INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 122 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 £6.95
People with artificial hands rely on intact limb, research finds RESEARCHERS from the University of Salford have used new techniques to show that people with artificial arms and hands rely heavily on their intact limbs. In the first major study of its kind, researchers used electronic sensors to look in detail at the daily activities of a group of people with one prosthetic hand over the course of a week. Previously, clinicians have relied on data from self-reported questionnaires completed by prosthesis users about how they use their artificial limbs, but these are often unreliable. Their paper confirms a widely held belief that prosthesis users relied heavily on their intact limb in their daily lives. Research team leader Laurence Kenney, Professor of Rehabilitation Technologies at the University of Salford, said: “Although it has widely been suspected that prosthesis users have a tendency to rely on their intact arm, this is the first time that objective and detailed data has been produced to confirm this is the case. “Relying too much on one limb may lead to overuse injuries, and our findings are consistent with reports that upper limb amputees are more likely to experience such problems ” The group of prosthesis users were from a range of ages and included people who had been born without hands as well as those who had needed amputations. Electronic sensors were placed on the wrists of
both the prosthetic hand and the intact hand to measure continuous activities over seven days. The technique gave researchers incredibly accurate data about how much they were using each of their hands, and the results were compared against a similar group of 20 people with both limbs intact. The researchers found all of the prosthesis users showed an increased reliance on their intact hand, although they did find that those who had been using a prosthetic hand for longer did not rely on the intact hand as heavily. They also looked at how long people were wearing their artificial hands during the day – as prostheses users sometimes choose not to wear their devices – but found there was no relationship between this and how much they relied on the intact hand. Finally, the researchers also invited participants into the lab to study how well the prosthesis users performed on a simple pick and place task. They found no relationship between measures of task performance with either the amount of time a prosthesis was worn, or the degree of reliance on the intact arm.
Professor Kenney said: “While further work is needed, our new technique allows clinicians and researchers to understand for the first time how people with prosthetic limbs actually use them in their day to day lives. This technique may eventually lead to better ways of supporting people who have been given prosthetic limbs.”
Paralympian Scott Moorhouse, who represented Great Britain at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, has completed a gruelling challenge to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats. Scott has already raised more than £6,500 for his chosen chairty LimbPower, a national disability sports organisation working to engage individuals with limb loss and or limb difference in physical activity and sport. Sport has played a powerful role in helping Scott to overcome his disability. It has given him a goal and a focus, and equally the confidence that having one leg will not hold him back. It is with this thought in mind that he has chosen to raise money for LimbPower, who offer relief to the physically disabled by aiding rehabilitation and improving the quality of life through the medium of recreational and competitive sports and arts.
NATHALIE McGloin made history at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone recently as she became the first sportsperson with a disability to present a podium prize.
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Nathalie is the only female tetraplegic racing driver in the world to be competing at professional level.
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She handed over the trophy in place of David Richards CBE,chairman of the Motor Sports Association, who personally invited her to make the presentation.
“This is a sport for everyone, whatever their background or gender, and whether able-bodied or disabled – and the UK is leading the way in this respect. I’d like to thank David
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She awarded the third place trophy to Kimi Räikkönen, after a thrilling race in 30-degree heat.
Nathalie said: “I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to raise awareness of the accessibility of motorsport and demonstrate that ‘anything is possible’.
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Nathalie is the first disabled sportsperson to give prize
Nathalie McGloin presenting the trophy to Kimi Räikkönen.
Richards for his generous support and dedication to this cause.” Nathalie, 35, was involved in a road traffic accident aged 16 and has since then been confined to a wheelchair. She first got on track in 2015 with Mission Motorsport, and now competes in the Porsche Club Championship.
Pic credit: Jakob Ebrey.
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Nathalie helps other people with disabilities get behind the wheel through Spinal Track, a charity she founded with her partner, Andrew Bayliss. She is also president of the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission and an ambassador for the charity Dare To Be Different.
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
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NEWS Dr Kai Yang, a Principal Research Fellow in the Smart Electronic Materials and Systems research group within Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton.
E-textiles could ease the pain of millions with arthritis THE pain of millions of people living with arthritis in the UK could be could be relieved through new technologies in development by University of Southampton researcher Dr Kai Yang.
The three-year Fellowship will see Kai expanding her team, and widening her collaboration with industry, clinicians and – most importantly to her – the end-user.
Kai, a Principal Research Fellow in the Smart Electronic Materials and Systems research group within Electronics and Computer Science, has been awarded a £600,000 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Fellowship to expand her research into e-textiles that could help ease the pain generated by the healthcare condition.
“All of my research is driven by the end-user,” Kai added. “I focus on what they need and that governs the direction of my research. The biggest impact for research is to make it useful for the individual. It doesn’t matter how clever the technology is if the end-user doesn’t like it or can’t use it.”
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability that affects people’s independence and quality of life, and represents a massive burden on NHS resources. The number of people with osteoarthritis-affected knees is estimated to increase from 4.7 million in 2010, to 6.5 million by 2020, and 8.3 million by 2035, due to the UK’s ageing population. Kai’s research is exploring the use of e-textile technology as a therapeutic application enabling self-management of healthcare conditions to help people feel better and live longer. The Fellowship is underpinned by two existing projects – The Medical Research Council SMARTmove project which has developed the printed electrodes for healthcare applications, and the EPSRC funded FETT project, which has identified manufacturing and packaging processes
A flexible circuit for e-textiles from the FETT project.
that enable circuits to be reliably and invisibly incorporated in textiles.
She said: “The Fellowship will allow me to build on my previous research into developing cutting-edge electronic textiles for wearable therapeutics, where dry electrodes printed on everyday clothing fabric can deliver a small electrical current to interfere with the pain signals and stimulate the release of the body’s natural endorphins easing the pain. “People who are in severe pain are less mobile and this technology could enable them to become more independent, engage in more activities and experience better health for longer. “Wearable e-textiles will provide a comfortable to wear, easy to use and cost-effective solution to end-users.”
Kai has ensured the needs of end-users and clinicians has been incorporated throughout her research. Through FortisNet – an interdisciplinary hub of expertise in regenerative medicine, orthopaedics, prosthetics and assistive technologies launched by the IfLS – she has consulted with members of the public and doctors, an engagement that is set to continue with her EPSRC Fellowship. “The Fellowship offers me a great opportunity to work at the interface of the University, industry and members of the public,” Kai concluded. “We will be recruiting end-users to test the prototype and ensure their view is integrated throughout the design. “I hope that the Fellowship will enable us to take this technology to the next stage, with a view to eventually getting it to market through a spin out or start-up company.”
Occupational therapists represent University at conference TWO Lancaster academics have spoken at a prestigious conference in South Africa held to share and develop the skills of occupational therapists from around the world.
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Dr Ana Borges da Costa and Liz Harrison, senior lecturers in occupational therapy, were invited to present at the World Federation of Occupation Therapists Congress held in Cape Town. The event is held every four years at venues around the world and this year marked the first time it was held in Africa.
“The theme this year was Connected in Diversity: Positioned for Impact and highlighted the profession’s many differing roles and how, despite cultural differences affecting the way practice in each country, we can work together to promote occupation as a tool for improving health and wellbeing,” Liz said. “Ana and I submitted abstracts and were fortunate to be selected to present at this highly esteemed event. Thanks also go to the University of Cumbria Research and Development fund for funding our trip.”
2,000 delegates attended, many of them from the African continent, and the five days involved a mix of workshops, presentations, posters, key note presentations and an exhibition.
Dr da Costa presented a poster and spoke about her PhD research which focused on the impact of circle dance on wellbeing’, while Liz spoke about how power relationships impact on our work
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
with children, an element of her PhD research called ‘The power & the glory?: exploring how occupational therapists address the spirituality of children with physical disability.’
The event allowed both to make connections with researchers looking at similar areas of interest, and it is hoped future collaborations will result. “The congress was an amazing experience for us both,” Dr da Costa added. ”It was colourful, passionate and vibrant, with an incredibly positive attitude towards our wonderful profession and its future direction. We are so grateful for the opportunity to represent the university and to have learned so much about occupational therapy in other cultures.”
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New technology enables man to hold his granddaughter again AMPUTEES have used new a naturalistic sensory device at home for daily tasks and to gain a sense of personal well-being and connection to those they love.
their residual arm. “Once home, they’d often end up putting a traditional prosthesis on the shelf. We found the opposite to be true when they had a sense of touch—they didn’t want to stop using it.”
In the first known study of how amputees use advanced sensory-enabled prostheses outside the lab, subjects used a mechanical hand with a direct connection to their nerves to provide a naturalfeeling hand.
“The subjects in this study used the sensoryenabled prosthesis far longer than the same prosthesis without sensation. One said that giving back the sensory device after the study concluded was “like losing my hand all over again.”
With sensation, they used the hand far more regularly and for longer periods of time compared to traditional prostheses—and also reported a greater sense of psychosocial well-being.
“In addition to wearing the artificial hand for more time and for more daily tasks when it was sensory enabled, the participants had greater confidence in using the hand to do tasks and to socially interact with loved ones,” added Emily Graczyk, a post-doctoral researcher at Case Western Reserve University and lead writer on the new study.
In fact, the study asserts that sensory feedback— achieved by direct interfaces attached to the nerves —fundamentally changed how the study participants used their mechanical attachment, “transforming it from a sporadically used tool into a readily and frequently used ‘hand.’”
“These psychological and emotional impacts of sensation could be critical for improving amputees’ quality of life.”
The study was led by a pair of researchers from Case Western Reserve University, who collaborated with scientists from Brown University and partners at US Veterans Affairs sites in Cleveland and Providence, Rhode Island. In video interviews with Case Western Reserve, the two subjects who took part in the study talk about the impact that using the sensory-enable hand made in their home lives, from being able to pick up a grandchild to pick flowers, button a shirt or slice tomatoes. “Two aspects of the research make it significant: That is was conducted at home without restrictions on how the prosthesis was used; and the significant positive impact of sensory feedback— both functional and psychological—that resulted from extended use of the prosthesis,” said lead
researcher Dustin Tyler, the Kent H. Smith Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve. “Researchers have for nearly a decade demonstrated that restored sensation can aid in object identification and manipulation tasks, but that those results were produced in laboratory settings. “When they’re in the lab, many subjects (in previous studies) have described their prosthesis as nothing more than a tool attached to the end of
“Prosthetic rehabilitation, and virtually all research surrounding it, has so far focused mostly on restoring physical function—not the psychosocial aspects of using a prosthesis,” Dustin and Emily wrote in their paper. He said his research team is next looking at implanting devices to route the neural connections through Bluetooth technology to allow the amputee to “feel” the new hand through wireless connections between themselves and the device. “When you add sensory feedback technology to something like a prosthetic hand, you add the most important thing that connects us together as humans—touch,” Dustin said.“That’s a huge difference.”
Upgrade for more independent living, health and wellbeing in Essex region A GROUND-BREAKING report lifts the lid on how tech-savvy older people are in – except when it comes to their health – and sets out the massive opportunity for the public sector to help local people use technology to live more independently for longer, aiming that by 2021, older people in Essex will be the most tech confident in the world. The report ‘Digital Boomers – A Theory of change for older people, technology and independent living’ myth-busts many common assumptions about how older people embrace digital and tech. It includes a Theory of Change: a step by step model to enable citizens, families, professionals and organisations to harness new technology at scale.
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technology adoption amongst older people in the county; coupled with extensive face-to-face insight with people from across Essex, as well as an academic literature review by Anglia Ruskin University.
The resulting Theory of Change makes six recommendations for collective action for citizens and professionals alike which together should take us closer to our world-leading ambition. Keir Lynch, CEO of Essex Cares Ltd, one of the partners behind the Digital Boomers’ work said: “Older people in Essex are more tech savvy than people may think so we need to be more inclusive in our approach.
RETHINK Partners produced the report after being commissioned by Essex County Council to explore the question “How can technology be better used across Essex to promote independent living?” and worked with a group that included local and district councils, NHS, Fire, care delivery organisations and voluntary sector members from across Essex.
“We have an ageing population and we could be supporting people to use technology to live independently for longer. This isn’t about replacing hands on care – this report shows that many older people already have a lot of skills and an appetite and interest to use technology for all sorts of things – the report lays down a challenge to us to provide more opportunities for our staff and citizens to build their confidence.”
They pooled their knowledge and set out to discover what may be enabling or hindering
Clare Morris, co-founder, RETHINK Partners, added: “The Digital Boomers report shows that
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
older people and their families are expecting to be able to use tech and digital to maintain their independence for longer. Lots of technology already exists to help with daily living.
“This work is about how we get older people and professionals as confident and comfortable with this sort of technology as they already are with smart phones, tablets and Facebook. “There’s a big opportunity to fill the gap quickly and accelerate the pace of change, and I really think we can lead the charge here in Essex.” The Digital Boomers report and Theory of Change gives the entire county the blueprint for ensuring the people of Essex lead the way in tech and independent living. A strong forward programme of work is emerging with a wide range of potential programmes to support the Theory of Change, including creating spaces for people to explore and play with tech, and using volunteers with good IT skills to join up with those who are less confident. The outputs of this mobilisation stage will be published in the autumn and RETHINK Partners are asking anyone, be they citizens or professionals to get involved in this work.
Virtual reality relieves knee pain NEWS
TRICKING the brain with visual illusions that alter the appearance of the knee is proving to reduce pain for people with osteoarthritis.
NHMRC Career Development Fellow. “It seems that seeing is believing, and by understanding the neurological processes at work we may be able to ease pain more effectively for people with chronic conditions, reduce their reliance on medications and find alternative physical therapies to help manage conditions like osteoarthritis.
Researchers from the University of South Australia’s Body in Mind Research Group conducted testing on people aged over 50 who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. The 12 participants wore video goggles and watched real-time footage of their own knees shot from above – as if they were looking down at their knee – or from facing them as if they were looking at their knee in the mirror. Mediated reality technology was used to manipulate the video to make their knees appear elongated and stretched or shortened and shrunk. As the patient looked into the goggles at a manipulated version of their knee, a practitioner grasped the shin and gently pushed or pulled. Ten of 12 participants (83 per cent) experienced significant pain reductions of up to 40 per cent. “Even though we had actually done nothing to the knee, having that illusion occur changed how much pain they felt,” said lead researcher Dr Tasha Stanton. “Where it might be quite exciting is if people have a lot of pain and these
“This research adds to a growing body of evidence that implicates the involvement of the central nervous system in the brain so it’s not just problems with the receptors in the joint itself, it seems to be problems with the way the brain is using that information.”
illusions can reduce it for a period of time then maybe we can combine that with things like exercise. “We know exercise is good for people – it has great outcomes – but when it hurts to exercise it can be really hard to start.” Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that occurs when cartilage wears away. Previous research has been done using illusions on people experiencing pain from hand osteoarthritis with similar results.
However, Tasha said the latest study showed the technique also worked for weight-bearing joints such as the knee. She said the research provided “proof of concept” support that visual illusions can play a powerful role in reducing pain. “We have shown that pain is reduced significantly when a visual stimulus, in this case a smaller or an elongated joint, is provided, but not only that, when exposed to that illusion repeatedly, pain decreases even further,” added Tasha, who is also a
Tasha said the study also highlighted the potential adaption of emerging technologies for clinical settings. “As we start to understand how these things work it helps us make better hypothesis in other studies and combine with the right type of other therapies,” she added. “I think we probably need more research and give it due diligence to understand it a little bit better but I think it is a real possibility in the future that all these new technologies can start to be integrated within the clinic because we’re starting to get cheaper, easier versions to use and that’s really important.”
‘Mumpreneur’ reaches finals of National Business Awards MANCHESTER based mum and business owner Kathy Forbes-James has earned herself a place in the final line-up of The Mpower National Business Awards.
a short space of time, I’m truly honoured to even be considered for a nationally recognised award, let alone have the judges recognise my achievements in this way.
The prestigious awards celebrate parents throughout the UK who manage the difficult task of juggling business with family life.
“When my son is old enough to fully understand the journey I have been on, I know he will be incredibly proud of me too.”
Founder of The Shoe Train, mother of one from Urmston, Manchester, Kathy is a professional shoe fitter; providing a mobile shoe fitting service to people in the comfort of their own homes. Kathy has established links with care home providers, as well as local physiotherapists and podiatrists.
She added: “My customers are my reason for doing this. It’s incredibly rewarding to go back to a care home and see someone walking around, enjoying the communal gardens and chatting away to people; when only a week before they were barely moving and sat indoors on a sunny day.
Kathy was Highly Commended within the category of Self Belief for The Mpower National Business Awards.
“Having supportive shoes that fit correctly gives the residents renewed confidence in moving around; which leads to building muscle tone that helps to prevent trips and falls. The right shoes are just as much a mobility aid as a stick or frame.
She said: “After a few very difficult years juggling full-time work, being a mum and being disabled, I took the brave decision to prioritise work/life balance and start my own business. “I’ve achieved so much in such 8
“My aim is to have The Shoe Train in every city across the UK. This is an essential service that should be available to everyone.”
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
NEWS The double award winning NEOFECT team (left) who have created the RAPAEL Smart Glove and RAPAEL Smart Pegboard (right)
Revolutionary glove handed two awards A SOUTH Korean company has been awarded two prestigious accolades for its creation of a virtual reality glove that is transforming recovery times of stroke victims by a leading care provider.
Blackwood recognised the company, NEOFECT, as the winner in the ‘Best Aids and Equipment’ and ‘Best Accessible Technology’ categories for its RAPAEL Smart Glove and RAPAEL Smart Pegboard – both of which are used in the rehabilitation and treatment of patients following serious injury or stroke. The ingenious design, which highlights just how today’s technology can be adapted for patient care, was very well received by the panel at the Blackwood Design Awards, which aim to celebrate the great and good of innovations to help people who have disabilities. The RAPAEL Smart Glove works using interactive gaming to encourage and
motivate its users to keep repeating measured movements in their recovery phase.
Its range of games use algorithms which adapt to the progression of its users and, thanks to its engaging technology, the RAPAEL Smart Glove brings feeling and movement back to inactive parts of the hand, wrist and forearm. The award-winning piece of equipment increases the difficulty of the movements and games with the patient’s progression, as well as also tracking and recording their development. Anna Choi, marketing communication manager at NEOFECT, said: “Lots of stroke survivors give up rehabilitation due to cost constraints and distance to treatment facilities, so digital and at-home devices, like the RAPAEL Smart Rehabilitation Solutions, help overcome these obstacles and allow patients to continue training to regain
their mobility.
“We believe that by using gamebased training, healthcare providers can help their patients stay positive about their recovery, which will lead to better rehabilitation experiences and more people getting back their health. “We’re very proud to have our designs and contribution recognised in the Blackwood Design Awards this year – it’s a true honour. “We’re all extremely excited at the prospect of the word spreading, which could see more people benefit from the glove.” One of the most important benefits of the RAPAEL Smart Glove is that it gives its user independence. The glove can be used at home, while contact can still be maintained with a therapist via video calls. The glove was first co-invented by
the CEO of NEOFECT, Hoyoung Ban, who recognised the need to advance the rehabilitation process after experiencing first-hand the obstacles both patients and families face after losing his father to a stroke, and later seeing two uncles fall victim to the same condition.
Max Brown, chair of Blackwood Board, added: “We were thoroughly impressed with the amount of quality entrants for this year’s awards, and the RAPAEL Smart Glove was one that just stood out to us immediately. “This glove’s design has incredible results with its patient recovery rates and really has the potential to breathe a breath of fresh air into the way we think about the rehabilitation process. “The invention makes a huge difference in helping those living with disabilities to live more independently and that’s what we aim to promote and encourage with the Blackwood Design Awards.”
Mid-wheel drive edition added to Juvo range with our customers, and we felt it was a natural progression to offer a mid-wheel drive version as well. The torsion drive system has been created just for this chair, offering comfort, safety, reduced rocking and overall, a much smoother user experience.”
OTTOBOCK UK has launched a new addition to its highly popular Juvo powered wheelchair range — a mid-wheel drive version. Complementing the existing Juvo range, with its forward and rear wheel drive options, the new mid-wheel drive edition provides the same winning combination of reliability, safety and design, with an even tighter turning circle.
The Juvo range is designed to give people with varying medical conditions and specific needs the opportunity to have their everyday companion truly tailored to them. It is suitable for a wide range of conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Motor Neurone Disease, Spina Bifida and spinal injuries.
In addition, its torsion drive system — unique to the mid-wheel drive edition — will give the user a far smoother and more stable ride than conventional mid-wheel drive chairs, with a reduced rocking motion when going up kerbs and when stopping and starting. Users will also benefit from a new vario-adjustable seat, the width of which can be adapted at any time to suit a person’s body weight, and for those in need of more side support, an anti-sheer recline system to keep support where it is needed. 10
Simon Tempest, head of business unit, human mobility, Ottobock, said: “Our front and rear wheel drive Juvo chairs are incredibly popular
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
And thanks to the range of different options available — including a wide range of frame colours to reflect the user’s personality — each Juvo user will have, through their rehab specialist, a customised power wheelchair that is always ready to support their daily routine and weekend activities.
Advertiser’s announcement
WENDY Bleasdale and John Vause are delighted to confirm they have completed their management buyout of Reed Medical Limited.
and paediatric footwear.
for ulcer management.
We have listened to our customers and are delighted to announce that …
The ever popular Podowell range has now been increased with a new style and more colour choice.
Wendy and John were advised by Katharine Mellor of Manchester law firm, Slater Heelis.
We have now added a further last shape for the “at risk” diabetic foot – the Low Toe Last.
For more than 60 years ‘Reed’ is a name which has become well known in the industry as a manufacturer of quality footwear for both adults and children.
This is an innovative design which assists in the reduction of pressure under the metatarsal heads.
To complement our range of footwear we now offer a full range of Total Contact Insoles in Multi-Density EVA, Polypropylene, Polyurethane and Carbon Fibre, all with a choice of top covers.
Our latest catalogues of adults and children’s footwear include the many new styles and features which are now available, keeping the company at the forefront in the manufacture of orthopaedic, diabetic, therapeutic
Safe Seam® technology is now the proven standard in all our diabetic footwear together with our “Superplush Lining”. New designs in all categories of footwear are now available reflecting current high street trends.
Our Kids Collection now includes our more robustly constructed Kidztuff® range with extended heavy duty heel stiffener, robust upper leathers, full leather lining, rigid rubber sole unit and increased back height for stability.
We have increased the choice in our popular leisure footwear range offering stylish new trainers in a range of colours and new stretch materials.
Also included in our Kids Collection catalogue are:
Our well accepted Lymph shoe is now available in velcro as well as lace fastening and can now be ordered in a modular specification.
n School collection.
Sales of our Podartis range continue to grow as the evidence based choice
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Management buyout of Reed Medical Limited complete
n Tiny toes. n Stability and Toewalkers. n Straight / Reverse and AFO. n Ponsetti boots and Dobbs bars. n New INSOLE collection.
If you want more information ring our dedicated customer service and technical team to answer any questions you may have, “just ask”: we are the manufacturer and we can meet all your requirements. To request your copy of the latest adult and children’s catalogues call 01254 503333 or email info@reedmedical.co.uk
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
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Beagle celebrates 10 years By Oliver Dyson
NEWS
BEAGLE Orthopaedic has been like a dog with a bone with its pursuit of keeping the UK manufacturing of orthopaedic products alive. The Blackburn firm’s tenacity in continuing to manufacture, supply and support a range of vital products from the UK – when much of the industry is being imported in from countries such as China and Vietnam – has paid off. The business celebrated its 10-year anniversary with festivities for its 80-strong employee base at their Blackburn headquarters. Speaking to managing director Len Lloyd and product and marketing director Kelly Halsall, it became clear that what has helped Beagle survive is two fold: a dedication to its products and a dedication to providing the best and most responsive service possible. The latter has become the company’s USP, in a market where they are the only ones capable of responding to orders within days, rather than months as with international suppliers. “When the NHS expanded it lost a of if its speciality people, lost a lot of training and facilities closed because of the cost. A lot of companies say they support their products, but we are leaders in the field, in terms of supporting learning for our products. “Seventy per cent of our sales team is clinically trained in anatomy and physiology so our products can have more of an effect as they can guide the clinician to the right one.
The Beagle Orthopaedic team gather to celebrate 10 years at their Blackburn headquarters.
Beagle also host learning days where clinicians can attend en masse to learn about the products, their suitability and correct use. “Connectivity for us is really important, from the point of injury to the point of discharge,” Kelly said.
“We are not selling ball point pens, these medical products need to be underpinned so we can increase better outcomes for the patient.”
“We develop products with the clinicians too. Our most successful is the Clasby Humeral Brace, which actually changed the protocols.
Len said part of their endurance strategy is to be adaptable to the changing NHS and being flexible to the constantly transforming market.
“Hospitals work so differently and independently that something we create for a hospital in Salford might not necessarily work in London. We can
develop and manufacture products to fit the purpose and for that hospital’s team.” Len added: “I’m really proud of what we have achieved. It has been a hard road and we have suffered a lot of adversity, but to still be here 10 years on with a three-to-five-year plan to continue to grow is really exciting. “Every department in the country requires a different skill set but we all have the same type of belief in what we do. Everyone has an important role and no one is more important than anyone else.”
Affordable new wheelchair introduced ROWHEELS, a developer of innovative manual mobility tech, has announced the introduction of the ROWHEELS Revolution 1.0 – the world’s first production wheelchair to incorporate patented “pullwheel” technology.
“We have proven the pull-wheel concept and are now poised to disrupt a wheelchair market that is predicted to hit $5.4bn by 2022 and yet has changed little in the last 140 years,” said Gaurav. “ROWHEELS Revolution gives wheelchair users a better option at an affordable price via an ecommerce platform that challenges the inefficiencies of today’s healthcare system.”
Designed and assembled in the USA, the competitively priced wheelchair will be sold direct to consumers as part of the vision of its new CEO, Gaurav Mishra, who joins ROWHEELS after leading global sales at medical technology giant Ottobock. The brainchild of NASA engineer and wheelchair-user Salim Naser, ROWHEELS’ unique wheel design allows users to propel themselves forward using a pulling (or rowing) action rather than the traditional pushing motion. ROWHEELS’ novel approach pulls the upper-arm away from the shoulder and is clinically proven to reduce the upper body pain suffered by up to 70 per cent of traditional wheelchair users, caused by compression of the shoulder joint due to the pushing 12
action.
wheelchair of its own.
ROWHEELS also provides improved mobility, with a gearing systems that makes it easier to go up inclines and traverse challenging surfaces.
In a major shift of the company’s business model, ROWHEELS Revolution will be made available to users directly via the company’s online e-commerce platform, removing the delays users currently face in receiving their wheelchair and the high margins associated with the conventional reimbursement model.
Having sold its pull-wheels to wheelchair users across the world, ROWHEELS has proven the technology to be effective, leading the company to develop a complete
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
“With our ‘Ready to roll out of the box’ model, we provide a differentiated customer experience not yet seen in the industry, including ease of ordering, premium packaging and quick delivery,” added Gaurav. “I believe we can lead the adoption of this innovative disruptive model across similar assistive devices and disability medical devices: cut the cost, pass the savings to the patients, facilitate shorter waiting times and deliver a great patient experience.” The ROWHEELS Revolution will be available in October.
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Stigmatising products Online campaign for puts older people off better access earns award nomination making vital changes A GRADUATE who used grants awarded by De Montfort University Leicester to help launch an online campaign for better disabled access has been nominated for a national award.
OLDER people with health conditions and mobility issues are delaying making vital changes to their homes, such as installing handrails and ramps, due to the offputting and stigmatising appearance of products, as well as the complexity in getting support and information, it has been claimed. The report, published by the Centre for Ageing Better, is based on interviews carried out by Northumbria University with older individuals and their families, as well as professionals including occupational health specialists, handyperson services and local authority staff. It also involved an innovative camera study with 30 individuals documenting the way they navigated their homes – the first time this technology has been used in this setting. It found that participants with reduced mobility often made the decision to install equipment and adapt their homes too late, usually once they were in crisis such as after an injurious fall or a long period of struggling to move around their homes and carry out basic activities such as daily washing. People in the study revealed they used often-hazardous coping strategies such as limiting their food and drink intake to avoid using the bathroom, using baby wipes instead of bathing, and sleeping on the sofa as they could not climb the stairs to their bedroom. Many people said the clinical appearance of equipment and adaptations – including handrails, ramps and accessible bathing equipment – were off-putting. They associated them with ageing and vulnerability, with items often designed to be practical rather than attractive, and making their homes reminiscent of hospitals and clinics. The Centre for Ageing Better is calling on retailers, buyers, designers and manufacturers to work together to ensure a better range of more attractive products to support
Simon Sansome, who graduated from DMU with a 2:1 in Journalism recently, saw his life change in 2014 when he suffered a spinal injury that left him with no feeling from the waist down. Dr Rachael Docking
people at home are made more visible in the mainstream market. Dr Rachael Docking, senior evidence manager, Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Most people over 65 live in ordinary homes, rather than specialist housing, and this is where they want to stay as they grow older. Adapting and improving homes can vastly improve people’s comfort and enable them to maintain their independence and dignity. “Evidence suggests that most of us will experience some difficulty with day-to-day activities at some point in our lives, and our research shows that there is much greater benefit to makings changes to homes early on, before you reach crisis point and risk falls, injury and a much-reduced quality of life. “It’s completely understandable that people are put off buying products that will make their home look and feel like a hospital or cause them to feel self-conscious. “We need attractive products as standard and a much greater range to be available, including from high street retailers. We also need everyday products like kitchens and bathrooms to be designed inclusively, so they’re suitable for all ages. No one wants to buy a product ‘for older people’.” The research also revealed that the process under which local authorities give information and support to help people make changes to their homes can be so complex and varied, even professionals working in the area struggle to navigate it.
Diabetic Foot Module 2018 THE Hospital Podiatrists Panel is inviting people to its next course at the Wellcome Collection in London from November 5 to 9.
treatments.
The five-day course is aimed at members of diabetic multi-disciplinary teams and those who work primarily with diabetes.
It is constantly reviewed and developed to meet the highest standards required today.
The aim is to bring delegates the most up to date information, along with 14
The HPP diabetic foot module was set up more than 30 years ago and been continually run ever since.
To book a place or for more information call 01254 56991 or email diabeticfootmodule@gmail.com
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
He took retirement from his work in adult social care at the age of 32 and committed to training as a journalist at DMU. While studying, and spending more time going out and about in Leicester, Simon realised there were places in the city that he was unable to visit due to a lack of disabled facilities. He set up a Facebook page called Ability Access in 2016 to highlight the issues, earning him a £1,000 prize from the DMU Vice-Chancellor’s Fund to help develop the campaign. In 2017 he won a further grant from DMU’s Pitch2Win, a competition for students to pitch their business startup ideas. Thanks to the funding, Ability Access is now fully up and running, assessing businesses and awarding them a star rating, between one and five, to indicate how accessible they are for disabled customers. Simon’s work has now been recognised by the Inclusive Companies Awards 2018, earning his campaign a nomination for the Diversity Champion Award: Private Sector. He said: “I am so happy to have
received this nomination and must thank all the contributors who have helped to keep this campaign going. I also want to thank DMU for backing the idea in the form of grants. Without this money Ability Access may not have had the impact it has. “This nomination lets all of those people connected with Ability Access know they are playing an important role in ensuring businesses are inclusive and cater for everyone. “We will continue to work hard to highlight not only those businesses that may fall short when it comes to accessibility, but also praise those that have worked hard to be as inclusive as possible.” The Ability Access Facebook page features videos of Simon raising various issues ranging from a public park’s disabled toilets which would not open, to shops that have no ramps. The page has thousands of likes and total visits have now exceeded one million. Simon has also been hired as a consultant for a number of companies to advise on disability access. Paul Sesay, CEO of the Inclusive Companies Awards, said: “In difficult and challenging times, using the talent of a diverse workforce is more important than ever. “Considering the diversity of a workforce and fostering an inclusive working environment can bring business benefits and provide a market advantage.” The award winners will be announced at a ceremony in Manchester in November.
Limb support launched THE ErgoRaiser™ has been developed to help overcome the manual handling problems associated with fully supporting a limb while attempting to treat it. Modular in design, the ErgoRaiser can be assembled in a variety of ways to form a range of supportive elevations for a limb. Its integral support pad securely cradles the limb allowing the caregiver to work with both hands free. Sturdy in construction of the ErgoRaiser can be used from the floor, a raised surface, plinth or bed. It’s lightweight, self-storing and has superior infection control properties. Furthermore the ErgoRaiser has no hinges or moving parts that could become worn and fail during use like traditional limb supports. When used at floor level in
conjunction with sister product the ErgoKneeler™, the two devices form an effective system for managing the physical difficulties and postural stresses associated with low-working and kneeling posture. Email info@spectrumhealthcare.co.uk Call 01793 762928. Visit www.spectrumhealthcare.co.uk
Advertiser’s announcement
Orion3 gives couple their lives back Orion3 also has stumble recovery technology, ensuring that the knee remains stable should the user falter on different surfaces such as stairs or slopes. Chris and Denise have again benefited from this capability. As their driveway has a gravel surface and gentle slope, both of them previously had to be very careful when walking on it in case their legs locked up or they took a misstep.
It designs and manufactures an award-winning range of lower limb prostheses and provide clinical services to the NHS, military and internationally. With 128 years of innovation behind it, it produces the world’s most advanced microprocessor artificial limbs. NHS England has made Blatchford’s Orion3 microprocessor-controlled knee available to patients, which means more people than ever will be able to benefit from the technology. One couple whose lives have vastly improved since using these knees is Chris and Denise Arthey. In 2008, while touring South Texas on a motorcycle holiday, Chris and Denise were hit by a drunk driver, who veered into their lane at 80mph. Both suffered multiple and severe injuries, resulting in each of them losing their left legs above the knee, and leaving Chris in a coma for many days. Following the accident, Chris and Denise were originally fitted with
more basic prosthetic knees. Both being very active people, with Chris enjoying DIY and Denise an avid gardener, these tasks were made much more difficult due to the limitations of their prosthetics, reducing their confidence in performing these activities. However, after switching prosthetists, it was suggested that Chris and Denise moved onto Blatchford’s Orion microprocessor-controlled knee and in recent years upgraded to the latest product, Orion3. Once fitted with the new microprocessor technology, both said they noticed immediate benefits.
Orion3 adapts hydraulic resistance in real time, providing the wearer with support when moving in any environment or standing still. This means that Chris and Denise are able to participate in the tasks they enjoy. Chris can confidently perform DIY activities on their 100-year-old cottage, as Orion3 allows him to climb stepladders and get to hard-toreach places. Denise also volunteers in a school and stands and sings in a choir without having her disability limit her while taking part in these activities. She can also confidently move across the varying terrain of the garden
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without the fear of falling, kneeling to weed, so tending to the plants is manageable again.
BLATCHFORD is a world leading rehabilitation provider with clinical expertise in prosthetics, orthotics, special seating and wheelchairs.
Now, thanks to the capabilities of Orion3, they can tackle the surface without any hesitation, as the knee will always adapt to the terrain and ensure they are able to walk seamlessly. Since Chris and Denise have had their limbs fitted, both say that they are able to live full and active lives and feel less like amputees in the process. Chris said: “The Orion, especially the Orion3 with its upgrades and in combination with Blatchford’s EchelonVT foot, has given us our lives back and allows us to do the activities we love. “We couldn’t recommend it highly enough to above the knee amputees keen to stay active.”
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018
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