Key Insights
The global foot drop system market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rising prevalence of neurological disorders like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy, all leading causes of foot drop. Technological advancements in foot drop solutions, such as the development of more comfortable, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing devices, are further fueling market expansion. The increasing geriatric population, susceptible to age-related neurological conditions, also contributes significantly to market demand. While the precise market size in 2025 isn't provided, considering a plausible CAGR of 7% (a conservative estimate given the growth drivers) and a hypothetical 2019 market size of $500 million, we can estimate the 2025 market value to be approximately $700 million. This projection takes into account potential market penetration of newer technologies and expanding awareness of available treatments. The market is segmented by device type (functional electrical stimulation, ankle-foot orthoses, etc.), end-user (hospitals, rehabilitation centers), and geography. Key players are aggressively pursuing innovation, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion to capitalize on the market's potential.
The market faces certain restraints, primarily the high cost of advanced foot drop systems, limiting accessibility for many patients. Reimbursement challenges and the lack of awareness in some regions regarding available treatment options also pose obstacles. However, ongoing research and development efforts focused on improving device efficacy and affordability, coupled with increasing government initiatives to improve healthcare access, are expected to mitigate these limitations. The forecast period (2025-2033) is projected to witness sustained growth, driven by continuous innovation and a growing understanding of the benefits of early intervention and effective treatment for foot drop. Competitive dynamics are intense, with established players alongside emerging companies striving for market share. The market's future trajectory hinges on continued technological advancements and broadened access to these life-improving medical devices.

Foot Drop System Market Report: A Comprehensive Analysis (2019-2033)
This insightful report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Foot Drop System market, projecting a market value exceeding $XX million by 2033. The study period spans from 2019 to 2033, with 2025 serving as both the base and estimated year. This report offers invaluable insights for stakeholders, including manufacturers, investors, and healthcare professionals, by meticulously examining market trends, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics. The report leverages extensive primary and secondary research to deliver a data-driven perspective on this rapidly evolving market.
Foot Drop System Market Composition & Trends
The global Foot Drop System market, valued at $XX million in 2025, exhibits a moderately concentrated landscape. Key players, including Shenzhen XFT Medical, Orthomotion, Bioness, Allard Group, Axio Bionics, Stiwell, Nerveaide, Sage Hill, WalkAide, Tiwan, and Odstock, collectively hold approximately XX% of the market share. Innovation is driven by advancements in materials science, miniaturization of electronics, and the integration of AI for personalized treatment. The regulatory landscape varies across regions, impacting market penetration and pricing strategies. Substitute products, such as orthoses and physical therapy, continue to exert competitive pressure, although the preference for minimally invasive and technologically advanced solutions is growing. The end-user profile encompasses hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and individual patients. Recent M&A activities, totaling approximately $XX million in deal value over the past five years, reflect consolidation within the sector and strategic expansion efforts.
- Market Concentration: Moderately concentrated, with top players holding approximately XX% market share.
- Innovation Catalysts: Advancements in materials science, miniaturization, and AI integration.
- Regulatory Landscape: Varies by region, affecting market access and pricing.
- Substitute Products: Orthoses and physical therapy pose competitive pressure.
- End-User Profiles: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and individual patients.
- M&A Activities: $XX million in deal value over the past five years.

Foot Drop System Industry Evolution
The Foot Drop System market has witnessed significant growth from $XX million in 2019 to $XX million in 2024, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of XX%. Technological advancements, such as the development of lightweight, comfortable, and rechargeable devices, are driving market expansion. Increasing awareness of foot drop conditions and improved reimbursement policies in several regions are fueling demand. The shift towards minimally invasive treatment options and a preference for improved patient outcomes are further accelerating market growth. The adoption rate of Foot Drop Systems is increasing steadily, with an estimated XX% of eligible patients using these systems in 2025. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2025-2033), leading to a market value surpassing $XX million by 2033. Consumer demand is shifting towards personalized and technologically advanced solutions with enhanced comfort and user-friendliness.
Leading Regions, Countries, or Segments in Foot Drop System
North America currently holds the largest market share for Foot Drop Systems, driven by high healthcare expenditure, technological advancements, and strong regulatory support. Europe follows as the second-largest market, with significant growth potential in emerging economies.
- Key Drivers in North America:
- High healthcare expenditure.
- Robust regulatory frameworks supporting medical device adoption.
- High prevalence of neurological conditions leading to foot drop.
- Significant investments in research and development.
- Key Drivers in Europe:
- Growing awareness about foot drop and its treatment options.
- Increasing government initiatives focused on improving healthcare accessibility.
- Rising adoption of advanced medical technologies.
- Dominance Factors: High healthcare spending, favorable regulatory landscapes, technological advancements, and strong patient awareness contribute to North America’s dominant position.
Foot Drop System Product Innovations
Recent innovations focus on improving comfort, reducing weight, enhancing battery life, and incorporating smart features like gait analysis and remote monitoring. These advancements offer superior patient outcomes and simplified user experience. Unique selling propositions include improved biomechanics, enhanced user interfaces, and seamless integration with other assistive devices. Technological advancements are primarily focused on improving functionality, comfort, and reducing the overall size and weight of the devices.
Propelling Factors for Foot Drop System Growth
Technological advancements, coupled with increasing awareness of foot drop conditions and the benefits of early intervention, are driving market growth. Favorable reimbursement policies in developed countries and rising healthcare expenditure are also contributing to market expansion. The growing geriatric population and increasing prevalence of neurological disorders further fuel demand for these systems.
Obstacles in the Foot Drop System Market
High costs associated with Foot Drop Systems can limit accessibility for patients in low- and middle-income countries. Supply chain disruptions and the complexity of regulatory approvals can also hinder market growth. Intense competition among existing players and the emergence of new entrants pose a challenge to market participants. The impact of these factors is estimated to reduce the market's potential growth by approximately XX% over the forecast period.
Future Opportunities in Foot Drop System
Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, offer significant growth potential. Technological innovations such as implantable systems and advanced sensor integration will further shape market dynamics. Growing demand for personalized medicine and the development of AI-powered treatment protocols present significant opportunities.
Major Players in the Foot Drop System Ecosystem
- Orthomotion
- Bioness
- Allard Group
- Axio Bionics
- Stiwell
- Nerveaide
- Sage Hill
- WalkAide
- Tiwan
- Odstock
- Shenzhen XFT Medical
Key Developments in Foot Drop System Industry
- 2022 Q4: Bioness launched a new generation of its Foot Drop System with improved battery life.
- 2023 Q1: Orthomotion and Axio Bionics announced a strategic partnership to expand their global reach.
- 2024 Q2: Allard Group acquired a smaller competitor, strengthening its market position. (Further updates can be added here as they become available)
Strategic Foot Drop System Market Forecast
The Foot Drop System market is poised for robust growth, driven by continuous technological innovations, increasing awareness of the condition, and supportive regulatory environments. Expanding market penetration in emerging economies and the development of new treatment paradigms will further drive growth. The market is projected to reach $XX million by 2033, presenting significant opportunities for existing and new players.
Foot Drop System Segmentation
-
1. Application
- 1.1. Hospital
- 1.2. Household
-
2. Types
- 2.1. Gait Mode
- 2.2. Training Mode
Foot Drop System Segmentation By Geography
-
1. North America
- 1.1. United States
- 1.2. Canada
- 1.3. Mexico
-
2. South America
- 2.1. Brazil
- 2.2. Argentina
- 2.3. Rest of South America
-
3. Europe
- 3.1. United Kingdom
- 3.2. Germany
- 3.3. France
- 3.4. Italy
- 3.5. Spain
- 3.6. Russia
- 3.7. Benelux
- 3.8. Nordics
- 3.9. Rest of Europe
-
4. Middle East & Africa
- 4.1. Turkey
- 4.2. Israel
- 4.3. GCC
- 4.4. North Africa
- 4.5. South Africa
- 4.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa
-
5. Asia Pacific
- 5.1. China
- 5.2. India
- 5.3. Japan
- 5.4. South Korea
- 5.5. ASEAN
- 5.6. Oceania
- 5.7. Rest of Asia Pacific

Foot Drop System REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of XX% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global Foot Drop System Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.1.1. Hospital
- 5.1.2. Household
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 5.2.1. Gait Mode
- 5.2.2. Training Mode
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.3.1. North America
- 5.3.2. South America
- 5.3.3. Europe
- 5.3.4. Middle East & Africa
- 5.3.5. Asia Pacific
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6. North America Foot Drop System Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.1.1. Hospital
- 6.1.2. Household
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 6.2.1. Gait Mode
- 6.2.2. Training Mode
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7. South America Foot Drop System Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.1.1. Hospital
- 7.1.2. Household
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 7.2.1. Gait Mode
- 7.2.2. Training Mode
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8. Europe Foot Drop System Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.1.1. Hospital
- 8.1.2. Household
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 8.2.1. Gait Mode
- 8.2.2. Training Mode
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9. Middle East & Africa Foot Drop System Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9.1.1. Hospital
- 9.1.2. Household
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 9.2.1. Gait Mode
- 9.2.2. Training Mode
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10. Asia Pacific Foot Drop System Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10.1.1. Hospital
- 10.1.2. Household
- 10.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 10.2.1. Gait Mode
- 10.2.2. Training Mode
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 11. Competitive Analysis
- 11.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2024
- 11.2. Company Profiles
- 11.2.1 Shenzhen XFT Medical
- 11.2.1.1. Overview
- 11.2.1.2. Products
- 11.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.2 Orthomotion
- 11.2.2.1. Overview
- 11.2.2.2. Products
- 11.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.3 Bioness
- 11.2.3.1. Overview
- 11.2.3.2. Products
- 11.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.4 Allard Group
- 11.2.4.1. Overview
- 11.2.4.2. Products
- 11.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.5 Axio Bionics
- 11.2.5.1. Overview
- 11.2.5.2. Products
- 11.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.6 Stiwell
- 11.2.6.1. Overview
- 11.2.6.2. Products
- 11.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.7 Nerveaide
- 11.2.7.1. Overview
- 11.2.7.2. Products
- 11.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.8 Sage Hill
- 11.2.8.1. Overview
- 11.2.8.2. Products
- 11.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.9 WalkAide
- 11.2.9.1. Overview
- 11.2.9.2. Products
- 11.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.10 Tiwan
- 11.2.10.1. Overview
- 11.2.10.2. Products
- 11.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.11 Odstock
- 11.2.11.1. Overview
- 11.2.11.2. Products
- 11.2.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.11.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.11.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.1 Shenzhen XFT Medical
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Foot Drop System Revenue Breakdown (million, %) by Region 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 3: North America Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 4: North America Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 5: North America Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 6: North America Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 7: North America Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 8: South America Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 9: South America Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 10: South America Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 11: South America Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 12: South America Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 13: South America Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 14: Europe Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 15: Europe Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 16: Europe Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 17: Europe Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 18: Europe Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 19: Europe Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 20: Middle East & Africa Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 21: Middle East & Africa Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 22: Middle East & Africa Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 23: Middle East & Africa Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 24: Middle East & Africa Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 25: Middle East & Africa Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 26: Asia Pacific Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 27: Asia Pacific Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 28: Asia Pacific Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 29: Asia Pacific Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 30: Asia Pacific Foot Drop System Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 31: Asia Pacific Foot Drop System Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: United States Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Canada Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Mexico Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Brazil Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Argentina Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Rest of South America Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: United Kingdom Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Germany Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: France Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Italy Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Spain Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Russia Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Benelux Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Nordics Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Rest of Europe Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Turkey Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Israel Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: GCC Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: North Africa Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: South Africa Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Rest of Middle East & Africa Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Global Foot Drop System Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: China Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: India Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: Japan Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: South Korea Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 45: ASEAN Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 46: Oceania Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 47: Rest of Asia Pacific Foot Drop System Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Foot Drop System?
The projected CAGR is approximately XX%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Foot Drop System?
Key companies in the market include Shenzhen XFT Medical, Orthomotion, Bioness, Allard Group, Axio Bionics, Stiwell, Nerveaide, Sage Hill, WalkAide, Tiwan, Odstock.
3. What are the main segments of the Foot Drop System?
The market segments include Application, Types.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XXX million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
N/A
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
N/A
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
N/A
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
N/A
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 2900.00, USD 4350.00, and USD 5800.00 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Foot Drop System," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Foot Drop System report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Foot Drop System?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Foot Drop System, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence