INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 126 APRIL/MAY 2019 £6.95
Prosthetic hand with tactile and dexterity sensations implanted A BREAKTHROUGH project involving pioneering surgery on a person with an amputated hand, to implant a prosthetic hand which offers tactile sensations and great dexterity, has involved researchers at the University of Essex. The Swedish woman, who has an amputated hand, has become the first recipient of an “osseo-neuromuscular implant” which offers to control a dexterous hand prosthesis. Titanium implants were placed in the two forearm bones, from which electrodes to nerves and muscle were extended to extract signals to control a robotic hand and to provide tactile sensations. This makes it the first clinically viable, dexterous and sentient prosthetic hand usable in real life. The new implant technology was developed in Sweden by a team lead by Dr Max Ortiz Catalan at Integrum AB – the company behind the first bone-anchored limb prosthesis using osseointegration – and Chalmers University of Technology. This first-of-its-kind surgery, led by Professor Rickard Brånemark and Dr Paolo Sassu, took place at Sahlgrenska University Hospital as part of a larger project funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020 called DeTOP. The DeTOP project is coordinated by professor Christian Cipriani at the Scuola Superiore
Sant’Anna, and also includes the University of Essex, Prensilia, the University of Gothenburg, Lund University, the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, INAIL Prosthetic Center, Universitá Campus BioMedico di Roma, and the Instituto Ortopedico Rizzoli. Scientists from the Essex Brain-Computer Interfaces and Neural Engineering Laboratory, at the University’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, were involved in the project. Dr Luca Citi, who is leading the Essex side of the project, said: “Within the project, the Essex team contributed to the development of algorithms which could decode and understand the neuro-muscular signals from the user’s brain about what they intended to do and then send those commands to the robotic control of the prosthetic hand.” Conventional prosthetic hands rely on electrodes placed over the skin to extract control signals from the underlying stump muscles. Richer and more reliable information can be obtained by implanting electrodes in all remaining muscle in the stump instead. Sixteen electrodes were implanted in this first female patient in order to achieve more dexterous control of a novel prosthetic hand developed in Italy by the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and Prensilia.
Open Bionics, a start-up that developed in Bristol Robotics Laboratory, has been named in a prestigious annual list of the world’s most innovative companies for 2019. The list, published by American business magazine Fast Company, honours the companies making the most profound impact on both industry and culture. Half of the businesses on this year’s list of 50 innovative organisations are appearing for the first time. Open Bionics has been ranked sixth in the list’s Europe category. The company creates advanced multi-grip bionic hands called ‘Hero Arms’ for amputees. Samantha Payne, co-founder and COO, said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised by Fast Company as a business changing an industry. We’re excited to be named one of the best in Europe and are very excited to launch in the US this year.”
The clinical simulation was aligned against a national capabilities framework for frailty, meaning that all University of Northampton occupational therapy students will be “fit for frailty”.
OCCUPATIONAL therapy students got ahead of their peers by becoming the first in the country to complete new training to help them work with older people living with frailty. The University of Northampton’s occupational therapy suites were ‘turned into’ an approximation of the home of ‘Millie’, a fictional person who is experiencing frailty.
This greatly enhances their employability as they enter the profession and University of Northampton is the first programme to align this level of training in an undergraduate programme.
Throughout the day students completed a series of immersive clinical simulation sessions designed to help them develop their skills at identifying and assessing the impact of frailty on ‘Millie’s’ everyday life. Through discussion and analysis, the students completed assessments in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom of the OT suite to decide which recommendations might help people like ‘Millie’. The key outcome was that ‘Millie’ retains her independence and continues to enjoy a high quality of life, a cornerstone of occupational therapy practice. Kim Stuart, senior lecturer in occupational therapy, who is leading the University’s Frailty initiatives, said: “There has been momentous drive
The day concluded with students taking up the chance to make a pledge and become a ‘Frailty Friend’.
across the health and social care to better understand and support people who are living with frail in Northamptonshire, reflecting the University of Northampton’s ethos of having social impact and sharing resources, skills, time and expertise to meet a social or environmental need. “Occupational therapists are a key professional group in working within
older people experiencing frailty and we will continue to work with Northamptonshire services in ensuring that all our undergraduates and postgraduates are fit for frailty for now and in the future. “I’m very proud of our students who took part in the training and what they will go on to achieve.”
OTTOBOCK has launched a new prosthetic foot in the UK specifically for amputees with lower mobility, giving more stability and confidence to the user.
By making a pledge as a Frailty Friend, they promise to raise awareness about frailty and its effects on both older people and their carers and to be able to identify, assess and plan care that is timely in meeting the needs of those experiencing frailty in Northamptonshire. Northampton students are also the first to have this opportunity.
Contacts Editorial Judith Halkerston Group Editor Email: jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Dominic Musgrave Group Production Editor Email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734407 Sales Carole Rice Product Manager Email: cr@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478
The Terion K2 foot is easily fitted and aligned and has a broad variety of configurations to serve a wide range of patients — including a unique weight limit of up to 175kg.
Tony Barry Sales and Marketing Director Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk
Emma Gillespie, head of prosthetics at Ottobock UK, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer the Terion K2 to our lower-mobility range of products.
Circulation circulation@scriptmedia.co.uk 24 hour hotline: 01226 734695 Design/Production Stewart Holt Studio Manager Email: sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Ben Thornley Graphic Designer Email: bt@scriptmedia.co.uk
“It’s a great upgrade from the more entry-level prosthetic feet a patient may have, and will help build confidence when out and about.
Made in a lightweight and robust design, with a carbon glass fibre spring, the Terion K2 — an extension of the popular Terion foot — can be used on a variety of surfaces with confidence.
This new scheme was launched recently and demonstrates their commitment to meet the needs of an ageing population, contributing to the effectiveness in delivering the NHS’ Long Term Plan.
Student Emma Holman with her ‘Frailty Pledge’.
Confidence in every step – the new Ottobock Terion K2 foot
“Additionally with its impressive weight limit of 175kg, it’s something everyone can benefit from.”
NEWS
OT students step up career ladder thanks to new frailty training
Additionally, it has a foam base for a cushioned heel strike and a controlled rollover, which combined with the spring helps achieve a responsive and durable gait pattern.
When fitted with the Kenevo microprocessor knee, the Terion K2 makes an ideal premium solution for transfemoral and knee disarticulation patients.
It also has a low clearance, meaning it can benefit transtibial amputees with a longer residual limb.
It can also be fitted with the 3R31 Prosedo knee for an optimal mechanical solution.
At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all contents, the publishers do not accept liability for any error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I APRIL/MAY 2019
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Council campaign to make exercise more inclusive Project to recycle walking aids shortlisted for award CARDIFF and Vale UHB’s walking aid refurbishment scheme, ‘Cardiff and Vale Walking Aids Partnership: Working Together, Benefiting Patients, Staff and the Wider Community’, in partnership with the Wales Community Rehabilitation Company, has been shortlisted for the Workforce Efficiency Award. The project launched in March 2018 with the aim to make sure patients are provided with walking aids consistently when they need them by creating flexibility in supply to meet patients’ needs as a result of reusing walking aids. This not only improves patient care but also is reducing waste and saving money, time and resources. Sue Rees, deputy head of physiotherapy services at Cardiff and Vale UHB said: “I am so thrilled that this project has been shortlisted for a HSJ Value Award as the physiotherapy service works tirelessly to achieve the best value for money for the funding they receive. “By working together with the Wales CRC’s community payback service to facilitate the refurbishment of walking aids, and by providing equipment that meets patient needs in a timely manner, we are able to save money, reduce waiting times for equipment loans and reduce our impact on the environment by working towards a zero waste policy. “In other words, it makes a real difference to individuals, our
environment, and to all of our futures.”
Walking aids can be reused after they have been refurbished, but many are not returned. The physiotherapy Department faced two challenges: the first was how to get more people to return equipment, and the second was how to increase the capacity to refurbish them without having to pull people from wards and other areas, thus impacting on patient care. This project showed that if patients and the general public knew how and where to return equipment they would. The capacity challenge was a much bigger issue and that is where the CRC helped to provide a solution. By working together, the UHB and the CRC dramatically increased the amount of equipment that could be refurbished, saving more than £30,000. Patients have received equipment they need in a timely way when and where they need it, consistently and reliably and the project has enabled service transformation by releasing the technician to make use of his skills and expertise, provide UHBwide training, review IPC processes, and create service standards, refurbishment specifications and quality assurance processes. He is now able to provide proper oversight and support for walking aid supply and refurbishment.
NOTTINGHAM City Council has launched a new campaign aimed at increasing the number of people with disabilities taking part in sport and leisure activities. The council aims for Nottingham to become the fastest growing city for disability sports participation, and the new It’s for me campaign will raise awareness of leisure activities available to people with a disability or long-standing health conditions. It aims to appeal to their values and needs, rather than focusing on their disability and will provide information about the accessibility, suitability and affordability of leisure provision in the city to reassure them they will be adequately provided for when they visit the council’s leisure facilities and take part in activities.
To engage more people living with a disability or long-term health condition into inclusive activity, the council is delivering two funded projects with this focus – Disability Sport Insight and Participation project, funded by Sport England, and the Get Out Get Active project, funded by Spirit of 2012 and delivered by Activity Alliance. The City Council has taken bold steps such as: n Improving accessibility to leisure centres and enhancing its existing swim, gym and fitness offers to be more inclusive n Training leisure centre staff (entry level disability confidence training) to enable them to better advise customers needing extra support n Supporting InstructAbility, a Sport England funded bespoke programme designed to engage disabled people in the fitness industry as gym instructors and gym users with job opportunities with Nottingham
City Council following successful completion.
Councillor Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and localities, said: “We want to help people living with a disability or long-term condition to do what they can, when they can and feel confident when accessing our service, regardless of age, ability level, and whether they’ve exercised before or not. “We need to get the message out there that our leisure centres are fully accessible to all customers. “The significant investment through our leisure centre transformation programme and commitment to achieve CredAbility accreditation is something we are incredibly proud of. “We also need to show what options are available to appeal to different individuals, depending on their personal preferences. “For example, our gyms are very friendly and we can even adjust the music depending on the time of day to suit different tastes. “We have opportunities to take part in a disability specific activity or sport, such as wheelchair or visibility impaired tennis. “Others might be looking for a way to unwind and de-stress and would benefit from visiting one of our health suites.” Following consultation with users to test the suitability of the facilities and its activities, the council is now trialling new entry level group fitness classes Sit Tall Stand Strong at three leisure centres (Harvey Hadden, Clifton and Southglade). These are chair based exercises, with trained instructors providing adaptions to some of the movements to ensure all levels are catered for.
Advertiser’s announcement
Piedro UK launches adult orthopeadic footwear range By Frank Crewdson
MOST orthotists would recognise that one of the questions they face in clinic is non-compliance, when a patient is supplied with an item will they use it?
Footwear, like the clothes we wear, is a statement about us, our fashion sense and our lifestyle.
Piedro UK has worked with the designers of the Piedro range of European fashion footwear and is delighted to offer the UK orthotics market a range of adult footwear which we believe will reduce the risk of non-compliance due to its design, quality and contemporary appearance.
The demographic for particularly diabetes is getting younger and the need for diabetic footwear is being seen in younger people. We at Piedro
We believe we have created a range which will offer most patients a fantastic choice of styles and colours; a range that will also help fulfil the
The item which gives us most problems is probably adult footwear.
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believe our choice of product must reflect this.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I APRIL/MAY 2019
wishes of the “Inbetweeners”, those young adults who no longer require our paediatric ranges.
We have also re-introduced our extended opening footwear, now known as Piedro “Old School”.
This is our first venture into the realms of adult footwear and we have ensured that the quality and durability seen with our paediatric ranges is carried on with this collection.
This range has longer facings and a combination of plain eyelets and ski eyelets.
As to our children’s footwear, we are now able to ensure that we can deliver our stock range to your clinic within three working days, and our made to order range within 15 working days.
Our customer services team and myself are always here to help with your enquiries, just give us a call.
The design facilitates ease of access to footwear for patients with high tone feet or clawing of the toes.
n Frank Crewdson. M.B.A.P.O. Dip O.T.C. is business development manager at Piedro UK.
NEWS
Advertiser’s announcement
Let go and fly… AS an avid runner for years, Cheryl Hile and her husband have loved to travel the world and run marathons. But in October 2006, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and everything changed. The symptoms, including debilitating fatigue, muscle spasticity, neuropathic pain, and specifically foot drop, quickly halted her ability to run. “I had not been able to run for almost a year due to drop foot that began six months after my diagnosis,” Cheryl said. “During a race, I started tripping and falling, and finished the run with bloody knees. Soon after, I learned
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the falling was due to foot drop.” Despite the advice of Cheryl’s neurologist to “lower her expectations,” she was determined to run again. For more than 10 years, Cheryl has worn an AFO, which has helped her complete many marathons. However, she still struggled with most of the brace options on the market. In 2018, Cheryl decided it was time to move on and try a new AFO model with different composite materials. She met the Thuasne team and they worked together on a custom AFO designed for her needs.
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Ultimately, that brace inspired the SpryStep® Flex. The carbon fibre materials are lighter and more flexible and decrease the amount of discomfort Cheryl feels while running long distances. Despite having a disease that stops people from moving, Cheryl continues to charge forward. In 2017 she set a record of becoming the first person with MS to run seven marathons on seven continents in 12 months. In October, 2018 Cheryl reached her second goal; to gather the biggest group of people with MS to participate in the Detroit Marathon!
Cheryl has a mission to reach people with MS and encourage them to either start an exercise program or keep pushing forward with their current sport. Cheryl Hile is an inspiration to us all and a wonderful reminder of how our Thuasne products help improve lives! Cheryl often tells herself to trust the AFO while running, to let go and fly… Watch Cheryl by searching “Cheryl Hile SpryStep” on YouTube To book a demonstration of SpryStep call 01295 257422 or email orders@thuasne.co.uk www.thuasne.co.uk
NEWS
A first-of-a-kind gaming device that has been shown to significantly improve the outcomes of stroke survivors by helping them regain strength and movement in their stricken arms and hands has been launched. Assistive Technologies found out more.
NeuroBall user Shona Patterson, who had a stroke four-and-a-half years ago, with co-founder and Neurofenix CEO Guillem Singla Buxarrais.
New gaming tool boosts stroke survivors’ chance of regaining arm and hand control CREATED by Neurofenix, a Londonbased team of engineers, medical experts and designers, the NeuroBall is a one-size-fits-all ‘controller’ that enables stroke survivors to play video games via an app, which makes their regular rehabilitation exercises entertaining and fun.
Leading UK neurologist, Professor Nick Ward, consultant at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, added: “Currently stroke survivors are not getting the rehabilitation that they need and this is having a significant impact on the extent of recovery each person can expect. They will need improved access to specialists who can show them what they need to do in order to achieve the best recovery.
The NeuroBall was developed over a two-year period in conjunction with stroke survivors, their families, therapists and physicians. Neurofenix wanted to create something that would encourage stroke survivors to keep doing the vital daily exercises that are crucial to regaining upper limb use. In preliminary trials, Brunel University London carried out a study with Neurofenix involving 30 stroke sufferers using the NeuroBall and app at their homes for seven weeks. Users of the NeuroBall reported improved wrist and shoulder movement and reduced impairment of the arm, as well as greater social participation. With 1.5 million stroke survivors in the UK, this self-administered homebased rehab method could be a huge help to an increasingly overstretched health system. London-based NeuroBall user, Shona Patterson, who had a stroke fourand-a-half years ago, said: “Trying to motivate yourself is quite hard. I was getting bored with my daily routine of stretching and lifting weights. “One day after I had finished using the NeuroBall, I checked the level I could reach with my hand and discovered I could put my hand on top of my head, which was the first time I had ever been able to do that. I could do it straightaway. “I was ranting about how excited I was because it is amazing after fourand-a-half years to still feel you can 8
“Emerging technologies, such as the NeuroBall, can play a role in encouraging people to perform higher amounts of the right activities, and can do it in a way that might be more entertaining than traditional exercises.
The NeuroBall one-size-fits-all ‘controller’ that enables stroke survivors to play video games via an app.
achieve things.” 85 per cent of stroke survivors experience arm weakness or paralysis and only 20 per cent to 56 per cent regain complete movement and control within three months, after which most people are discharged from inpatient rehab to continue their recovery training at home. Once home, there is a high drop out rate from the daily exercises that are usually considered boring and repetitive and, without continued support, forgotten or ignored. This means many people never recover full motor control of their stricken arm and hand. The Brunel University-Neurofenix study showed that despite being primarily older, with an average age of 60, and varying levels of mental and physical impairment, the test group were able to learn how to use
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I APRIL/MAY 2019
the NeuroBall and app independently at home after just 98 minutes of training. They played an average of 17.4 hours, or 149 minutes per week, exercising their arm 15,092 times with minimum input of just 2.3 hours from the Brunel physiotherapists. Within an hour of play, NeuroBall users are able to complete 840 exercise repetitions, or 14 per minute. Animal studies on neuroplasticity demonstrate that 400 to 600 repetitions per day of challenging functional tasks can lead to changes in the brain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends a minimum of 45 minutes of each active therapy for stroke sufferers at least five days a week but current data shows most patients do not achieve this.
“In addition, these technologies afford the possibility to measure activity and performance so that the person’s progress can be monitored and the treatment can be adjusted to maximise individual benefit.” Guillem Singla Buxarrais, co-founder and CEO of Neurofenix, added: “Research into stroke rehabilitation shows that intensity of practice is a key factor in meaningful recovery. The more practice, in terms of both training time and increased repetitions, the better. The problem is that for most people, integrating this into their daily lives becomes a bore. “This is where the NeuroBall has proven so successful as it makes the repetitive exercises something fun and sociable. It enables stroke survivors to complete hundreds of repetitions in the comfort of their own home without even thinking about it. “This gaming tool can help hospitals and physios increase their patients’ training to get better results with a minimum time and money investment.”
NEWS
Assistive technology changes lives for older and vulnerable adults ASSISTIVE technology devices like Alexa are being used by Worcestershire County Council to enable people to live as independently as possible.
using our service, people experience less isolation and more social contact as they are more confident about getting out and about, and social interactions can be more meaningful rather than functional.”
As part of its plan to tackle pressures within adult social care, Worcestershire County Council is one of the few councils investing in this type of technology.
By working together, Worcestershire Telecare and the County Council have successfully managed to keep people living independently rather than having to move into more costly residential care.
Councillor Adrian Hardman, cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care said: “As a council we have to find ways to ease the pressure on services for Adult Social Care. “I have no doubt that with the help of assistive technology, our residents are healthier, live longer, have a better quality of life and can remain independent for as long as possible. This is a tremendous win, as the figures stack up as well.” Investment in assistive technology averages just £7 per week, saving the council around £90 a week compared
Adria explained the focus was not about saving money.
to home care. Where the technology prevents residential care, the saving rises to £140 a week. Worcestershire County Council has been working with partners Worcestershire Telecare to pilot a range of different technology as part of a person’s care package. Rupert Lawrence, head of
Worcestershire Telecare, added: “This technology can really help keep people independent and safe so that they have as much choice as possible about how they live their lives. “Each person’s care package is different and tailored to fit their individual needs and goals. “Together, we have found through
He added: “The delivery of a more efficient service will generate much needed savings, but that is not the focus of the scheme. “Our aim is to enable people to live independently for as long as possible. We’re excited about the potential for technology to transform the way that social care can be delivered.” The scheme is now being rolled out across Worcestershire.
Could this invention transform walking for visually impaired? TWO neighbours and innovators are among the first in the running for an award that recognises inventions that transform the lives of people living with disabilities.
Revolutionary C-Brace gets a fresh new look OTTOBOCK has launched the latest edition of its bionic exoskeleton, giving patients with lower limb weakness a more streamlined and efficient walking system. The new C-Brace, to be built in the UK at Ottobock’s Minworth facility for the first time, and exclusively on sale at Dorset Orthopaedic, monitors a person’s steps at a rate of 50 times per second to create a natural walking movement. Kevin Green, head of orthotics at Ottobock UK, said: “The advanced technology in the new generation C-Brace works with the user’s residual muscle function to help restore their physiological gait pattern. “And, for the first time, a user can walk down stairs, step over step, with a flexed knee while using it. We’re very excited to be able to offer C-Brace to our UK customers.” Made of carbon fibre and containing computers and sensors around 12
the thigh, the new C-Brace moves intuitively with the user and features smaller and more advanced computer processors, and a smaller battery pack for a more discreet and sleek appearance. It can be worn over or under clothing, and is suitable for a number of conditions, from post-polio syndrome, weakness resulting from stroke, partial paralysis and spinal injury. Lighter than its predecessor, users of the new C-Brace can monitor its performance and change its settings — for example switching it to cycling mode — via a smartphone app. Matt Hughes, clinical services director at Dorset Orthopaedic, added: “We’re delighted to be the exclusive distributor of the new generation C-Brace. “We’ve had great success with the first generation brace and the mobility improvement to the wearer is huge compared to alternative solutions.”
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Laura Maclean and Tom Forsyth have entered their creation, the Ramble Tag, into the Blackwood Design Awards as it helps to overcome the logistical and social issues involved in guiding somebody who is visually impaired. The Glasgow pair have designed a lightweight upper-arm harness with a handle so that a person can wear it to guide someone visually impaired instead of linking arms. Tom said: “For a visually impaired person, it can be awkward linking arms or holding hands with someone who is guiding you – especially if you don’t know them very well. “It can feel uncomfortable and can be a reason why many opt out of experiences like sport or travelling, for example. “But with the Ramble Tag, you can have so much more independence and greater mobility, too as it takes away the danger of miss-footed stumbles leading to a two person pile-up.” The Ramble Tag is already being used in major UK airports such as Bristol and Glasgow airport. Tom, who has been without sight for more than 20 years, came up
with the design with his friend Laura when they were out walking their dogs together. Laura added: “Linking arms with someone who is visually impaired can be clumsy and frustrating, so Ramble Tag provides a simple, effective solution that gives people a sense of confidence and more freedom. “We’re so excited with the interest and momentum that the Ramble Tag has gained since we’ve started telling people about it.” Now in their sixth year, the BDAs are run by housing and care provider Blackwood and seek out the brightest and best new inventions as part of its mission to ensure that those with disabilities can live life to the fullest. The awards are judged in three distinct categories: Best New Concept, Best Collaborative Project by a University or Institute of Higher Learning and Best New Product. Previous designs that have won the esteemed title include a wheelchair that allows users to control its direction with their eyes, and the ‘S’up Spoon’ – a self-stabilising piece of cutlery which enables users with shaky hands to eat without spilling their food. A panel of top engineers, designers and world-renowned thinkers will judge the Blackwood Design Awards Entries should be submitted no later than April 12.
Advertiser’s announcement
25 years of Reeco footwear We are fortunate at Reed Medical Limited to enjoy the benefit of a great team of designers and pattern engineers who continue to innovate so we can deliver our customers’ footwear very specific and complex footwear requirements, combining functionality with comfort and high street styling. Reed Medical has approaching 60 years’ experience in the provision of specialist orthopaedic footwear in the UK, initially, inter alia, as a bespoke made to measure footwear manufacturer when Stanley and Nora Reed first started the business in premises opposite Blackburn Royal Infirmary supplying local hospitals in the North West of England. It is now some 25 years since Reed Medical Limited (then known as S Reed & Co back in 1994) launched what has now become one of the leading
orthopaedic footwear brands in the UK, “Reeco”. Substantial investment was made in machinery which, at that time, was somewhat alien to the orthopaedic footwear industry.
NEWS
FOLLOWING our successful attendance at BAPO 2019 in Harrogate our design team are already working on developing a number of new ideas with our customers to meet their individual footwear needs and preferences.
The first catalogue contained a limited number of gents and ladies styles which proved extremely popular and for the first time expanded the company’s customer base nationwide. Kids’ “Reeco” footwear soon followed. Over the past 25 years there has been much more investment, in machinery and personnel, as we have seen the market share for the provision of stock and modular footwear grow. The launch of the latest footwear catalogues in the summer of 2018, for both adults and kids, saw the product offering increased to over 150 styles across a comprehensive range of fittings, sizes, materials and colour options in order to fulfil patient needs and requirements. We are continually adding to the range using innovative design and new materials. If you would like a copy of our latest adult and kids footwear catalogues, or if you would like to arrange an appointment so we may show you our most recent developments, or have some specific footwear requirements please contact our customer services team on 01254 503333 or email gillianw@ reedmedical.co.uk Reed Medical Limited also has several specialist product ranges for problem feet, for which we are UK distributors, including the Lymphoedema footwear range which has proven to be extremely popular and has provided many patients with a
footwear solution. The Lymphoedema shoes and sandals are ideal for Lymphoedema patients with extreme foot distortions and / or swelling to the feet, ankles and lower limbs. Appropriate fitting footwear is of the utmost importance with such conditions. Some clinics we supply report having assessed patients who may not have been wearing footwear for several years which has caused various problems, particularly to their skin, mobility, general hygiene and overall quality of life. Positive feedback has been received from health care professionals who have prescribed The Reed Medical Lymphoedema shoes and sandals and have identified the benefits the footwear has provided to their patients; it is important that patients are regularly re-measured due to the fluctuating sizes of their feet. Call 01254 503333 or visit www.reedmedical.co.uk
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Mark Williams
Cover designs launched at Naidex A PARALYMPIAN businessman, who lost his leg in a cycling accident as a child, is on a mission to produce the world’s coolest prosthetic leg covers. Mark Williams from Denbighshire launched his latest designer prosthetic leg covers at the recent Naidex at the NEC in Birmingham. Mark, 47, who was a medallist at the Seoul Paralympics in 1988, said: “Although prostheses have come on in leaps and bounds functionally, how they look has generally been overlooked. “LIMB-art aims to change this. Our covers are a completely customisable
accessory, lightweight and easy to fit and they are suitable for all users of above and below knee prostheses. “Our covers not only give the wearer a full leg shape and restore balance to their silhouette, they also boost their confidence and allow them to show their personality because we offer a whole range of colours and designs. “When you wear a cool looking cover, it breaks down barriers and cuts out awkward stares. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been stopped in the street and been told my leg looks amazing. “We don’t want prosthetic wearers
to hide away or be self-conscious. We want to be known worldwide for making the coolest prosthetic leg covers so people who wear them feel they can stand out and stand proud.”
LIMB-art covers, which come in all sorts of colours, designs and patterns, give prosthetic legs a better shape as well as allowing the wearer to express their personality.
As well as new prosthetic leg covers lit with flashing LED lights, there were carbon fibre finishes available to buy and samples of bespoke designs featuring everything from the Welsh flag to Remembrance Day covers.
The company was one of five finalists of the Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs, hosted by EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou. The award rewards those with disabilities who have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and business ability in the face of significant barriers.
Mark runs LIMB-art, a British design and manufacturing company based in Conwy and dedicated to improving on the stem legs traditionally offered on the NHS, which resemble ‘poles’.
There are more than 500 new amputees each month in the UK and over 30 million amputees globally.
Advertiser’s announcement
Special solution for disabled paediatric toileting ACCORDING to research1, using functional rooms – including the bathroom– is the second biggest problem faced by the 0.75m2 families with a disabled child. In an effort to help alleviate the issues surrounding going to the toilet, Closomat has published a new white paper- Guidance & Considerations in the Provision of Toilet Aids for Disabled Children. “The ability to go to the toilet with less, or no, help, has a huge impact on any child’s independence and selfcare skills,” said Mark Sadler, sales director at Closomat. “Assistive technology needs to be carefully and properly selected, so it provides the appropriate support, ensuring the child can go to the loo safely, achieve effective bowel and bladder evacuation, be hygienically clean after, and will not be outgrown within a matter of months. “The new white paper aims to provide an easy to follow reference point for obvious – and not so apparent- considerations in choosing paediatric toileting technology.” The white paper is available for download from Closomat’s website www.clos-o-mat.com under its download section. It complements a comprehensive 14
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I APRIL/MAY 2019
library of white papers covering accessible toileting for elderly and disabled people at home, and in educational and commercial environments, from domestic bathrooms/wetrooms through to assisted accessible hygiene rooms and changing places’ washroom facilities. Closomat was the first British supplier of automatic toilets, and its latest evolution, the Closomat Palma Vita, is the only unit of its kind developed specifically to accommodate disabled and elderly people through most stages of their life. It is now the UK’s biggest supplier, and only British manufacturer, of wash and dry toilets and associated assistive technology. Since the first Closomat was introduced almost 60 years ago, over 50,000 have been sold, some of which are still in daily use. The company is unique in providingin house- advice, supply, installation, commissioning and after sales maintenance and service. Call 0161 969 1199, visit www.clos-o-mat.com or email info@clos-o-mat.com 1 Every Disabled Child Matters: Disabled Children & Housing Report 2 from above, on the basis of more than 750,000 disabled children in UK…
NEWS
Leading figures in disability sport and education are backing research at Teesside University which is aiming to break down the barriers for disabled people to participate in physical activity. Assistive Technologies reports.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (left) is backing the research at Teesside University which is being led by Stuart Braye (right).
Researchers aim to find out why disabled children are left behind ACADEMICS say there has been a continuous trend of broken promises and inactivity since the 2012 Paralympics in London, which was supposed to be a springboard to improve the daily lives of disabled people and provide increased opportunities to participate in sport.
But, instead of a new lease of life for disabled children, Tom Gibbons and Stuart Braye of Teesside University argue that disabled youngsters are still treated as outsiders and are not being given the opportunities to take part in sport while at school. They cite training, attitudes, facilities and funding as the reasons disabled children are being left behind when it comes to physical activity in education. Their research is shining the spotlight on initial teacher training and whether PE teachers across the country feel adequately trained to include disabled children in lessons. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Britain’s most decorated ever Paralympian and an honorary graduate of Teesside University, is backing the research and hopes it will make a difference to the lives of young disabled people. She said: “Physical activity is an
incredibly important component of a young person’s development, and this is equally true for disabled children. “It is crucial that there is quality access for disabled children and there is a need for more direct data to understand their experience to be able to provide the correct resources. “Many disabled people are unsure about what physical activity to do and more information about what happens at school level will be able to establish good practice.” Both Tom and Stuart are initially asking PE teachers to complete a short online survey and are then following up the results with more in-depth interviews. The overall aim is to come up with an intervention in ITT which will give PE teachers more confidence to include disabled children and also allow disabled people to become PE teachers themselves, something the pair say isn’t happening in mainstream schools. Stuart, a senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise, became a disabled person in 1985 at the age of 26. He went on to compete in the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona, securing a bronze medal in the 400 metres.
“The 2012 Paralympics was supposed to kick-start a revolution for disabled people, but we are yet to witness any significant changes,” explained Stuart.
participate in sport.
“PE is where most children experience their first taste of sport and are either turned on or turned off. But disabled children are missing out as they are not getting the opportunities to even participate. The general feeling among PE teachers is that they don’t feel suitably trained to include disabled children in their sessions.
He said: “This research is important because it is addressing the fundamental issue in terms of whether PE teachers feel adequately trained and supported to include disabled children in their activities. And, if they don’t, what can be done to change this? “There shouldn’t be any reasons that disabled children in mainstream schools are not given the same opportunities as everybody else.” Another former Paralympic gold medallist, Tara Flood, is the CEO of The Alliance for Inclusive Education.
“This can have a significant negative impact on disabled children – not just in terms of their physical and mental development, but it also communicates, at an early age, to non-disabled children that it is okay to exclude disabled people.” The Research, which also includes Teesside University academics Dr Kevin Dixon and Alison Innerd, as well and Tees Valley Sport, is funded through the University’s Grand Challenge Research theme of Resilient and Secure Societies.
She said: “For far too long now schools have found spurious and discriminatory reasons to exclude disabled pupils and students from PE sessions. PE is an important element of an inclusive curriculum so teachers need support and training to have the skills to deliver PE sessions that are inclusive of all pupils and students whatever their participation and learning difference or style.”
Tom Gibbons, also a senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise, has a six-yearold son who is disabled and he is committed to ensuring that all young people are given opportunities to
Stuart and Tom are urging as many PE teachers as possible to complete the short online survey in order to paint a clear picture and draw up actions for change. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I APRIL/MAY 2019
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