INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 116 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 £6.95
Project aims to revolutionise people’s lives
GLASGOW Caledonian University professor Tracey Howe is hoping Scots will think outside the – cardboard – box to help revolutionise the lives of disabled children and adults. Professor Howe, with the support of the University’s student volunteers, has launched Adaptive Design Global to design and create assistive aids that will help people accomplish tasks, communicate and live more comfortably. Made from simple cardboard, the aids can be made quickly and cheaply to fit the exact needs of their user. Professor Howe launched the project when she competed in the final of TEDxGlasgow, and is working with Erskine – Scotland’s biggest provider of care for veterans and their spouses – and Yogability to pilot the scheme.
She said:“I used a Winston Churchill Fellowship to explore large-scale health communication projects in the US and was blown away by the work of New York’s Adaptive Design Association. It’s been creating assistive products for kids from cardboard for 15 years and I was delighted to get on board to bring this revolutionary work to the UK. “A disability or long-term condition can cut people off from education and leisure
and current methods of producing assistive products such as supported seating, standing frames and spinal supports can be prohibitively expensive, one-size-fits-all or take up to six months to manufacture – so often kids have outgrown them before they are even delivered. “With GCU’s student volunteers, Adaptive Design Global will bring together professionals and amateurs to create innovative solutions using locally sourced materials. We’ll offer templates and toolkits with high-quality designs that can be built anywhere and, in the longer term, we aim to work with other agencies to create specialist disaster relief teams to provide pop-up facilities that could build aids from the cardboard boxes that aid is typically delivered in. We believe we can change lives with cardboard.” Erskine’s head physiotherapist, Janet Leith, added: “This is a fantastic project with immense potential to create life-changing equipment. It has global reach as all you need is cardboard, a craft knife and glue. We are delighted to be involved with such an innovative project. Our first attempt at making aids has been a book stand, which we feel will be very beneficial to our veterans.”
A talented design student showcased her customisable prosthetic covers which allow the user the option to decorate and personalise their prosthetic casing. Eilidh Earle-Mitchell, who is studying Three Dimensional Design at Robert Gordon University’s Gray’s School of Art, unveiled the culmination of four years’ hard work at the annual Degree Show. She has developed a device which will allow users to either choose from an online service or upload a bespoke design to be printed on the device and then wrapped around the limb. Full story on page four.
RESEARCHERS at the University of Cumbria say pioneering investigation work to identify links between vision and falling could help reduce incidents which cost the NHS over £2bn a year.
Public Health England has recorded a third of people are now over 65, and half of people over 80 fall at least once a year. With falls named as the most common cause of death from injury in the over 65s, the research conducted by the
Editorial Judith Halkerston Group Editor Email: jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Dominic Musgrave Group Production Editor Email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734407 Olivia Taylor Reporter Email: ot@scriptmedia.co.uk
The discoveries have been made as part of a three-year research project funded by the Eleanor Peel Trust, a north west charity which specialises in supporting care of the elderly. “The project is examining the role of eye movements in postural control and navigation,” associate professor Theo Bampouras, who leads the project, said. “It’s a novel area which can help us understand agerelated changes to vision and their implications, as well as to develop strategies and interventions to address potential issues.”
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Study sheds light on risk factors of falls in elderly
Tony Barry Sales and Marketing Director Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk
University of Cumbria is timely. The university’s Active Ageing Research Group is committed to helping older individuals maintain independence and quality of life through scientific research which can be readily used and translated into practical applications. “I’ve been assessing how eye movements critical for viewing the environment affect the processing of visual information for postural control and navigation,” Neil Thomas, a PhD
research student, added. “A major part of the research is how these processes change with age. “The findings, which have progressed into real-world scenarios, could provide information useful to individuals working with elders in a variety of contexts.” Initial data has shown tracking moving objects can have a destabilising effect, even if a person is standing still.
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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Student’s innovative customisable prosthetic casings go on display A TALENTED design student showcased her customisable prosthetic covers which allow the user the option to decorate and personalise their prosthetic casing. Eilidh Earle-Mitchell, who is studying Three Dimensional Design at Robert Gordon University’s Gray’s School of Art, unveiled the culmination of four years’ hard work at the annual Degree Show. She has developed a device which will allow users to either choose from an online service or upload a bespoke design to be printed on the device and then wrapped around the limb. Her product concept has already been identified as being of interest for potential Intellectual Property protection by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise. “I am interested in prosthetics and how to make them more aesthetically pleasing,” she said. “We accessorise our bodies with jewellery, hats and scarves. “We have different pairs of shoes to go with different outfits. So why can’t prosthetics be accessorised in the same way?
Some of Eilidh Earle-Mitchell’s customisable prosthetic covers that she exhibited at the annual Degree Show.
“Pro Aesthetic is about adding personality and individuality through customisable prosthetic casings. “I set myself the challenge of developing an inexpensive product that is easily produced and allows the user to express their creativity through fully customisable templates or a selection of surface designs.” Eilidh’s innovative project will go on display alongside more than 150 other students’ at the end-of-year show. She highlights the opportunities to work abroad as one of her highs from
her time at Gray’s.
and other staff at Gray’s.”
“I think for me the high of being at University was being given the chance to work abroad in Canada for the Victoria hand project,” she added.
Eilidh is hoping to use the Gray’s Degree Show as the springboard to a successful career.
“During my placement I was helping to design and 3D print prosthetics for third world countries. It was an amazing experience and helped to then further my studies into fourth year where prosthetics became my inspiration.
“I would like to study a Masters course and carry on developing the Pro Aesthetic product and brand as an enterprise,” added Eilidh. “I would like to keep working with new technologies and I hope to return to the prosthetic industry one day.”
“Other highs from university was being able to learn a large amount of skills from very talented technicians
The Gray’s School of Art Degree Show was sponsored by BP for the 14th year. Students from Teesside University are working with a team of gymnasts with special needs to help send them to a prestigious national tournament. Teesside University students Leah Gibbs and Kevin Gamblin with coaches and members of the Gym World Special Needs Gymnastic Team. The students are all studying BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation and as well as helping the gymnasts train and recover from injury, they are also raising funds for the team’s trip to the Special Olympics GB National Games.
TVS Brace helps to realign knee to its original gait THE TVS Knee Brace is designed to hold a medially or laterally unstable knee from moving into a painful position of deformity while the knee is in extension and weight bearing. While the patient is wearing the TVS Brace, the knee will be realigned to its original gait and long term use will stop the knee from sagging to a more extreme position, preventing the need for a surgical solution. The TVS has helped relieve arthritic knee pain to over 25,000 patients in the UK alone for over 40 years. n Varus (bow-legged) and Valgus (knock-kneed) deformation support. 4
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
n Helps relieve arthritic knee pain. n NHS approved and clinically proven for over 40 years. n Easily attached and removed in seconds. n Ultra lightweight (200grams/8oz). n Greatly increase stability and security for the wearer. n Comfortable to wear and unobtrusive (can be worn under clothes). n Suitable for both legs. Enquiries: Call 02380 643402, email sales@stclare-engineering.co.uk or visit www.tvskneebrace.co.uk
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Advertiser’s announcement
NEW Action Reliever Osteoarthritis Knee Brace from THUASNE HOW IT WORKS
PROVEN CLINICALLY*
The Action Reliever knee brace has an off-loading action utilising straps to create a dynamic threepoint pressure system that is clinically proven* and most effective on heel strike.
Results from a randomised controlled study with 32 patients (17 bracing group / 15 control group) over eight weeks.
It has a combined rigid adjustable hinge on the affected side and flexible stay on the unaffected side.
The main objective was to test the effect of the brace on the pain free walking distance.
Self-dosing adjustment is possible by tightening the front straps. The Action reliever is invisible under most clothes. The Action Reliever knee brace is available for both medial or lateral OA and it’s routinely prescribed for uni-compartmental osteoarthritis. COMFORT
The Action Reliever knee brace has anatomically shaped straps, that are self-oriented and adjustable. The anatomical knitting has no compression areas at popliteal crease and at brace edges to maximise comfort. SUSPENSION
There is silicon thread integrated to the knitting; and the cross strap capture system allows the proper anchoring of the straps during the gait cycle. EASE OF USE
There are only two steps for fitting the brace on the patient’s leg after the initial fitting: 1) slide up the leg and 2) snap the buckles. The effortless magnetic buckles with finger loop help place them automatically, and the anatomical knitting makes it easy to slide up the leg. 6
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
“By wearing the brace, the pain on exertion was reduced and the pain-free distance extended.” YOUTUBE VIDEOS
The 3D product video can be viewed on YouTube using the search term “Action Reliever”. COST
The price for the Action Reliever is just £195 plus VAT.
THUASNE
Founded in France in 1847, The Thuasne Group is one of Europe’s oldest, largest and most respected orthopaedic companies, specialising in wearable medical devices. Thuasne has over 1,800, employees and subsidiary companies throughout Europe.
BOOK A DEMONSTRATION
The Action Reliever is the latest in a long line of premium, innovative new products which Thuasne are famed for.
To book a demonstration of this product or to find out more, please contact Thuasne’s Customer Services team on 01295 257422 or email orders@ thuasne.co.uk and they will arrange for one of their sales team to visit.
* Dr M. Benning, CTR, Version 1 ; 31-03-2017. Prospective randomised comparative study to demonstrate the medical benefits and ease of use during practical application of Thuasne Action Reliever.
Students come up with new idea to help patients NEWS
STROKE patients are benefiting from an idea two Essex occupational therapy students came up with during a placement at Colchester General Hospital. A Cognitive Stimulation Room has been established on the Stroke Unit where stroke patients go for cognitive assessment and rehabilitation. It is the idea of Lisa Allsop and Doreen Fitzgerald, occupational therapy students at the University of Essex, who both spent a two-month placement at the hospital. Their suggestion was taken forward by the six occupational therapists based on the Stroke Unit. Special resources, both paper-based and online, have been bought with money provided by Health Education England to improve the learning environment for students.
Carrie Hunt, senior occupational therapist, said: “Lisa and Doreen were asked to suggest a service improvement when they were with us and proposed a Cognitive Stimulation Room. “Their idea was taken on and developed by the occupational therapists on the unit, and the facility has now been established in a room that in the past was used mainly to store wheelchairs. “Many patients have cognitive deficiencies because of their stroke and the room is located on a quiet part of the Stroke Unit where patients can be assessed and then undergo rehabilitation.” As well as benefiting the patients, the specialist resources have enabled the students to be exposed to different therapies and to have the opportunity to further develop
Occupational therapy students Lisa Allsop and Doreen Fitzgerald with senior occupational therapists Emma Sutton and Carrie Hunt.
their skills and knowledge within a complex area. The Cognitive Stimulation Room has a computer which previously was not used but which now runs online software designed to help assess and provide an alternative medium for cognitive rehabilitation.
One of the items funded was a clock that also gives the date, month and year, and states whether it is morning or afternoon. Because the Cognitive Stimulation Room is an unfamiliar environment for patients, it is important that patients know what day, date and time it is.
V-M Orthotics Ltd offers therapeutic healing solutions for all ages … OUR extensive DARCO range includes orthoses, walkers and compression sleeves which contribute to restoring and ensuring mobility after injury, surgery or as the result of disease. Our products provide perfect anatomical fit which means joints are stabilised whilst offering musculoskeletal relief. In some cases, only the immobilisation of an injured area will provide sustainable therapeutic healing. Our
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DARCO positioning devices are highly adaptable to facilitate a proper fit for your patient. Healing shoes are indispensable in fortifying positive surgical results as well as in wound care applications. Features such as the square toe design, low profile height, generous opening and distal Meta-Shank make our DARCO healing shoes extremely versatile.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
Our shoes can be used for a wide range of applications from postoperative care to diabetic foot care. Interchangeable insoles are also available for the majority of our shoes ensuring optimal pressure relief that supports the patient’s mobility.
n Advanced Woundcare.
We are an established supplier on the NHS Supply Chain under the following Framework Agreements:
Our friendly team look forward to hearing from you and being of further assistance.
n Pressure Area Care and Patient Handling.
n Orthoses Podiatry and Associated Products. We are also a supplier on Shared Business Services – Orthotics Products and Services Framework
Enquiries: Visit www.vmorthotics.co.uk for further information.
RESTORATIVE Medical’s splints provide unique support and therapeutic positioning during rehabilitation and contracture management.
three-dimensionally to the patient’s movement.
Restorative Medical has been designing and manufacturing medical splints and braces for over 25 years.
standard for improved patient care.
Having developed the most comprehensive line of splints and braces on the market, ranging from infant to bariatric sizes, Restorative Medical has become a leader in the industry.
Flex Technology: Allows movement with the patient’s abnormal muscle tone and spasticity.
Through ongoing development, Restorative Medical is setting a new
Restorative Medical’s unique products incorporate:
Flo-Form™ Technology: A fluidised medium that is designed to maximise comfort, contouring, and support. Flo-Form™ has zero memory and zero flow, which enables it to respond
All Restorative Medical splints are designed to treat multiple disorders with various causes and provide the best clinical outcomes for these patients. Appropriately choosing the right treatment option can help with many motor or movement related to; CVA or Stroke, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, TBI, ABI, Parkinson’s, Dementia, End Stage Alzheimer’s, Extensor Tone/Hyperextension, CP, and MS. All Restorative Medical products are
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Unique splints aid the management of rehabilitation and contractures created specifically to:
Prevent: Long-term complications, further injuring to joints and surrounding tissue, and complications resulting from poor alignment and restricted movement. Protect: Skin from excessive pressure and shearing. Restore: Lost range of motion and function. Learn more about Restorative Medical’s unique technologies at www.Algeos.com or call 0151 448 1228. Algeos is the UK and Ireland distribution partner for Restorative Medical.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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Former professional footballer to lead new physiotherapy course A FORMER professional footballer will be returning to home turf to put University of Wolverhampton students through their paces on a new Physiotherapy course. Troy Douglin, who played for Torquay United and Celtic and is now also a part-time physio at Wolves FC Academy, has been appointed as course leader. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science from the University in 2006 and is looking forward to returning to his home turf to lead the course. Troy said: “I’m excited as there is such a market for this course – the University consulted with the local healthcare trusts and there was real appetite for us to develop a new Physiotherapy degree. There is a shortage of physiotherapists, especially in the West Midlands, so there are great job prospects available for the students. “Students could go on to work in a range of settings including treating patients with musculoskeletal problems such as back and joint pain, cardio respiratory issues such as heart disease, neurological conditions such
of Wolverhampton with a first class honours degree in 2006 specialising in biomechanics within sport and exercise science.
as strokes and with military patients, including amputees. “The role involves building a rapport with patients, sometimes over a long period, and listening and understanding their problems so we’ll be focusing on communication skills as well as in depth anatomy and physiology. The job is so varied – you can be treating patients who suffer constant lower back pain and no-one knows why, or patients who have suffered a stroke and want to be able to hold their grandchildren. So listening is a really important skill, and getting buy-in from patients to ensure they believe in the Physiotherapy process.”
Following this, he graduated from the University of Birmingham with a Masters degree in Physiotherapy and went on to become a Trauma and Orthopaedic Research Associate for Warwick Medical School. Troy Douglin
interest for students who will go out on placement in 2018.
A specialist physiotherapy lab is being created at the Walsall Campus to support the students’ training. This will accompany the existing stateof-the-art clinical skills labs within the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing.
“The university is known nationally for the way that it supports students and the Faculty of Health Education and Wellbeing has an incredible reputation for producing outstanding healthcare professionals. Our goal is to follow the other courses in the faculty and make this one of the best physiotherapy courses in the country.”
Students will complete seven placements in a range of NHS, sport and private settings. Local NHS Trusts including Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley, Telford, Oswestry, and Burton have already shown great
Troy is a musculoskeletal extended scope physiotherapist with a special interest in Osteoarthritis. Following his football career, he decided to work towards becoming a physiotherapist and graduated from the University
Since 2008, Troy has also been part of the Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club medical team and continues to work on a part-time basis as a chartered physiotherapist. In 2010, Troy completed the AREA emergency first aid trauma management course for the Premier League and went on to work for the England Football Association in 2011. He has also completed his Musculoskeletal Medicine training with the Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine, and was one of the first physiotherapists in the country to be able to prescribe medicines and provide cutting edge procedures for patients in his care. The BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course starts in October.
Cover provides an option for a long-standing unmet need THE Illizerov Frame Cover is unique and provides an option for a long standing unmet need for clinicians and patients alike.
option the cover offers the following:
Developed in partnership with trauma and orthopaedic nurses and manufactured in Lancashire by experienced machinists, the Illizerov Frame Cover has been met with nothing but positive feedback from staff and patients throughout the UK hospital trusts.
n Offers a more discreet option
Available in three sizes or a custom 10
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
n Keeps cold off the frame and the pins. n Keeps dirt, dust and pet hair off the pin sites to help prevent pin site infections. n Aids with protection of clothing / bed sheets etc. Visit http://www.beagleorthopaedic.com or call 01254 268 788.
Check-ups can stop people losing a foot or leg as a result of diabetes
NEWS
By Nikki Joule
MORE people than ever before are having an amputation as a result of their diabetes. Figures show that 20 people a day in England lose a foot or a leg because of the condition, despite experts predicting four out of five amputations are preventable. With regular foot check-ups, good healthcare and appropriate support, there is no reason for people with diabetes to lose a leg or a foot. Especially given the fact that as many as 80 per cent of these amputations start with foot ulcers which are both avoidable, and treatable if found early. This increase is due in part to the fact that more people than ever are living with diabetes. 700 people a day are now being diagnosed with diabetes and, since 1996, the number of people in the UK living with the condition has more than doubled, from 1.4 million to almost 3.6 million. Another significant issue is that, in England, good quality foot care has become an unacceptable postcode lottery. Figures from Public Health England show that some areas of the country are taking this issue seriously and have reduced the number of diabetes-related amputations, but the gap between the best and worst performing areas is widening every year. At Diabetes UK, we’re calling on the Government and the NHS to do more to tackle this growing,
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
devastating problem, by improving foot care services across the UK. We want to see targeted, urgent action to improve the worst performing areas, and stop these already unacceptable rates from increasing further. It is incredibly important that anyone living with diabetes who develops a foot infection or new ulcer seeks urgent attention from a team of specialists. That’s why it is vital everyone with diabetes has access to trained healthcare professionals and foot care teams to ensure problems can be identified and treated as soon as possible. We cannot escape the fact that losing a limb can change a person’s life forever. Chris Brown, from Bristol lost both of his legs below the knee in 2009 as a consequence of his diabetes. Now 64 years old, he says that even the most basic tasks leave him struggling: He added: “I used to be a voracious reader, but now I struggle to concentrate in the way I used to. “Things that I used to do without thinking, now take forever to accomplish.” After the second amputation, Chris moved to a bungalow to make life easier. Now, however, he is
seven miles from town, making it harder for him to see his friends and family. He tells people to never underestimate how life changing amputations are, and how they change your life in ways you can’t even imagine. At Diabetes UK we are committed to helping people know their diabetes, and supporting them in fighting the challenges it presents. It is unacceptable that tomorrow 20 people with diabetes will lose a foot or a leg to largely preventable complications; our work won’t stop until everyone living with diabetes gets the support they deserve, regardless of where they live in the UK. ■ Nikki Joule is policy manager at Diabetes UK.
By Laura West
MOST of us are lucky to have feet and we tend to take them for granted. Despite being hidden most of the time, they keep us mobile throughout our lives (and stop our legs from fraying). Like most things it is only when you haven’t got them or they hurt, that you appreciate them. Feet don’t stay the same size…they develop as we grow older. They grow like wildfire when we are babies and toddlers, slowing down when we get to high school, then as we get old they show the ravages of time and weight. The increase in obesity (often leading to diabetes) means feet have become more flaccid, requiring wider shoes, and there are more sufferers of plantar fasciitis and painful arches. There are 26 bones in the foot and they do not ossify (harden) and become fully developed until we are around 16-18 years old. If shoes are too tight/restrictive when we are tiny, it is like creating a bonsai tree and therefore the feet grow to be misshapen. This is why foot binding was banned many years ago in China. However, the trouble doesn’t stop at being misshapen…. oh no… if our feet hurt, or our natural gait (the way
we walk) is affected, then other parts of the body become unnecessarily worn too. This is why so many suffer with painful knees, hips, back and necks in maturity. Sadly, there is no government health warning on children’s footwear, but there should be. So, what is worse than ill-fitted footwear – or shoes that are cheaply made and become misshapen in no time at all? It is being diabetic and not knowing the importance of shoe fitting and good footwear, and not finding a professional shoe fitting service. If your feet become misshapen for any reason (and ill health like lymphoedema, or arthritis and rheumatism which love to attack the feet), then it is likely your shoes will rub. For the vast majority this is painful, you get a blister or a corn and you either discard the footwear or stupidly suffer. For a diabetic, this can be life-threatening. If an infection takes hold it can result in an ulcer, amputation or worse. Up to date mortality statistics can be found online, but we are reliably informed that it costs in excess of £95,000 to treat a diabetic and the cost goes up dramatically if they need surgical assistance. The NHS has to foot the
bill (pardon the pun). Diabetes UK do a fantastic job in trying to educate their members to look after their feet and podiatrists warn patients to take special care and check their feet daily. Wellfitted quality footwear that have an adjustment i.e. laces etc. (as feet go hot and cold through the day), with few seams and straps and smooth insoles and linings, is of paramount importance, as well as keeping feet immaculately clean, drying thoroughly between toes and discarding any cheap/badly made or shrunken socks. Diabetes is part of our training course for S.S.F. professional fitters, but there are too few shops that offer a professional service as online sales and supermarkets have removed specialisation and the personal service needed. Independent retailers are the most reliable and knowledgeable, but still too many don’t qualify their staff. Childrens shops are more enlightened as educated parents expect to have their children’s feet fitted, but few adults realise their feet continue to develop and do not expect to be fitted unless they have a problem – which is a nightmare for diabetics because where can they shop safely for shoes? Thankfully Society of Shoe Fitter members and some from the
Children’s Foot Health Register can help, and now Podiatrists have seen the gap in the market (and in their client’s shoes) and are also learning to fit and selling appropriate footwear and hosiery. The key is preventative medicine and ‘funded education – public health warnings’ for both the public and industry. Realising the importance of developing feet and how footwear makes a huge difference, would be less painful for the public and for NHS budgets. The Society of Shoe Fitters are doing what they can to inform the public with National Shoe Fitting Week (always the week before Easter) which is supported by Diabetes UK, and we supply posters and PR freely to anyone and everyone prepared to promote the message – but without any financial support or advertising department to badger the media to run a story, it is not easy.
NEWS
An update on diabetes
If you would like to take part or know someone who could help raise the profile of the importance of shoe fitting – particularly for diabetics, we would love to hear from you. n Laura West is the secretary at the Society of Shoe Fitters and the Children’s Foot Health Register. Email secretary@shoefitters-uk.org
Blatchford, the prosthetics manufacturer, has been named best overall winner of the 2017 Medical Design Excellence Awards for its Linx system, the first fully integrated, microprocessor-controlled lower limb system to help above-knee amputees live more active and independent lives. In a ceremony at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, Blatchford’s Linx system was awarded the Gold Medal Award in Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Products category, and the Best in Show Award. The Medical Design Excellence Awards is the premier awards programme for the medtech industry. Since its inception in 1998, it has recognised significant achievements in medical product design and engineering that improve the quality of healthcare delivery and accessibility.
Hapla 3D System for offloading plantar diabetic ulceration THE Hapla 3D System was primarily developed in Australia because of the widespread availability of Hapla felt for use as an economical and effective method of offloading pressure from people with plantar diabetic foot ulcers who live in remote areas. The system uses two or three layers of 10mm Hapla semi-compressed all Merino wool felt with aligning apertures to offer a wide surface area over which the ground reaction force can be spread, reducing pressure to the ulcerated site. The system uses Hapla hypoallergenic adhesive to secure felt to the foot and minimise the motion of the padding
which can be left in place for one or two weeks. The ulcer dressing can be changed throughout this period. The ease of application of the system allows for chairside fitting, is easy to change and is comfortable for the patient. Enquiries: Visit www.hapla.co.uk to watch the Hapla 3-D system training video or for more information contact training@cuxsongerrard.com
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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Bringing it back to basics WITH the rising number of Fitness Apps measuring all parts of your body could we be losing track on what’s really important for fitness? Such as accurate stats on muscle, fat and hydration? Monitoring Lean Muscle Mass becomes more important as we age. Strength and resistance training undoubtedly helps to maintain vital muscle but how do we know if the exercises we are repeating every week are actually gaining us the valuable muscle we need? As much as we’d like them to, your phone will not be able to tell you accurately whether you are gaining muscle in the right areas and losing the dreaded body fat. You need a specialized device to measure body composition, but in today’s age there are so many products on the market. How do you know which one to choose? I am here to explain a little about how this technology works so you can make up your own mind. Fat vs Visceral Fat Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, also known as BIA, is the technology most of these body fat analysers follow, whether they use scales or
electrodes. This means a very weak signal or current is passed through the body. The current will then pass through different tissues which will have different resistive qualities to the current (ie fat is an insulator, ie a poor conductor, since it contains less fluid and electrolytes, so will slow down the current). The flow of the current is recorded as Impedance. These values are then read by the BIA machine which will determine the quantity of that tissue in the body. Now, the important factor to remember is that the fat is fat, and muscle is muscle. Just like you cannot differentiate between brown fat and white fat, you cannot differentiate between visceral and subcutaneous fat. All types of fats will still show the same amount of resistance to the current. Scales vs Electrodes
The accuracy of BIA measurements depends on skin resistance. When we are using a light current to measure the inside the body, the thickness of the skin and the connection to the electrode is of utmost importance. So if we consider scales for the moment, consider the thickness of the soles of your feet and palms of your hand in comparison to the thin skin on the tops of your hands and feet, used with electrodes (the sticky pads). The sweatiness and dryness of the hands and feet will also affect any electrical current when taking a BIA measurement. Bodystat has been a manufacturer of solely BIA devices for almost 30
years. They dedicate themselves to educating their customers about this technology and are determined to offer the most accurate results possible. Always offering the latest technology, Bodystat is launching a new Touch Screen device this September. So keep an eye out on their website www.bodystat.com as there will be a huge sale of current stock very soon. This could be your chance to get your body composition analyser well within budget! Contact: sales@bodystat.com Call Us: 01624-629571 Website: www.bodystat.com
New Veldtschoen construction footwear available at Fitzkidz ORTHO Europe is pleased to introduce Veldtschoen ‘stitchdown’ construction footwear within the Fitzkidz children’s range.
“We are constantly looking at ways to improve our product offering; from customer feedback, this seemed the natural progression for the Fitzkidz range of footwear, demonstrating that we are committed to embracing innovation and continually enhancing our customers’ experience. “
Veldtschoen construction is a type of Goodyear welting shoe production method whereby the lining is welted to the insole edge or the insole bridge before the upper is attached.
I have no doubt that our stitchdown construction shoes will support the active lifestyle and comfort of paediatric patients.
Once the lining has been welted, the upper is placed on top of the welts and double-stitched onto the midsole. A second stitch connects the upper with the welting and the outsole. This shoe production method guarantees sturdy, waterproof shoes that retain their form. As of July this year, this construction method is available at Ortho Europe’s central fabrication facility in West Yorkshire, complementing the existing product range. Consisting of nine specialist pieces of machinery used in conjunction with skilled shoemakers, production is now underway, further enhancing the quality and service provided to customers. Fitzkidz’s three most popular styles of school shoes, Jazz, Spinnerz 14
“To my knowledge, we are the only UK manufacturer to now offer both cement lasted and Veldtschoen footwear within this market sector. and Smasherz, are the first to be manufactured using stitchdown construction, with further models available on request. Ortho Europe director, James Lyons, said: “We have been working closely with our Benelux offices on this project as the market in Benelux for orthopaedic footwear uses Veldtschoen construction manufacturing regularly, whereas in the UK cement lasted construction within the orthopaedic market is the go-to structure of footwear for manufacturing.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
“We will also look to roll this manufacturing method out to our Footmatch adult range of modular and bespoke footwear at a later date.” About Fitzkidz Fitzkidz, part of the Ortho Europe product family, is well established as a leading range of high quality paediatric footwear and foot orthotics in the UK. Each pair of shoes is crafted from start to finish in Yorkshire by expert shoemakers, using top quality leather
and other materials.
The footwear can be manufactured and delivered within five to 10 working days, and both modular and fully bespoke options are available. Combining high street fashion with rigorous standards of orthotic care, Fitzkidz shoes feature: n Supportive stiffeners n Low opening for ease of access. n Ankle padding for extra comfort. n Soft tongue padding to conform around the foot. n Removable inlays with anatomical design. n Strengthened toe box. These features ensure advanced orthotic support, without compromising on comfort and ease of movement. Fitzkidz remains at the forefront of innovation within the industry, and new designs are continually in development. To find out more about stitchdown construction or the Fitzkidz range, please contact Andy Cooper on 07770 948592, or email andy.cooper@ortho-europe.com. You can also view the full range of footwear online at www.ortho-europe.com