shoulder harness fits over both shoulders with a metal ring on the back. This too has optional detachable belts for the front and back to ensure that the Musmate works as required. The belts are independently adjustable for length. The pictures, below, show the harness from different angles.

We do have customers who prefer to use this harness when they have problems with only one leg because it spreads the load on the shoulders and also can give better control on the positioning of the elastic. Conversely, other customers prefer to use two single Musmates because this allows for better adjustments when one leg is much weaker than the other.

Both Legs Shoulder Harness in Red

There are four sizes of shoulder harness- extra small, small, medium, large.
    * The extra small one is designed for those people who are less than 120cm (3'11") in height and including children
    * The small one will fit people whose height is from 120cm (3'11") to 175cm (5'10") and chest (or hips) up to 90cm.
    * The medium size fits people up to 200cm (6'6") in height and 110cm (43") over the chest or hips.
    * The large one is suitable for people over these dimensions.
We are happy to provide guidance on sizing and to exchange harnesses should the sizing be incorrect.

The length of the harness is easily adjusted using the triglide adjusters. This should only need to be done once. The length of the hanging strap is then adjusted to give the appropriate level of support from the elastic. This is used frequently to vary the support, such as when tired or the ground is more uneven and a higher lift is preferred.

The Elastic Connector

The elasticated assembly is the heart of the product. This is made from shock cord, which comprises a bundle of elastic threads in a plastic coating. The length of this is adjustable by moving the nylon rod up and down. This means that not only can the person wearing it adjust it to their leg length, but can also vary the amount of lift and support to meet their varying needs. For example, the lift can be increased so that stairs can be climbed or to cross rough ground without tripping. We supply a standard length for adults, and a thinner cord for children.

The elastic assembly is currently only available as a black cord. We can supply thinner cords (5mm or 6mm rather than 8mm diameter) in a wider range of colours. In addition, the two hooks are available in black or white. Black hooks are more discreet, alternatively the white hooks are more visible for finding at night for nocturnal visits.

1 Black + 1 White Hook

Two Black Hooks

The Musmate supports the lifting up of the foot when the leg muscles are relaxed. The elasticated assembly is attached to the shoulder harness at one end, and at the other end it is attached to the shoe. There are two ways of achieving this: the shoe harness and the shoelace connector.

The Shoe Harness

The first attachment is the shoe harness. This goes around the back and underneath the shoe to form a robust device for lifting the foot. This comes in two sizes. There is a smaller one for children and ladies, and a larger one for men. In addition, there are also left and right-hand versions. The difference is in the position of the connecting clip. Whilst this could be on the left or right hand side of the shoe, our preference is for it to be on the inside of the shoe to minimise the risk of it colliding with protruding objects whilst in use.

The shoe harness is also available in brown.

The Shoelace and Strap Connector

Shoelace Connectors in Many Colours	The elasticated assembly can be fitted to the shoe with a shoelace connector. This goes around the shoelaces, straps, or hook & loop fastenings. It has a triangle with which to connect to the elasticated assembly. It is available in one size only, but a custom version can be produced if required. These are available in many different colours, although the plastic fittings are only in black. Remember to check the straps and laces regularly for wear and tear and replace them so that they do not break whilst the Musmate is in use.	Shoelace Connector on Trainers
Shoelace Connector on Sandals	Shoelace Connector on Shoes	Shoelace Connector on Trainers

Shoelace Connector on Sandals

Shoelace Connector on Shoes

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