INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 110 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 £6.95
Sensory device aids rehabilitation for stroke survivors By Dominic Musgrave SMALL Sensory devices could help to improve walking recovery during stroke rehabilitation in a bid to reduce social isolation.
Health researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University are leading the development of a new haptic device – technology that communicates via vibrations – to aid walking therapy for stroke survivors. They are working with the Open University and Manchester-based technology firm Lucid Innovation to develop the device. The technologies are part of a series of technical health projects at the University designed to employ new technologies to cut loneliness and isolation. The device, worn by the individual, would sense the symmetry of walking and provide vibrations, similar to that from a mobile phone, to cue the wearer to improve how they are walking. In the UK, 150,000 people sustain a stroke each year whilst 1.2 million people in the UK live with the consequences of stroke. The goal is to help these people to maintain their wellbeing and mobility. The project is led by Dr Rachel C Stockley and Glenis Donaldson, from Department of Health Professions, and Professor Josie Tetley, from the Department of Nursing. Rachel said: “Whilst advances in medical
treatment mean that many people are more likely to survive stroke and have improved outcomes, walking and specifically walking in the community, continues to be a significant problem for over half of all stroke survivors. “The increased social isolation brought about by reduced community mobility is likely to lead to a loss of sense of self, greater carer burden and can produce many significant health conditions, with associated healthcare costs, secondary to a sedentary lifestyle. “The project will provide valuable information regarding the practicality, acceptability and feasibility of wearing and using the haptic technology to alter walking and help us take the next steps in producing a commercial and useful device to help stroke survivors be more mobile in the community.” Working with computer engineering colleagues at the Open University and technology firm Lucid Innovation, the team will start to develop a wearable haptic device with funding from Greater Manchester Academic Health Sciences Network’s Technology Innovation Challenge. The project will develop a prototype device with the input of stroke survivors and clinical physiotherapists to ensure it is practical and wearable. The team will then test it in a small group of people who have difficulty walking because of their stroke.
University of Northampton student Marija Reis has used her experience of working in a care home to design and produce a sleek and modern mobility aid. The third year BSc Product Design student, who graduated this summer, wanted to create something that people with mobility issues would want to use and not shy away from, especially as her research showed there is a certain stigma attached with traditional walking aids. The RoadRoamer has multiple functions so it can be used as a zimmer frame, a rollator and can also be turned into a wheelchair.
M.4s® PCL dynamic Precise turn of the dial for effective individual therapy. Care for your posterior cruciate ligament patients using the new medi M.4s PCL dynamic knee brace. The PCL protection pad holds the tibia in the desired position. The tensioning dial enables fast and precise adjustment. medi UK Ltd. Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 OEL, T 01432 373500, enquiries@mediuk.co.uk, www.mediuk.co.uk
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BEFORE TENSIONING DIAL – for precise and individual adjustment
instability of the knee following rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament AFTER PCL protection pad holds tibia in the desired position
medi. I feel better. 28.04.16 10:27