Aisha walks 3 miles with KAFO support after post-polio syndrome

Aisha contracted polio as an infant and was formally diagnosed with post-polio syndrome in 2009. Growing up, she experienced mobility challenges but was still able to manage daily life. As a child, she had enough strength in her left leg to stay active, and although she had reduced mobility, she was able to play and move around independently

In her early teens, around the age of 13 or 14, Aisha started to notice a decline in her mobility as her weight increased, and it became harder for her to move around. She was still independent but not as mobile as she had been in childhood. At the time, Aisha was living in India, where she received basic guidance from a local physiotherapist. Their advice was to maintain her strength through everyday activity, and they did not recommend any other exercises.

For many years, Aisha managed without any orthotic support. She occasionally used a commercially available AFO (ankle foot orthosis), but only as needed. She experienced her first significant mobility challenge during her first pregnancy, as she could not get by without consistent support.

She experienced a second significant challenge due to a forced sedentary lifestyle during the COVID-19 lockdown, and this time things changed significantly. Aisha experienced a significant decline in her strength and stability. She is now older and snapping back to old mobility levels was no longer possible. She had been using crutches for around 18 months, but over time, they started to cause pain in her shoulders. It became clear that continuing without proper support was no longer sustainable.

That’s when she began looking for specialist help and contacted the London Orthotic Consultancy in 2024.

Starting her journey with the London Orthotic Consultancy

Aisha’s first point of contact was a telephone consultation with Professor Saeed Forghany, followed by a gait lab assessment at our Manchester clinic, where Professor Saeed examined her walking in detail. She described Saeed as “very friendly” and said she was impressed by how quickly he understood her condition and recommended a clear solution.

He proposed a custom-made Neuro HiTronic KAFO (knee-ankle-foot orthosis), manufactured from lightweight carbon fibre. Aisha’s brace was produced at our Kingston clinic, which has an on-site manufacturing department. Although Aisha lives in York, she travelled to Kingston for future fittings and follow-up appointments.

Adjusting to the Neuro HiTronic KAFO

This was Aisha’s first experience with a fully custom orthotic and KAFO. Adjusting to the new device took time, but she said Sam Walmsley was patient and supportive throughout the process, helping her understand how to get the most out of her KAFO.

“It’s been a really wonderful experience and a learning journey. I’ve learned more about my condition than I ever knew before.”

She also shared how the brace had improved her everyday life. She and her family are now able to go out more often, including trips to the shopping centre, where she can walk comfortably without needing to rest as frequently. Before getting her KAFO, Aisha relied more on cycling, as it was easier than walking.

Aisha was keen to acknowledge the support she received throughout her journey, particularly from Sam Walmsley, Professor Saeed, and reception team members Beverly, Magda and Erin.

Aisha wears the Neuro HiTronic KAFO, a custom-made, lightweight carbon fibre brace designed to support individuals with complex mobility needs. Engineered for comfort, stability, and dynamic movement, this advanced orthosis has helped Aisha walk further and with greater confidence. To learn more about the Neuro HiTronic KAFO and how it could support your mobility goals, please visit our KAFO page.