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INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 91 JUNE/JULY 2013 £6.95
Design aims to boost wearers’ confidence By Dominic Musgrave
A STUDENT who was inspired to help disabled people after his friend had a leg amputated has constructed an artificial limb which features changeable cover to reflect a person’s mood. Nottingham Trent University undergraduate Jonathan Bradshaw says his design, named Array, will enable people to develop an affinity towards prosthetic limbs as it allows them to choose a cover to reflect their own style. The 23-year-old chose it for his major product design project after he became intrigued by the fact that some amputees use wheelchairs rather than artificial legs as they can dislike how they look. His old school friend, Amy Bosley, who helped Jonathan with his research, had a leg amputated following an illness and also chooses to use a wheelchair rather than use a prosthetic limb. Jonathan said: “There are so many reasons why people choose not to use prosthetic legs. From the research I have done, I've found that appearance is just as important to younger people as comfort and functionality. “It’s my aim to increase the amount of choice that people have so that they can wear different covers for different occasions.
“For instance, people might like to have graphics on their limb for a night out, or have a skin tone cover for a more formal occasion. Others might like to wear a colour which matches their clothes, while some may want one with a leather finish. “Obviously not everyone would want to go for this, but for some people it could really help increase their confidence. It’s a move towards making prosthetic limbs much more consumerorientated.” The prototype features a removable casing system which provides protection to the prosthetic leg’s internal components. Featuring aluminium brackets, the casing clips on and off by hand and has a quick release mechanism. The changeable covers are attached to the casing with press studs and the quick release casing allows people to change the covers with ease by preventing the need to bend down. Amy added: “It gives amputees the option to be individual and to change their leg depending on their mood; a bit like someone would change their shoes to fit what they fancy. The options available at the moment are limited and so any development in prosthetics would be a bonus."
Prince Harry has confirmed that he will be taking part in the Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge in November. He will be part of the Team Glenfiddich British team made up of wounded service personnel with physical and mental injuries that will race against their American, Australian and Canadian counterparts in the four-week expedition. His participation in this landmark Antarctic race will mark his most active support of the charity to date. To find out more turn to page 8.
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Wounded serviceman tackles Paris-London cycle challenge products. This socket will give me more comfort and I will be able to cycle for eight hours, without many sores.”
By Dominic Musgrave A FORMER police detective who was injured in action, resulting in the amputation of his left leg, is in training to cycle 350 miles from Paris to London to support Help for Heroes.
Over 100 wounded servicemen, women and veterans will start at the Eiffel Tower and cross the finish line at the Horse Guards Parade in London, after laying a wreath at the Cenotaph.
In July 2006, Malcolm Hingle was on ‘covert surveillance’ duty, following suspected drug dealers undercover on his motorbike when a car collided with him, severely dislocating his knee and fracturing his arm.
Malcolm first attended Dorset Orthopaedic in October 2011, where David acted as his expert witness in his legal case.
Malcolm’s left leg was eventually amputated above the knee in July 2011 following 56 operations, which forced him to retire from the force after 30 years’ service.
He added: “David introduced me to the Genium Microprocessor limb which is life-changing and has never let me down.
Since becoming an amputee, he is determined to give something back. Last October, Malcolm walked 100km over six days in 38-degree heat through the Jordan National Park, in Petra, in aid of Parkinson’s disease.
Malcolm Hingle
His next venture is to complete the 350-mile Big Battlefield Bike Ride from Paris to London. Cyclists ride for six days, covering between 60 and 90 miles daily through significant WWI and WWII
Clinical director David Hills and Malcolm have worked together to design a Comfort Fit® Socket tailormade for Malcolm’s bike.
credit BNPS.CO.UK
battlefields. To complete this challenge Malcolm was in need of a durable, comfortable socket to fit his prosthetic, so he sought Dorset Orthopaedic’s expert advice.
Malcolm said: “It’s great that Dorset Orthopaedic can create bespoke
“Now I don’t have to concentrate on everyday activities that people take for granted, I can just get on with my life.
Contacts Editorial Judith Halkerston Email: jh@scriptmedia.co.uk
Group Editor
Dominic Musgrave Healthcare Editor Email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734407 Christina Eccles Reporter Email: ce@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734463 Sales Carole Rice
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Email: cr@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478 Tony Barry Sales and Marketing Director Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Circulation circulation@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 24 hour hotline: 01226 734695 Design/Production Stewart Holt Studio Manager Email: sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Laura Blackburn Graphic Designer Email: lb@scriptmedia.co.uk
“With other limbs I was like an Only Fools and Horses sketch. I would fall over, off my prosthetic limb, and my wife would be looking for me like Trigger and Del Boy. “With the Genium I am secure and can carry heavy weights, play golf and enjoy everyday activities like walking around the supermarket.”
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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Surgeon fits limbs made from plastic drainpipes to Syria war amputees Claire Lomas with the London Eye in the background.
Marathon star Claire completes 400-mile handbike challenge By Dominic Musgrave
hard days.
FORMER event rider and fundraiser Claire Lomas has completed her next big fundraising challenge from Nottingham Trent University.
“My cycle may be over but the search for a cure for paralysis isn't, so after a few days of rest, I'll start planning my next fundraising challenge."
Claire, who lost the use of her legs after a riding accident at Osberton horse trials in 2007, hand cycled 400 miles in just over two weeks, raising more than £73,000 for Spinal Research and the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation in the process. Last year she became the first paraplegic to complete the London Marathon on foot, spending 17 days walking with the aid of a bionic suit, raising £210,000 for charity in the process. Claire added: “This has been the toughest mental and physical challenge of my life, a lot harder than last year's London Marathon. “I'm relieved to have finished but so grateful to everyone that has text donated along the way, it's what kept me going through the really
Claire began her challenge from the University's Newton building, on the City site, and tackled the equivalent of a marathon a day on her customised hand bike, passing through more than 150 towns before finishing in London. She also gave inspirational speeches at schools, universities and workplaces along the route in order to motivate others to fund raise too. Claire added: “Over the course of my challenge, I visited as many schools as possible to talk to the children about the impact my spinal cord injury has had on my life, how I have managed to rebuild my life and the 16-day Marathon. I hoped to encourage them to believe in themselves and set their own personal goals.”
Crier to welcome visitors TELFORD’S longest-serving town crier will provide an historic welcome to visitors to the Mobility Roadshow, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. Percy Simmonds, 90, will be joined at the event by Falkland’s war veteran Simon Weston and Paralympic Games sitting volleyball player Martine Wright, winner of the BBC Helen Rollason Award seven years after surviving the 7/7 bombings. Cyclist Rik Waddon, who won a silver medal in the team sprint at least year’s Paralympics, will also be visiting the annual show. He has recently won the Rudy 4
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Project, one of the first steps going forward for his Road to Rio 2016 campaign. Dave Sykes, award-winning paraplegic microlight pilot and adventurer, will be with the charity Aerobility talking about his record breaking solo flight from England to Australia and his subsequent book. The Red Wheelies scooter formation display team, which holds the Guinness World Record for ‘the greatest distance covered in 24 hours by motorised wheelchair or mobility scooter’, will be performing each day. The Mobility Roadshow is being held at Telford for the first time from June 27-29.
By Dominic Musgrave
and tools to maintain it.
A SURGEON from Russells Hall Hospital has returned from war-torn Syria where he has been fitting artificial limbs made from plastic drain pipes to lower limb amputees
“We can make limbs from drainpipe material for £30 and provide them free to those in need.”
Viquar Qurashi, an orthopaedic surgeon for The Dudley Group, and a team of doctors spent 10 days in a refugee camp in Reyhanli close to the Turkish Syrian border, moulding prosthetic limbs and rubber feet for more than 114 amputees. Helped by a team of six technicians from Pakistan, Viquar worked in a makeshift clinic and workshop helping men, women and children who lost limbs during the two-year war that has so far claimed 70,000 lives. A Turkish businessman donated the drainpipes, which are melted down at high heat in an oven and moulded against a plaster of paris cast of the amputated leg. They are then fitted into place with metal pins and leather straps. The artificial feet are made from recycled rubber. Viquar said: “The limbs made from drainpipes are not as sophisticated as a western limb but a prosthetic limb costing up to a £1,000 here in Britain will be of little use to someone who doesn’t have the money, technology
Viquar, who sits on the Associate Parliamentary Limb Loss Group, and had his prosthesis tested for endurance here in England by the world renowned research and technology centre SATRA, has fitted more than 3,000 limbs over the past seven years to amputees in his home country of Pakistan. He travelled to Syria at the request of the Syrian British Medical Society and two Syrian colleagues at Russells Hall Hospital. “All I need to fit prosthetic limbs are pipes, plaster of paris, nuts and bolts – and rubber to create feet,” Viquar added. “A group of 10 volunteers and training technicians from Syria have been selected to take up this job in future.” In 2005, he set up the Naya Qadam Trust, a non-profit organisation of volunteer overseas Pakistani doctors, which helps fund the artificial limb materials. Viquar hopes to take the limbs to other countries such as Haiti, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Amputees model for retailer’s new range DEBENHAMS has broken convention by becoming the first high street retailer in the UK to promote its latest fashion collections by using models in a diverse variety of ages, sizes and looks. The imagery in the retailer’s ‘High Summer Look Book’ includes amputee Kelly Knox, born without her left forearm and discovered when she won TV show ‘Britain’s Missing Next Top Model’, and Paralympic athlete Stefanie Reid who won a silver medal in the F44 long jump last year. Debenhams also worked with inclusivity campaigner and fashion industry commentator Caryn Franklin. The aim both hope, is to further challenge perceived norms of the fashion industry showing that a broader range of body and beauty ideals is a good thing. Ed Watson, director of PR for Debenhams, said: “Our customers are not the same shape or size so our latest look book celebrates this diversity.
Stefanie Reid
We would be delighted if others followed our lead. Hopefully these shots will be a step, albeit a small one, towards more people feeling more comfortable about their bodies.”
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Bionic hand has powered thumb rotation and app The i-limb ultra revolution, featuring a powered rotating thumb, 24 grip options and extra sensitive electrodes, is the first upper limb prosthesis that can be controlled via a mobile application. “We are pleased to introduce the ilimb ultra revolution and the latest biosim mobile control app,” said Ian Stevens, CEO of Touch Bionics. “We believe the i-limb ultra revolution, with powered thumb rotation and the ability to quickly access multiple grip patterns, offers unparalleled dexterity and control, enabling wearers to more easily perform activities of daily living and thus increase their quality of life.” The powered rotation of the thumb can be either controlled directly by the wearer’s muscle signals, or can move automatically into position as part of a pre-set grip pattern or gesture. The new Quick Grips™ option from
the biosim mobile control app allows the user to automatically activate 24 different grip patterns and gestures on their prosthesis with a single tap of the screen.
NEWS
TOUCH Bionics has unveiled a significant advance to its groundbreaking i-limb technology.
i-limb ultra revolution features: Powered rotating thumb and individually articulating fingers offering unparalleled dexterity and reliable access to precision grip patterns. New biosim mobile control application compatible with latest Apple® products gives the wearer greatly expanded control capability via 24 Quick Grips each from a single screen tap. New remote electrodes offer a higher level of sensitivity giving the wearer enhanced control. A variety of flexible wrist options enabling more natural positioning of hand when gripping or picking up objects. Aesthetic covering options available via the livingskin product line, including i-limb skin natural and
Touch Bionics’ i-limb ultra revolution can be controlled by a mobile phone app.
i-limb skin match covers customised to match skin tone and appearance. biosim mobile control app features: 24 Quick Grips – Instant access to grip patterns with a single screen tap greatly expands prosthesis control. Favorites – Editable collections of grips customised for daily needs. For example, wearers can select the ‘work’ favorite, which triggers the ilimb into preferred grips such as typing, holding papers, or using a
mouse. Hand Health Check – Activates prosthesis diagnostic to ensure the ilimb is functioning properly. Training – Access training modes to help the wearer learn how to access all of the functionality available. Compatibility – Available for download on Apple App Store and compatible with several Apple devices.
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Advert wins national prize for schoolgirls THREE schoolgirls have won a national competition after producing a marketing campaign to promote physiotherapy as a career.
Morrison, who work at the Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust, were interviewed by the girls for the competition entry.
The pupils from St Catherine’s School, near Guildford in Surrey, won the England-wide ‘Step into the NHS’ competition, run by NHS Careers, after they used interviews with two local physios as the basis for their campaign.
Jen said: “Young people are extremely important to the future of the NHS and it’s great to know that students are aware of the wide range of opportunities that exist.
They were asked to produce an advertisement for an NHS job, targeted at their peers. But the schoolgirls went one step further and produced a comprehensive marketing campaign, including a mascot, website, Twitter account, and video advertisement. CSP members Jen Longley and Erica
“I’m so pleased the students chose to focus on a physiotherapist for their competition entry.” The three girls – Annabel Dersy, Klara Inman-Barnes and Margarita Spektor – said they learned a lot about the day-to-day work of a physiotherapist during the competition and were seriously considering a job in the NHS when they left school. NHS Careers presented them with the national prize of a laptop each.
Support workers help University’s new patients move from seating system intensive care University of Ulster senior lecturer in rehabilitation sciences Dr Alison Porter-Armstrong and occupational therapy lecturer Dr May Stinson with an Easi Seat.
could save NHS thousands By Dominic Musgrave
AN exclusive licence to manufacture and market a revolutionary new seating system that could save the NHS hundreds of thousands of pounds, has been granted to LifeScienceHub by the University of Ulster. The Easi Seating System offers a new level of adjustability, comfort and utility for both patients and purchasers. The licence follows eight years of research and development work by leading University of Ulster rehabilitation scientists Dr Alison Porter-Armstrong and Dr May Stinson from the Institute of Nursing and Health Research. “Health care providers spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on bespoke seating every year,” said Dr Porter-Armstrong. “But each chair is fitted to a single user. “It is very rare that a specially-tailored chair can be re-used once the original patient no longer requires it – and that means a very expensive piece of equipment becomes redundant. “The new modular system we have designed will enable every aspect of 6
the chair to be individually adjusted to the user – and can be readjusted for other users. “That flexibility will mean a much longer useful life for the product, giving greater value to users and to purchasers.” LifeScienceHub is an organisation which is dedicated to bringing new research-driven healthcare products to market. Declan Service of LifeScienceHub said: “Working with the Open Innovation initiative of the University of Ulster has been a very positive experience. “The Easi Seating System is a great example of the type of project that can be designed, manufactured and commercialised in Northern Ireland. “We hope this will be the start of a successful partnership taking projects with global potential to market.” The seating system is the first product from the University's School of Health Sciences to reach the market, and Drs Porter-Armstrong and Stinson paid tribute to help they had had from the University's Office of Innovation in steering the idea from the Jordanstown research labs to the healthcare marketplace.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2013
A PROJECT that has seen two physiotherapy support worker posts created on a critical care ward is having impressive results.
The scheme at University Hospital Southampton involves two support workers being on hand in the intensive care unit to help get patients moving sooner. The early mobilisation project started in April 2012 and the early results are encouraging. Patients are being seen by physiotherapy staff an average of 1.6 days after admission, down from an average of three days previously. And they receive an average of 26 episodes of physiotherapy during their stay on the unit, compared with just six before. Meanwhile, overall ICU length of stay has dropped from a mean of 17.1 days to an average of 12.5 days since the project started.
Nikki Collings, senior respiratory physiotherapist at the trust, said the early mobility team aimed to provide intensive rehabilitation and exercise therapy for patients as early as possible, and ‘regular’ physio on the ward then continued as normal. She added: “With the support of the medical team, who manage the sedation, we can now provide rehabilitation much quicker. “The assistants' roles are quite independent, and they can work at bed level on their own – it’s working really well. “There are huge benefits to getting patients up and moving earlier, and we can now try to get them doing something at the highest level they can tolerate as soon as possible.” Funding for the physiotherapy support workers was initially secured for two years, but they have now been confirmed as permanent posts.
Researchers awarded Fellowships TWO University of York researchers have been awarded Enterprise Fellowships to take their work in developing virtual-reality technology for health purposes into the commercial sector. Dr Adar Pelah is to launch a company to commercialise his stroke rehabilitation technology, while Dr Stephen Smith will focus on clinically validating the technology, which
includes algorithms to recognise and monitor Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, at medical centres in the UK, USA and Australia. The fellowships from the Royal Academy of Engineering provide funding of up to £85,000 and will support the researchers to each spend a year exclusively committed to developing a business based on their ideas.
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The Rehability store in Halesworth.
New store opens in Suffolk HELP for elderly and disabled people in north east Suffolk will be close at hand with the opening of a new Rehability store in Halesworth. The company, run by occupational therapist Veronica Downing, will provide a wide range of mobility equipment, bathing and toileting aids and small aids to daily living from its new, easily accessible premises. She said: “We are looking forward to offering a service that is right in the town centre, where it will be easy for people who want help in maintaining their independence to visit us and see the wide range of aids and equipment we have available.”
Rehability will stock everything from riser-recliner chairs, profiling beds, powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters and bath lifters to simple everyday items like support cushions and continence pads. And expert, professional advice will always be on hand to ensure that solution is the right one. Veronica added: “We have a team of qualified occupational therapists and trained staff who will provide guidance so that customers can have the assurance that the product they are looking at is fully appropriate to their needs. “And if required, we can offer a full assessment in the privacy of our own independent living centre just two miles away in Chediston.”
The Team Glenfiddich team made up of Kate Philp, Ibrar Ali, Duncan Slater and Guy Disney at the official launch.
Prince Harry to join UK’s South Pole squad for expedition By Dominic Musgrave PRINCE Harry will join the Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge squads in November. Racing against their American, Australian and Canadian counterparts, the British contingent – Team Glenfiddich – were present for Prince Harry’s announcement, which was streamed live around the world from the Walking With The Wounded YouTube channel. It followed the unveiling of the team members who have been selected to take part in the third major expedition to be organised by the charity. Alongside teams of wounded service personnel with physical and mental injuries, Prince Harry will race across the Antarctic plateau in a gruelling 335km trek across the coldest, driest and highest desert on the planet. While trekking around 15km to 20km per day, the teams will be pulling their pulks (custom-built Antarctic sledges) filled with essential kit and supplies each weighing in excess of 70kg. He said: “These men and women have given their all in the cause of freedom, in our cause. That they should once again step into the breach - this time facing down the extreme physical and mental
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challenges of trekking to the South Pole – just underlines their remarkable qualities. “It’s toughness of mind. An unquenchable spirit that simply refuses to say ‘I am beaten’. In a way it’s something that can’t be defined. You’ve either got it or you haven’t.” Prince Harry went on to joke that he would have a brew on ready for the other competitors when they joined the UK team at the Pole. He has served as patron for both the North Pole and Everest expeditions in 2011 and 2012 respectively. His participation in this landmark Antarctic race will mark his most active support of the charity to date. The Team Glenfiddich team is made up of below knee amputee Kate Philp, right arm amputee Ibrar Ali, double leg amputee Duncan Slater and below knee amputee Guy Disney. Conrad Dickson will be the team guide and Richard Eyre the team mentor. As well as Walking With The Wounded, the four-week expedition, which will be divided into managed stages and checkpoints, will also raise money for Soldier On from Canada, Soldiers to Summits from the United States and Soldier On from Australia.
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Robot arm gives a helping hand in global study By Dominic Musgrave A ROBOT arm modelled on an elephant's trunk is helping a Sheffield student in a global project to help people with restricted mobility to carry out everyday tasks, such as helping them to feed themselves. Sheffield Hallam University PhD student Chinwe (Lucy) Ozoegwu will use the £13,000 Robotino XT arm to complete her doctorate in industrial automation and robotics. The robot arm's capability for solving tasks such as helping people with limited mobility to feed themselves will be one of the first pieces of work Lucy will undertake. The project will also see youngsters from the new University Technical College in Sheffield carrying out roles as research assistants under Lucy's supervision, where they will use the arm as part of their Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing courses. Lucy, 30, and originally from Enugu State, Nigeria, is the only student in the UK to work on the global project devised by German
manufacturers Festo, working alongside students from the USA and Brazil.
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She said: “We plan to investigate and develop the capability of the Robotino XT as an autonomous selfadapting machine, where the robot will learn from its own experience, without being restricted to preconceived routines. “It should also be able to adapt the learning to solving engineering problems. The initial problem we aim to solve is that of assistive feeding for people with limited movements in their arms and cannot feed independently. Once this has been effectively realised, it can then be easily transferable to other tasks due to the robot's autonomous and selfadapting behaviour.” The Robotino XT can manoeuvre through 12 degrees in cramped spaces, while the flexibility of its gripper arm allows direct humanmachine contact. It opens up new forms of interaction between the human operator and technology.
Lucy Ozoegwu with the robot arm.
Andrew Cropley, chair of the UTC Sheffield Academy Trust, said: “This is a fantastic collaboration bringing together Sheffield Hallam and the new UTC in a project led by a multinational business which has global possibilities. “Only a handful of institutions have the opportunity to work on this robotic arm and it will be a fantastic addition to the UTC's offer for 14 to 19-year-olds.
“Lucy will lead the research project while UTC students will act as research assistants – all of them exploring new possibilities which will help them develop their future careers.” The UTC Sheffield, which opens in September, will offer young people aged 14 to 19 academic qualifications and specialist skills for the advanced engineering, and the creative and digital industries sectors.
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Zimmer frame ID clip maintains safety NEWS
A SIMPLE plastic identification clip is set to maintain the safety and independence of people with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory or communication impairing illnesses, across the UK. Invented by senior care home carer Adeline Dalley, the Mediclipz identification tag can be attached to the handle of any mobility device, zimmer frame, walking stick and crutch.
Jan Scheuermann feeds herself a bar of chocolate using the new robotic arm.
Mind-controlled robot arm study recognised with Top 10 accolade A GROUNDBREAKING project underway at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC – in which a woman with quadriplegia took a bite of chocolate using a robot arm she controlled with her thoughts – has been selected to receive one of the Clinical Research Forum’s Annual Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards.
professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Pitt School of Medicine, research scientist for the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, and lead author of the brain computer interface study that was published in Lancet in December, presented the Pitt/UPMC team’s work during the CRF annual meeting.
The awards recognise research teams that, in 2012, published compelling examples of the scientific innovation that results from the USA’s investment in clinical research that can benefit human health and welfare, according to the Clinical Research Forum.
She said: “I’m thrilled that the CRF found our project worthy of this award. The team, which includes participant Jan Scheuermann, believes that the hard work we are doing now could one day help people with disabilities attain better function and greater independence.
William F. Crowley Jr., MD, CRF founder and past chairman and director of the Clinical Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, said: “There’s never been a moment in the history of biology that’s more optimistic for spectacular breakthroughs to happen. “However, it will require strategic investments at a most difficult time in our history. America is a world leader in biomedical research and if we are to retain that leadership role globally, we have to continue making these national investments.” Jennifer Collinger, PhD, assistant 10
“This breakthrough will provide opportunities for paralysed individuals to interact in meaningful ways with their environments by using brain commands to control dexterous robotic prosthetic limbs,” said Steven Reis, MD, associate vice chancellor for clinical research, Health Sciences, and director of the University of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute, who nominated the project for award consideration. “Also, it serves as a paradigm for high-impact translational research conducted by a multidisciplinary team.”
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2013
The hard to remove, waterproof tag carries the contact numbers of the owner’s carers and their emergency medical details, ensuring that if they do become disorientated, lost or unwell when away from their home environment, they can be assisted by the general public or emergency services as appropriate. Adeline said she hopes it will become as familiar as the medical alert systems currently available for people with critical medical conditions. “The Mediclipz is a very simple idea, but a life changing one for many,”
she added. “For a person with a memory impairing illness it means that they can continue to live relatively independently and enjoy a good quality of life with the assurance for themselves and their family that if they were to become confused or in need that help can quickly be at hand.” The idea for the clip originated from a need to better label zimmer frames and walking sticks at care homes, day centres and hospitals. “The standard way of labelling mobility devices is to use sticking tape,” added Adeline. “But the tape deteriorates, resulting in the name being lost, not only creating confusion, but also a potential safety concern if a resident mistakenly uses a frame that is of the wrong height.” Adeline has a patent pending for the Mediclipz. The labels come in white or yellow, which is often the last colour that someone with dementia can recognise. The clips also fit many brands of scooters and bikes for children.
The ‘street physios’ in Hull.
Street physios ease shoppers’ pains SHOPPERS in east Yorkshire swapped ‘retail therapy’ for physiotherapy by taking part in a series of exercise sessions on the street. The energetic health promotion events were led by a team of ‘street physios’ at Hull's St Stephen’s Shopping Centre. The events were a partnership between Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust service PhysioHull and other local health providers including City Health Care Partnership and Hull City Council’s leisure services. Paul Seabourne, service manager for PhysioHull, said the street physios promoted health and wellbeing to passers-by and offered health advice on ‘anything from posture to
arthritis’. He added: “The event went very well with over 150 participants, made up of a combination of shoppers and St Stephen’s employees. “We also made another 450-plus people aware of the benefits of early advice and intervention.” Following the success of the events, the team is planning other events. It hopes to build a relationship with Arco, a supplier of safety equipment, and one of Hull’s largest employers, to help to support workers and reduce absences linked to musculoskeletal disorders. The events marked the launch of ‘Spring into Action’, a health and well-being engagement initiative launched by PhysioHull.
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War veteran unveils new portrait bench in city NEWS
FORMER Royal Marine and double amputee Ben McBean unveiled the new ‘Portrait Bench’ in Plymouth’s North Cross.
The computer system will lead to personalised treatment.
System will lead to personalised treatment A COMPUTER model of the human musculoskeletal system is being mapped out by researchers at the University of Sheffield following a £6.7m grant that will lead to personalised treatment for diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis and back pain.
The five-year programme will see experts from the University of Sheffield’s INSIGNEO Institute for in silico (meaning via computer simulation) medicine, a joint initiative of the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, create a new modelling framework for the human musculoskeletal system. The engineering-based model of an individual patient’s musculoskeletal makeup will be able to reduce soaring treatment costs for chronic bone disorders by predicting disease development and enabling better treatment. It will simultaneously capture processes at a cellular scale right up to the whole body. Professor Damien Lacroix of the INSIGNEO Institute and the University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering said: “Our work in building accurate computer models of the human body that are
tailored to each individual’s anatomy and physiology means that every patient receives treatment personally optimised to their detailed circumstances. “This leads to improved outcomes, faster recovery and, in almost all cases, lower costs. The new EPSRCsupported research programme is particularly ground-breaking as it integrates our modelling components across the full range of scales using new techniques able to account for currently unobservable and uncertain variables. “The impact on healthcare could be tremendous: total healthcare expenditure in the UK has doubled from 2000-2010 to a staggering 10 per cent of Gross Domestic Product,” added Professor Lacroix. The £6.7m Frontier Engineering grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) – awarded to the INSIGNEO Institute – will improve treatments for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is one of five Frontier Engineering projects receiving £25 million in total announced by the UK’s Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts at the first Global Grand Challenges Summit in London.
The bench, which has been installed as part of a makeover of the walking and cycling facilities in the area, features three life-size figures chosen by the local community to celebrate Plymouth’s history and culture – including Ben himself. His figure represents Plymouth’s servicemen and women, who won the highest number of votes cast by people living and working in the city. It stands alongside figures of Scott of the Antarctic and Charles Darwin. Ben, who lives in Plymouth, lost an arm and a leg after stepping on a Taliban landmine in Afghanistan, but has overcome his horrific injuries to inspire others. Not only is he now a successful businessman, a sought-after motivational speaker and media commentator but he also pushes
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS working with patients who have asthma are being urged to support a scheme that seeks to improve standards of care. Asthma UK launched its ‘Compare Your Care’ campaign on World Asthma Day. It wants patients to comment on standards of care in their area by filling in a simple online survey. According to Asthma UK, people with the condition face huge variations in their risk of emergency hospitalisation depending on where they live. Figures show a 19-fold difference in children’s admission rates in England, with Liverpool having the highest
“It’s great to see figures chosen by local people to represent Plymouth taking pride of place in the new-look North Cross.” Funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Plymouth City Council, the Portrait Benches are part of a national project from cycling charity Sustrans, creating new everyday walking and cycling routes in communities across the UK. When complete there will be a national collection of over 230 portraits.
rates for children, and Tower Hamlets in east London having the lowest, the charity says. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence introduced its first quality standard for asthma care earlier this year and the Compare Your Care campaign is urging clinical commissioning groups to implement the standard by 2016. The online survey aims to find out if patients’ asthma care meets the NICE standards. It will also help the charity determine whether hospital admission rates are linked to differences in the care being provided. A report on the results should be published in the autumn.
Foundation chooses ReWalk for first exoskeleton study Having chosen the ReWalk as the primary exoskeleton for the study, the Foundation, in partnership with the National Spinal Injuries Centre, will be evaluating the role of exoskeletons for people with chronic SCI. Once the objective benefits of using
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Councillor Philippa Davey, the Council’s cycling commissioner, said: “We’re really pleased that Marine McBean unveiled the new Portrait Bench, which pays tribute to his tremendous bravery and that of all the city’s servicemen and women.
Patients wanted to compare their care
THE Stoke Mandeville Spinal Foundation is set to become the first UK spinal injuries centre to undertake a clinical study into exoskeletons.
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himself to the physical limit, running the London Marathon just 12 months after sustaining his injuries and later climbing to Everest Base Camp and completing the Three Peaks Challenge.
exoskeletons have been demonstrated in research, the NHS will consider the use of exoskeletons to enhance standards of care in the future. As the exclusive suppliers of ReWalk in the UK and Ireland, Cyclone Technologies will provide primary training and engineering support during the study, with head physiotherapist Matt White to provide initial and ongoing training.
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Prosthetic hand wins major international accolade PROSTHETIC specialist RSLSteeper has received a major boost after its ‘ground-breaking’ bebionic3 hand was awarded one of the industry’s most celebrated accolades at the da Vinci Awards in Michigan. The Leeds-based firm’s myo-electric hand, which enables users to tackle everyday situations from eating meals and carrying bags to tying shoe laces or shaking a hand, was launched in September 2012. In a short time it has featured in more than 125 separate news items with radio, press and TV coverage throughout the world, and attracting significant export orders in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australasia. The hand had been selected as one of only 15 worldwide innovations to feature at the annual awards, which have become a major international forum for the latest developments in adaptive and assistive technology. RSLSteeper managing director Paul Steeper said: “This award is very important to us. It celebrates people who triumph over disabilities and recognises those who have
developed new technologies to enable people to function at their fullest.
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“bebionic3 is the culmination of many years of development and we’re very pleased with the results. It has been designed to help amputees tackle real-life situations and provides the perfect balance between advanced technology, functionality and aesthetics. It has the potential to revolutionise the lives of amputees across the world, helping them to regain independence and control in their everyday lives with the same advanced technology as much more expensive products. For this to be recognised by our peers means an awful lot.” The finalists were chosen from entries received from all over the world. These included a wearable robotic device that enables paraplegics to walk again, a drop-in rowing system that can be operated without the use of hands or arms, and a shopping cart that enables disabled children and adults to shop with their families.
User Nigel Ackland with the award-winning bebionic3 hand.
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NEWS
Latest prosthetic advances and clinical services showcased THE Royal College of Physicians building in London’s Regents Park provided a unique backdrop as the venue for the Pushing Boundaries Rehabilitation Conference. The conference, jointly organised by Exchange Chambers, NewLaw Solicitors and Pace Rehabilitation, provided the audience of barristers, solicitors, case managers, claims handlers and prosthetic users with the opportunity to learn and see demonstrated some of very latest clinical services and prosthetic advances. Delegates were welcomed to the conference by chairman Dr Ernest Van Ross, before prosthetic clinical specialist John Sullivan presented his considerable experience of trans femoral osseointegration. Accompanying John was osseointegration patient Gemma Trotter, who shared her personal experiences of the system that provides a direct attachment of a prosthesis in to the skeletal system. Her success and determination has culminated in Gemma becoming the world’s first above-the-knee amputee spinning instructor! The subsequent presentation, by Pace Rehabilitation clinicians Toby Carlsson (prosthetist/orthotist) and Carolyn Hirons (physiotherapist), pertained to the increasing benefits and rising costs of advancing prosthetic technology. Carolyn then introduced the audience to 10 prosthetic ‘models’ who
demonstrated a wide variety of upper and lower limb prosthetic devices. Delegates had the opportunity during the breaks and lunch periods to meet the prosthetic users and ask about their ‘real life’ experiences and see the prostheses being used in everyday activities. An international flavour was provided by representatives from BiOM, from the United States of America, who demonstrated their bionic technology power assisted ankle. The day before the conference, three below the knee prosthetic users commenced a trial with the BiOM device and demonstrated the device at the conference. The transatlantic company hope to launch the device later this year into the UK and Europe. Former RAF regiment sergeant Duncan Slater made a dramatic entrance into the event by abseiling from the rooftop of the building. Expertly guided down, by Jim Bonney (Adventure Rehab), he made his first abseil since being seriously injured in Afghanistan in 2009n. With his prosthetic feet safely back on the ground, Duncan joined his Walking With The Wounded counterparts Ed Parker and Guy Disney to provide an inspiring presentation about the charity’s successful 2011 North Pole expedition and their forthcoming South Pole Allied Challenge. Having de-rigged his ropes from the
Former RAF regiment sergeant Duncan Slater abseiling from the roof of the building. Pic credit: Pace Rehabilitation & AJS Photographi.
roof of the building, Jim followed the team to provide the audience with a presentation about his rehabilitation organisation, based on a military model that offers civilian amputees rehabilitation programmes in an adventure environment.
The conference was concluded by a joint presentation from Gerard Martin, GC of Exchange Chambers, and Robert Thomas from NewLaw Solicitors, who provided a legal perspective on amputee claims and their case management.
Annual exhibition is a ‘resounding success’ NAIDEX National has been heralded as a success with more than 10,000 visitors attending the three-day event at the NEC, Birmingham.
onsite. Other innovations, some showcased in the ‘Tomorrow’s World’ area, ranged from feeding devices, beds, chairs, and bathroom and kitchen equipment to two revolutionary apps: ‘Yecco which helps families, friends and healthcare professionals create a social network to support care, and CarePair which helps people find carers in their region.
The UK’s largest event focused on disability, homecare and rehabilitation closed its doors following a packed programme of seminars, networking and product launches. Some 300 exhibitors and the biggest speaker programme in the show’s 37-year history drew visitor numbers beyond the expectations of show organiser i2i Events Group.
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Among more than 100 speakers was Kate Allatt who in an inspirational keynote speech on the final day spoke of her experience following a stroke, which left her paralysed by Locked In Syndrome, from which she made a full recovery.
Fiona Davies, event director, said: “Naidex National has again been incredibly well received. The calibre of speakers and exhibitors and the variety of products and innovations on show was fantastic. That’s why Naidex National remains the number one disability, homecare and rehabilitation event in the UK.”
star-turned TV presenter Ade Adepitan.
The tone of success was set from the start by Team GB Paralympic
Having delivered his opening address the wheelchair basketball
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2013
Ade Adepitan officially opens Naidex National.
ace was seen launching the prototype Alber Twin wheelchair from Invacare. It was just one of many new technologies announced
Seminars on moving and handling and Jacqueline Pattman’s talk on the aquatic physiotherapy approach to rehabilitation proved popular. Naidex Scotland will take place on September 18 and 19 at the SECC, Glasgow.
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A mannequin in the new TravelChair, with physiotherapy assistant Donna Macleod and Graham Everett, head of service delivery at Loganair Ltd.
Partnership enables disabled children to Double appointment at travel by aeroplane Nikki Peacock and Howard Johnson.
furniture manufacturer JENX Ltd, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of postural support furniture for disabled children, has expanded its management team with two new appointments. Nikki Peacock is the firm’s new marketing and communications manager, with Howard Johnson joining as quality and health and safety compliance manager. Nikki’s remit will encompass helping establish Jenx as the leading provider of postural support products for children with special needs, through the development of a brand-driven communications strategy. This will include the delivery of consistent messaging on quality, design and customer service across all areas of the business and to customers. Having previously worked as marketing and communications manager at Meadowhall and head of customer planning at Kaleidoscope, Nikki said: “This is a great opportunity to work with a company that has a real passion for its products and belief in what it’s trying to achieve.
“I’m now really looking forward to helping the company achieve its full potential.” Howard, who has previously worked in quality and health and safety compliance roles for engineering and manufacturing firms, will take responsibility for maintaining the improvement of compliance and customer satisfaction at the company. He added: “Jenx is clearly a company which takes real pride in the difference it can make to people’s lives – and I’m now looking forward to supporting that in my new role.” Catherine Jenkins, director and joint founder of Jenx, said: “Nikki and Howard both have a wealth of experience and their appointments signal our intention to push Jenx on to the next level. “Nikki’s background as a successful brand marketeer will play a huge role in the way we communicate what we do to our customers, while Howard’s experience working in compliance will also be a tremendous asset to our company.”
CHILDREN with severe disabilities living in the remote Western Isles of Scotland can now fly to the mainland for health appointments, thanks to the generosity of an airline.
families.
Physiotherapy support worker Donna MacLeod read an article about a new specially-adapted flight chair and approached Loganair. The Scotland-based airline has bought two seats, costing £2,500 each.
Donna contacted the design engineer of TravelChair to establish the cost of the products, and possible timescales for ordering. She then contacted Marina Campbell, the Loganair manager based in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, and Graham Everett, head of service delivery, Loganair Limited, to establish whether a TravelChair could be purchased.
In the past, many children could not travel as they were not allowed to sit on a parent’s knees, and could not sit independently in standard plane seats. The TravelChair, which allows children to sit with suitable postural support systems, can be attached to a standard seat Donna said: “There are children with complex disabilities throughout the Western Isles who often need to travel to mainland hospitals for specialist appointments “It is so much more convenient to be able to travel by plane, rather than by road and ferry, which can be a far more arduous journey for
“I was determined to find out more about the chair, and if possible, to ensure a TravelChair was purchased for the benefit of Western Isles children and their parents.”
“Both Marina and Graham were very supportive of the idea and could see the benefits of the TravelChair for their customers,” added Donna. “I also spoke to a number of parents who were very excited to learn of the possibility of this facility being available throughout the islands.” One TravelChair is based in Glasgow for use for Western Isles clients, and the other is in Aberdeen, for use in other remote and rural areas, including Orkney and Shetland.
Orthopaedic bracing designed and made for children MEDI UK is delighted to announce the launch of a new and comprehensive range of orthopaedic braces called KIDZ. This range of orthopaedic products by medi are specifically designed with children in mind, providing them with comfortable and easy to wear orthopaedic braces which are also stylish, helping to improve compliance and concordance. KIDZ quality orthopaedic braces are 16
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available for immediate next working day delivery, which is also free of charge. All products come with a manufacturer’s guarantee free of defects. KIDZ braces are available in 10 different product options including: The Neck collar, Clavicle support, Arm sling, Shoulder immobiliser, Epico ROM, Manumed wrist support, Knee Immobiliser, Knee ROM, Ankle brace and Walker boot, all of which come
in a range of sizes. medi UK are synonymous with product quality, offering your younger patients a full range of orthopaedic bracing products just for them. medi, originating in Germany, is a family owned company. We pride ourselves in manufacturing excellent products; focused in delivering quality customer service and providing professional advice to all patients and clinicians.
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Always supportive EVERY position a child adopts has an effect on their development and functional movement now and in the future. Jenx’s Supine Standers support development, provide comfort, improve bone density, aid digestion and above all, increase social interaction!
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And the Supine 3 is a great example of this –a robust standing system designed to provide unrivalled support and positioning for its users. The Supine 1 & 2 cater for ages 111yrs, while the Supine 3 is perfect for older children and adults – including stroke or head injury patients too. Its neutral appearance means the user is the focus of attention too, not the product.
Explore the world with ottobock FITTINGS for children have always represented a major medical technology challenge because children have special requirements in terms of functionality, flexibility and mobility. This is why it is important to offer a system that meets the individual needs of various age groups while simultaneously preparing the children for a future fitting with the system for adults.
The innovative 7.4 volt system for children achieves these objectives. In combination with the Electric Hand 2000, the MyolinoWrist 2000 and the MyolinoSkin Natural glove, it uses myoelectric components from the adult segment in order to establish the foundation for a flowing transition in the prosthetic fitting process. The 12K12 MovolinoArm Friction is the prefect complement to the Ottobock portfolio for upper arm fittings in children aged 3 to 5 years.
Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to maintain (made from hygienic polyurethane that wipes clean and dries in seconds, allowing it to be used for multiple users), and with clever design features including fully adjustable support pads and blocks, not to mention the ability to tilt to fully horizontal for hoisting transfers, the Jenx Supine Stander really is THE practical solution for children and adults over a wide range of ages and conditions. Call us now to book an assessment (quote Ref: AT01)
Enquiries: To find out how can Jenx help you, call us on 0114 285 6100, email your thoughts to contact@jenx.com or visit www.jenx.com
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Ottobock reveals its technical service team for Sochi Games By Dominic Musgrave OTTOBOCK, official technical service provider for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, has confirmed that 30 orthopaedic technicians from across 11 countries, including three from the United Kingdom, will form its team. It is expected that the technicians will conduct hundreds of repairs to equipment and complete approximately 3,000 working hours during the Games, which take place from March 7-16. The three British members of the technical service team are Ken Hurst, Rachel Neilson and Russell Pizzey. All three were part of Ottobock’s 80strong technical service team that supported the London 2012 Paralympic Summer Games. “After experiencing London 2012, we are very excited to be part of the technical service team at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games,” said Ken, manager of Ottobock Academy UK. “We look forward to bringing all of that experience to Russia next March, as well as tackling repairs on very different equipment, such as the sledges used in ice sledge hockey.”
Ottobock technicians work on a wheelchair open on March 1, one week before the opening ceremony. On the opening day of competition three satellite workshops will begin operating at the venues, together with a mobile unit for flexible support. Computer-controlled logistics developed specifically for the London 2012 Paralympics will ensure replacement parts are always available in Sochi.
Two technical service workshops will be set up during the Games, one in each of the athletes’ villages, and will
SAFO helps teacher lead active lifestyle A SPORTS teacher who suffered an injury over 10 years ago that stopped him playing semiprofessional sports continues to lead an active lifestyle thanks to a SAFO® from Dorset Orthopaedic. In 2002, Neil Joisce was involved in a collision on his right knee while playing rugby that resulted in various ligament, tendon and nerve damage. Since the accident he has endured nine operations on his leg and one on his back. His injuries have resulted in ‘Drop Foot’ or ‘Foot Drop’ whereby the muscles that actively dorsiflex the ankle and foot have weakened, causing difficulty in lifting his foot up. Neil received his newest SAFO (Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis) from the Dorset Orthopaedic team in March. The award-winning orthosis supports the front of his leg down to the top of his foot. This helps 18
Neil lift his foot while his leg swings during walking. Neil now teaches physical education at the Hampshire Collegiate School near Southampton, where he originally studied. He is also head of boys sports, personal social health education and has most recently been promoted to head of year, to commence in September. “The SAFO is vital for me to be able to do my job effectively,” he said. “As a qualified sports teacher I need to be able to coach pupils, referee sports matches and stay active and the SAFO lets me do this.” “The SAFO has given me back a healthy everyday life. I can run, play golf and walk my dog with the SAFO. I can also chase after my boys. Jack has got a new bike and I can run alongside him while he learns how to ride as long as I put on my SAFO!”
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Following the Summer Games in London, the Sochi 2014 organising committee gave Ottobock an exclusive contract for providing the service at the Games in Russia. “The Paralympics are an emotional commitment for us as well. The Games are part of our DNA,” said professor Hans Georg Näder, CEO of Ottobock. A container of workshop equipment
Credit: Giles Duley and Ottobock and replacement parts will leave Ottobock’s headquarters in Duderstadt, Germany, later this year and head for the Black Sea. Representatives from Ottobock have already visited Sochi to inspect areas where the workshops will be based. Ottobock will have just two days between the Olympics and the Paralympics next year to set up the workshops in full.
Half the recommended exercise can cut risk DOING just half the amount of recommended exercise can be enough to reduce the risk of serious illness, research from the Department for Health have found. Professor Conrad Earnest and colleagues studied patients with Metabolic Syndrome, a combination of medical disorders that together increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The study was designed and carried out in the United States to examine the minimal threshold for exercise benefits based on public physical activity guidelines. The guidelines, which are very similar to those in the UK, recommend that adults do at least two hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderateintensity exercise, such as brisk walking, a week and muscle strengthening for two more days a week. People who took part in the trial were split into groups and given does set at 50 per cent, 100 per cent and 150 per cent of the recommended
guidelines. The study referred to criteria for Metabolic Syndrome set out in the National Cholesterol Education Program, including waist circumference and blood pressure and used an analytical technique developed by researchers at the Cambridge Medical Research Council. The results showed that these metabolic syndrome characteristics were improved in those who did as little as 50 per cent of the guidelines. Conrad said: “Our results show that people can significantly improve their Metabolic Syndrome risk at just half the dose of current exercise guidelines, showing that even a little really goes a long way to improving health. In essence, there’s really no reason not to do something active.” “These finding show us that even those who do not enjoy physical activity can still make big differences to their health by doing a small amount.”
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Reflexology reduces the feelings of pain, new study finds By Dominic Musgrave
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REFLEXOLOGY may be as effective as painkillers, according to a small study carried out by the University of Portsmouth. Researchers found that people felt about 40 per cent less pain, and were able to stand pain for about 45 per cent longer, when they used reflexology as a method of pain relief. This is the first time this widely used therapy has been scientifically tested as a treatment for acute pain, meaning it may be used to complement conventional drug therapy in the treatment of conditions associated with pain such as osteoarthritis, backache and cancers. The 15 participants attended two sessions, in which they were asked to submerge their hand in ice water. In one of the sessions they were given reflexology before they submerged their hand, and in the other session they believed they were receiving pain relief from a TENS machine, that was not actually switched on. Dr Carol Samuel, who is a trained reflexologist and who carried out the experimental procedures at the University of Portsmouth as part of her PhD, said: “As we predicted, reflexology decreased pain sensations. It is likely that reflexology works in a similar manner to
Picture credit: Carol Samuel.
acupuncture by causing the brain to release chemicals that lessen pain signals.” The researchers found that when the participants received reflexology prior to the session they were able to keep their hand in the ice water for longer before they felt pain, and that they could also tolerate the pain for a longer period of time. Dr Ivor Ebenezer, co-author of the study, said: “We are pleased with these results. Although this is a small study, we hope it will be the basis for future research into the use of reflexology” Reflexology is a complementary medical approach, which works alongside orthodox medicine, in which pressure may be applied to any body area but is commonly used on either the feet or hands. In this study reflexology was applied to the feet.
Service users have their say on city’s services SERVICE users and carers of Bradford District Care Trust’s podiatry services had their say on the future of foot health services. The events provide an opportunity for service users and carers to find out how they can get involved and have their say. Helen Kirk, podiatry team leader, said: “Service users and carers are at the heart of our service. It’s important that they have their say as they can help shape the future of what we do including where and how we provide our services. “We treat everyone from babies to the elderly for a range of foot issues. From nail cutting to supplying insoles which can support, correct or prevent a deformity, to carrying out annual diabetes foot reviews, or even nail surgery, we do a lot. “This was the first time we have held such an event so we don’t know
what the level of interest would be. Service users or carers might want to form a focus group or some may want to attend podiatry team meetings in the future. We’re open to ideas and finding the best ways of working together.” The Trust provides foot health services across the Bradford, Airedale and Craven District in residential homes, hospitals, community clinics and in service users own homes. Shahid Islam, Patient Experience Manager, said: “Service users and their families know a great deal about health services from the most important end – service delivery. We need to use their feedback and experiences to create and deliver a high quality service.” Foot health experts attended the events to give more information about the services on offer, take questions and give top tips for good foot health.
The Xeleton will aid cruciate ligament recovery and provide early user mobilisation.
Orthosis to aid cruciate ligament recovery OTTOBOCK has launched a new rigid frame knee orthosis, the Xeleton, as well as announcing a new look for the international award-winning Genu Arexa. Both orthoses offer specialised design to stabilise the knee joint following cruciate ligament injuries and ensure successful treatment outcomes through early mobilisation. “Wearing knee orthoses in the early postoperative phase allows patients to be mobilised sooner because they perceive greater stability,” said Dr Sven Scheffler, a specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology. “As a result, patients start trusting their joints sooner, which is critical for an early return to work and everyday activities.” The Xeleton and Genu Arexa frames are made from a robust aluminium alloy for a firm and slip-free fit, affording the user secure stability
during everyday activities. The orthoses feature anatomically shaped tibia pads to prevent pressure marks on the shin when under stress as well as preventing undesired rotation of the device. The Xeleton is available in both standard and long versions; the Genu Arexa is equipped with auto-adaptive plastic shells that conform to the contours of the leg for wearer comfort. Both orthoses allow for the flexion and extension range of motion limits set by the specialist to be adjusted quickly and without tools, thanks to the innovative Click2-Go system. The width of the devices can also be adjusted tool-free by adding spacer rings, allowing them to adapt to accommodate knee swelling. Furthermore, both of the orthoses can be easily adjusted to fit individual leg shapes.
Anatomical leads the way with two new products ANATOMICAL Concepts (UK) Ltd has expanded its product range with the addition of the YouBike® exercise bike and the Gloreha® hand rehabilitation glove. The YouBike®, developed in New Zealand allows the user to exercise very early in the rehabilitation process even when lying on a bed. The innovative system extends the exercise possibilities for clients and can also exercise arms and legs from
a wheelchair. Gloreha® is allowing hand therapists and specialists to deploy costeffective and yet intensive hand rehabilitation for their clients. In neurological conditions, the unique glove design leaves the palm and arm free and is comfortable for patients. The system’s feedback is designed to encourage neuroplasticity. Therapy is very easy to setup through the touch screen interface. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2013
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sponsors foot care FOOT CARE
Take care of your feet or risk issues in later life By Laura West
Company aims to continue delivering reliable products FIREFLY is now the leading company in the UK supplying true custom made foot orthoses to healthcare professionals and we intend to continue leading and delivering services and products that they can rely on. We will not compromise on the use of volumetric casts/scans and use library/template systems. Our comprehensive range includes functional/dress/sport orthoses, moulds and specialised devices including Diabetic Tridensity, R.A. Soft Mould, EVA, UCBL and Roberts Whitman.
Richie Brace ankle foot orthotic. We have recently added a prestigious line of custom made devices from Allied OSI, an American Lab and we have introduced a range of Solestar cycling insoles. Firefly is based in Ireland, providing zero rated VAT on our products, fast turnaround times including free postage inbound and outbound. Our sincere commitment to excellence in product quality, professional expertise and customer service sets the new standard in the foot orthotic industry. Enquiries: For further information visit www.firefly.ie or call +353 71 91 49494.
We are dedicated suppliers of the
Affordable bespoke foot orthoses MADE to measure foot orthoses are more accessible than ever thanks to Pro-Fit Technologies Ltd’s use of technology to produce advanced products quickly and at much lower costs than bespoke orthoses have historically been.
orthoses that are guaranteed for five years. They will have their name engraved on the base along with a serial number to make repeats straightforward. Each pair of foot orthoses are individually designed and manufactured in the UK.
With the new OCCO range you can offer your patient a more individualised experience resulting with better fitting and performing orthotics without the need to heat mould or add bits here and there to off the shelf devices.
No need to take casts or impressions, just measure each foot and select the amount of control, left and right feet and forefoot and rearfoot can be specified separately.
You will provide your patient with a made to measure prescriptive pair of 20
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2013
Go online to your account or simply email the details to us; you’ll have your custom foot orthoses within three days, all for just £35.00+vat+p&p per pair.
ONE of the most important yet most abused parts of the human body is the foot. If your feet hurt it can affect your entire physiology. This should speak volumes and say everything needed to ensure the public think about their family’s feet, but sadly our desire for cheap, selffitted footwear means we have to continually advise parents about their children’s feet and the effect footwear can have in the long term. So what do we mean when we say ‘ill-fitting shoes can affect our entire physiology? It is quite a strong statement, but true; it’s not just your feet that suffer from ill-fitting footwear. Think about it….if your feet hurt because your shoes slip or pinch when you walk, you shift your weight and walk differently to alleviate and compensate for the pain; this in turn creates unnatural wear and tear on your other joints and tendons which can then become painful. Rheumatism and arthritis is always more noticeable in these areas when you are older. Getting old and ‘cronky’ seems a lifetime away when you are young, which is why parents should take responsibility for children’s foot health and footwear seriously. So why should we care about our feet so much and opt for correctly fitted shoes? Well there are loads of reasons, here are just some: If your feet are comfortable and you can move without concentrating on doing so, you will feel happy and relaxed, you will stand correctly and your body will feel great. No frown lines either. Feet are usually hidden away, crammed into unsuitably shaped shoes, outgrown socks, or cheaply constructed footwear which does not offer support or protection, creating
horrible hard skin, misshapen toes, corns and ugly calluses. People then feel embarrassed about their feet when they need to go barefoot, or want to show them off in nice shoes. If you buy footwear that fits correctly your feet will look lovely, you have a greater choice of footwear, you save money on remedial care and you can bare them with pride. If feet are ensconced in cheap, unnatural materials, they can become hot and sweaty, leading to all sorts of fungal infections. A mushroom is a fungus and they grow best in dark, warm, damp conditions, so it stands to reason fungal infections like Athletes Foot love un-breathable materials and your feet being hidden up in the dark. Damage to physique in your formative years may not be noticeable until years later, which may impede your movement and spoil your quality of life. No-one wants to be house-bound or needing a mobility scooter – and do you see a huge choice of footwear suitable for problematic feet on the high street? No you don’t. A little care early on gives you much great choice throughout your lifetime. Feet are at their most vulnerable from birth to early teens as the bones in the foot do not completely ossify (harden) until around the age of 18, so if you give your children a good start when they are tiny, it will help withstand the horrors of fashion when they hit tempestuous teenage. Shoe fitters and chiropodists spend the majority of their time trying to correct damage and ease discomfort which would have been avoided if shoes had been correctly fitted when purchased. There are more than 11,000 chiropodists in the UK which speaks volumes about the footwear we buy and the lack of footwear advice and knowledge available. Laura West is the secretary of The Society of Shoe Fitters.
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sponsors foot care
University puts its best foot forward for new research A TEAM of Sunderland University students are examining people with diabetes to explore some of the factors that could lead to foot ulceration or even amputation. Volunteers have been attending the Biomechanics laboratory at the University of Sunderland’s Sciences Complex over the last two months. The team has been investigating the relationship between the loss of sensation that can sometimes affect the feet and leg, and pressure and forces on sole of the foot, as well as the electrical impulse in leg muscle that help control balance. According to Diabetes UK, in England every year there are about 6,000 diabetes related amputations, costing the NHS an estimated £50m a year. But five undergraduates are hoping their research, which is a final year project, headed by Sunderland principal lecturer Rob Colclough, could build on existing knowledge to predict the risk of ulceration and intervene to preventing unnecessary injuries or amputations. Rob said: “The sooner that peripheral
neuropathy is diagnosed in a diabetic patient the lower the chance of developing serious complications”. “The consequences of ulceration and amputation can lead to reduced mobility, loss of occupation, a reduction in quality of life, and substantial health and social care costs.” “Our study is trying to reduce the likelihood of people with peripheral sensory neuropathy developing foot ulceration. More evidence is required to understand how loss in sensation develops; it’s physical and mechanical implications and its prevention or effective treatment. “By investigating how much loading is taking place through, there may be a physical mechanism which can be introduced to stop the progression, such as a special shoe or insole.” Linda Wood, regional manager for Diabetes UK Northern and Yorkshire, added: “What makes the situation so frustrating is the fact that 80 per cent of amputations are potentially preventable. The research being undertaken at the University of
Lecture programme online THE CPD lecture programme for Foot Health and MSK 2013 is available online. Foot Health 2013 is established as the largest independent podiatry/MSK exhibition in UK. Last year over 700 delegates attended the event, with podiatrists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and other health care
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professionals from all over UK enjoying the range of talks and workshops, as well as finding out about new products and services in the large trade exhibition. This year’s event will be held on June 11 and 12 at Kettering Conference Centre in Northamptonshire, with keynote speakers including Paul Harradine, Maria Mousley, Anthony Redmond and Martin Haines.
Dr Rob Colclough and Jill Croft with patient Joan Johnson.
Sunderland will hopefully help healthcare professionals understand more about how foot ulcers are caused and lead to improved care for people with diabetes.” As part of the research, each student is looking at different risk factors; measuring the sensation to vibration in volunteers’ feet. By putting special insoles inside their shoes, sensors
measure the pressures on the sole of their feet. Volunteers will be asked to stand and walk across a machine embedded in the floor of the laboratory, which very accurately measures the forces across their foot. Another machine will record what the muscles in volunteers’ legs are doing when they stand and walk while looking at a video screen.
Liverpool to host conference THE annual conference of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and the College of Podiatry will be held at the ACC Liverpool from November 14-16. As well as 2012 marking the centenary of organised podiatry in the UK, it also saw the establishment of The College of Podiatry – the leading UK expert in preventative care, diagnosis and
treatment of problems affecting the foot, ankle, and lower limb. The College of Podiatry has grown from the educational activity of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, created to inform and influence academic learning and research, educate and raise awareness of the importance of foot health and bring it higher up the public health agenda.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2013
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PRODUCTS
THE URBAN COLLECTION WITH so many shapes and sizes of feet together with numerous muscles, bones, joints and ligaments affecting the way we move, can a standard off-the-shelf or modular device really be the optimum treatment plan for you patient? A custom-made foot orthoses from Beagle Orthopaedic is fabricated by skilled technicians completely by hand to individual prescriptions, casts and foot impressions. Correctly prescribed, these handmade devices can give optimum correction and/or pressure relief for effective outcomes. To keep ordering we have designed a small range of products, which will can be tailored to suit a variety of indications. Named after Lancashire towns: Lytham, Blackburn, Bolton, Accrington, Lancaster and Whalley, any one of the ‘Urban Collection’ will provide a unique three dimensional orthoses to suit your patient pathologies. Enquiries: For further information contact 01254 268788.
PLATINUM ELITE IS IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN THE Platinum Elite from Trulife is constructed of modern spacer materials for a lighter, stronger and more breathable support. Solid sections of cotton/spandex offer firm and durable support. All materials are latex-free. The Platinum Elite features: The new Tru-lacing system: meaning that the Platinum Elite line is selfadjusting and selfflattening; the dual closure and pull strap systems facilitate donning and doffing Rigid posterior and anterior panels for improved sagittal control which produce’s intra-cavity pressure to reduce the load on the inter-vertebral discs. Three-point pressure system which induces flexion forces. The removable plastic stays included in the rear casings which allow the garment to be used as a step-down brace. Enquiries: For more information on the Platinum Elite or any of the Trulife range of products call 0800 716770 email: info@trulife.com or visit www.trulife.com
MATRIX MAX 2 NOW AVAILABLE TRULIFE is proud to announce the arrival of our latest product to the popular Matrix family. The Matrix Max 2 features a new Easy-Trim foot plate (easily trimmed with regular scissors), allowing you to fit up to three shoes sizes with one product. A new foot plate, which has been made narrower in the medial arch, to allow for an easier and better shoe fit. The new strut is slightly more rigid to give great stability and durability making the Max 2 the ideal choice for the more active user. As well as all of this, the Max is heat mouldable, height adjustable and comes in sizes Small to XLarge. Enquiries: For more information on the Max 2 or any of the Trulife range of products call 0800 716770, email: info@trulife.com or visit www.trulife.com
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2013
Promedics works to exceed expectations FOR 30 years Promedics has consistently worked to exceed the expectations of its customers and are committed to offering total customer service. To achieve this high standard Promedics has over 150 UK employees working in one of Europe’s largest manufacturing units focused on the production of orthopaedic braces, supports and hand therapy products Managing director David Baxendale said: “Promedics is proud to be associated with our clinical partners in the NHS and we work hard to meet and exceed their needs. “We manufacture 80 per cent of the goods we sell and we are proud to be a British manufacturer that retains its skills here in the UK. “This level of control allows us to quickly adapt to the changing needs of our customer and gives us control over raw materials and the overall quality of our products.” Promedics’ 40,000 sq. ft. UK factory is managed using a fully automated system. David added: “This investment in systems allows us to control everything from raw material usage
right through to the finished product on the shelf. “Our warehouse has a fully automated bar-coded picking system and this allows us to achieve a 97 per cent on time dispatch. “We understand the pressure on NHS budgets and the need to reduce stock holding, so it is vital that we support our customers and deliver on time, every time” Promedics is also proud to be the exclusive distributor for three world class companies: BREG (USA), bracing and sports medicine products, Orfit (Belgium), Low Temperature Thermoplastics (Rehabilitation and Radiotherapy) and North Coast Medical (USA), Hand Therapy Products David believes that this overall product range is unrivalled in the UK. “Being able to offer our customers a one stop shop solution has been a key objective,” he added. “It allows them to consolidate their purchasing and reduce the costs associated with raising separate purchase orders. “Our aim is to provide our NHS partners with everything they need in one fast, efficient and cost effective delivery.”
PFS STRAP DRAMATICALLY REDUCES PLANTAR FASCIITIS PAIN RHYS Davies is a rugby union referee, working with the RFU National Panel, with experience of running touch at grounds such as Northampton Saints, Leicester Tigers,Wasps and Harlequins and officiating at Heineken and Amlin Cup matches. Rhys’ Plantar Fasciitis began with a tight Achilles feeling at the back of his heel after a long run or after officiating a match. Despite trying various insoles and strapping techniques, the pain began to mean that Rhys needed more and more recovery time after activity. Sports massage and stretching were no longer providing any relief. “I confess to being sceptical when I saw the support,” added Rhys.“However, I've used it for running, refereeing and running the line at a match, and have been able to walk the next day, and even been able to referee another game the day after running the line in one.” Enquiries: For more details and to view the product, visit Chaneco on stand 14 at Foot Health in Kettering on June 11 and 12. The case study can be downloaded from www.chaneco.co.uk
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