INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 121 JUNE/JULY 2018 £6.95
Xbox sensors are adapted to track health problems By Dominic Musgrave ARTIFICIAL intelligence combined with Xbox technology is being adapted by scientists to help older people live more safely in their homes. Tiny sensors used in Microsoft Kinect technology, most commonly associated with Wii games, are being fitted into 200 homes across Salford, Greater Manchester, to keep watch over frail people and those with dementia and failing memory. The idea could prove a cheap and unobtrusive way of enabling people to live independently and reduce the number of hospital visits. Artificial intelligence expert at the University of Salford, professor Samia Nefti-Meziani, said: “The basic skeleton model provided by Microsoft Kinect has been used to develop an intelligent personalised care system that offers cost-effective interventions. “By offering personalised predictive analysis, we can assess the progression of disorders and assist clinical decisions with the specific aim of helping older people live longer in their own homes.” “Our software measures and analyses data tracked by the Wii with much greater accuracy than you could spot with the naked eye.
“This can tell us how fast or agilely a person is moving and maybe if they have a problem. “It is also a learning machine which build up an understanding of an individual’s routine and can potentially spot anything unusual. “For instance, if someone has been sitting for longer than usual or if they haven’t been to the kitchen all day.” The sensors have already been fitted into a number of properties at sheltered living schemes in Salford, which provide accommodation for older people, as part of the first research study. Jonathan Drake, service director at Salix Homes, said: “We believe this kind of technology will help elderly people live safely in their homes for longer and reduce the pressures on the NHS and other care services. “With an ageing population we have to look at realistic and affordable solution to tackling the critical health and social care issues of our time.” For the first phase of the study Salford research fellow Dr Ipek Caliskanelli and Caroline Gardner from the University of Manchester are visiting the volunteers at home to collect the data and any personal feedback from the subjects. A second phase would see ‘real-time’ data directly available to clinicians at the hospital.
A robotics company which began as a startup at Bristol Robotics Laboratory has launched the world’s first medically certified 3D printed artificial arms for amputees. After working with NHS England on the first trial of a wearable 3D printed medical device for children and young people, Open Bionics is ready to launch the device commercially in the UK. The Hero Arm, an advanced bionic arm, is small enough to fit children as young as nine years old for the first time. Current bionic limbs are sized for teenagers and adults. Continued on page 6.
BODY-WORN sensors used at home and in clinic by people with mild Alzheimer’s to assess walking could offer a cost-effective way to detect early disease and monitor progression of the illness. A pilot study involving Newcastle University has revealed low-cost wearable devices could improve clinical trial efficiency and encourage research investment. Identification of clinical biomarkers, such as changes in walking characteristics and behaviours, are known to be important factors when looking at early warning signs of dementia. Findings of a feasibility study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, show that wearable sensors offer a good way to assess changes in how a person walks and also can be used for continuous ‘free-living’ monitoring of gait during everyday activities. Experts say this method has the potential for affordable, multicentre and home-based monitoring
that benefits patients, clinical management and the efficiency of clinical trials.
continuous data over a prolonged time that may be more sensitive than one-off assessments.
Lynn Rochester, professor of Human Movement Science at Newcastle University, leads the gait and wearable technology research across multiple sites in the study.
“This is an exciting project to be involved in.
Professor Rochester said: “How someone walks is not routinely used in clinical trials because the tools needed are typically restricted to specialised labs and one-off testing, missing subtle fluctuations in symptoms. “Wearable sensors at home and in the clinic have the potential to change dementia research. “The ability to assess gait and walking behaviours in all aspects of life is a major step forwards in data collection. “Free-living gait analysis at home is particularly useful as it allows objective observation of an individual’s day-to-day activity. “It also has the benefit of providing
Contacts Editorial Judith Halkerston Group Editor Email: jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Dominic Musgrave Group Production Editor Email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734407
“Gait assessed in this way could contribute to delivery of more cost-effective clinical trials and may encourage investment and increase the number of such studies in the future.”
Sales Carole Rice Product Manager Email: cr@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478
The feasibility study is part of the £6.9m Deep and Frequent Phenotyping Project, funded by the National Institute for Health Research and the Medical Research Council.
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This is the first major clinical study based on Dementias Platform UK and the results could be game changing for research in this area.
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Gait assessed with sensors may help detect condition
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For the study 20 patients with early Alzheimer’s disease wore a small wearable sensor on their lower back. They carried out walking tasks in the laboratory and then went home wearing the sensor for a week, carrying out everyday tasks.
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2018
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Student’s video aims to reduce patients’ time in hospital A SERIES of videos developed by a University of Salford student promise to save the NHS money and reduce the amount of time patients stay in hospital.
She will use the money to create another professionally produced video made available to a wider group of patients due to come into the hospitals for procedures such as total knee replacement operations.
Felicity Litchfield, who has just completed the University’s Trauma and Orthopaedic MSc Programme while working as a physiotherapist for St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, came up with the idea as part of her coursework but has now been awarded £730 to develop it further.
And she says, if successful, the idea can be used for other patients due to attend hospital for a range of procedures. Felicity said: “We need to get far better at educating patients and this should be done using modern technology rather than outdated information booklets which can be of poor quality, expensive to repeatedly re-produce, easily mislaid and can be so confusing that patients just don’t look at them.
She created a short online video for patients who were due to come into hospital for keyhole knee surgery, providing information about what the procedure involves and how they should prepare for the surgery. It also provides advice about how they are expected to recover afterwards, what kind of exercises they should do, and how to look out for signs and symptoms for complications such as infection.
“More than 90 per cent of people in the UK now have access to the internet, so online videos which are clear and easy to understand are definitely the way forward.”
Felicity Litchfield
The video is aimed at replacing traditional information booklets that patients can find confusing, misplace and sometimes do not receive until just before their surgery. It is also intended to make sure patients are better prepared and less anxious before coming into hospital, avoiding unnecessary overnight stays and repeat visits to outpatients physiotherapy. Now, Felicity has been given £730 through the Santander Universities Make The Difference Award – helping fund students who have an idea to make a difference in their community.
“More than 90 per cent of people in the UK now have access to the internet, so online videos which are clear and easy to understand are definitely the way forward. “This will lead to patients feeling less anxious and better prepared before going in for their operations, mean they don’t stay in hospital longer than they need to – something nobody wants to do – and ultimately save the NHS money.” Sue Buttress, associate dean of the University of Salford’s School of Health Sciences, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the initiative that Felicity has displayed and the passion she clearly has for improving the patient experience.”
Brace helps realign the knee to its original gait THE TVS knee brace is designed to hold a medially or laterally unstable knee from moving into a painful position of deformity while the knee is in extension and weight bearing. While the patient is wearing the TVS Brace the knee will be realigned to its original gait and long term use will stop the knee from sagging to a more extreme position preventing the need for a surgical solution. The TVS has helped relieve arthritic knee pain to over 25,000 patients in the UK alone for over 40 years. n Varus (bow-legged) and Valgus (knock-kneed) deformation support. n Helps relieve arthritic knee pain. n NHS approved and clinically proven for over 40 years. n Easily attached and removed in seconds. n Ultra lightweight (200grams/8oz). n Greatly increase stability and security for the wearer. 4
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2018
n Comfortable to wear and unobtrusive (can be worn under clothes). n Suitable for both legs. For more information call 02380 643402, email sales@stclare-engineering.co.uk or visit www.tvskneebrace.co.uk
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A robotics company which began as a startup at Bristol Robotics Laboratory has launched the world's first medically certified 3D printed artificial arms for amputees. Dominic Musgrave reports.
Cameron Millar (left) has already used his new 3D printed bionic arm to try archery for the first time, while Tilly Lockey (right) can now brush her own hair and paint one-handed.
Robotics startup launches first medically approved 3D printed bionic arms innovation centre at the University of the West of England’s Frenchay campus.
AFTER working with NHS England on the first trial of a wearable 3D printed medical device for children and young people, Open Bionics is ready to launch the device commercially in the UK.
In 2017 the firm won a Guinness World Record for fitting an amputee with the world’s first bionic arm built from a video game; the popular gaming title Deus Ex.
The Hero Arm, an advanced bionic arm, is small enough to fit children as young as nine years old for the first time. Current bionic limbs are sized for teenagers and adults.
NHS England was the first healthcare system in the world to deliver 3D printed bionic hands to patients as part of a study with Open Bionics in 2017.
This is the first time anyone with a below-elbow amputation can buy a 3D printed artificial arm in the UK. The UK is the only country in the world to have these devices available, with Open Bionics planning a US launch at the close of 2018. One of the company’s youngest users is Cameron Millar, aged 10. Cameron was born without a hand and has already used his new 3D printed bionic arm to try archery for the first time. Cameron, who was fitted by the clinic HCi Viocare in Glasgow, said: “I absolutely love my Hero Arm, it’s the one prosthetic that I have used more than any other device I’ve tried. It’s lighter, it moves better, and is way cooler than any of my previous prosthetics.” Another user who was fitted with one of the company’s first prototype bionic limbs is 12-year-old Tilly Lockey. Tilly was just a baby when she lost both hands to meningitis, and was fitted with her new 3D printed hands by the clinic, Dorset Orthopaedic. Sarah Lockey, Tilly’s mum, said: “The day Tilly lost her hands, I made a 6
promise to her that I would get her hands back. Working with Open Bionics on Tilly’s new hands has been incredible. The technology has come such a long way since Tilly was a baby. “We were essentially told it was impossible to get her bionic hands because the technology was too big and couldn’t be shrunk down for her.
the controller to her arm. “She can brush her own hair with it and paint one handed. Things that we all take for granted. The design has been carefully considered to stop kids from getting bored. Tilly’s favourite feature is that it has interchangeable covers and she can match them with her outfits.
“It has been incredible to watch Open Bionics. What they are developing, a lot of kids want.
“Open Bionics has created a hand that my 12 year old wants to wear and has fun with. It helps her with everyday life and it looks great too.”
“What went from a sad state of prosthetic design came this explosion; a 3D printed device that was lighter, cheaper, a very stylish design that helped Tilly play with the Wii for the first time without having to sellotape
The award-winning company has built a reputation for building bionic limbs from the world of science fiction. It developed its technology at BRL’s business incubator before relocating to the neighbouring Future Space
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Co founder of Open Bionics, Samantha Payne said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch the Hero Arm after spending four years working with amputees and healthcare professionals to develop a device that is advanced and low cost. We’re particularly proud of our collaboration with NHS England and look forward to working together to make these devices suitable and available for NHS patients.” Joel Gibbard, co founder and CEO, added: “The limb different community has been absolutely amazing in their support of us developing the Hero Arm. Huge thanks goes to the parents of young children who need bionic limbs for their patience and tireless enthusiasm for our work. They have been a huge motivation.” Open Bionics ultimately hopes to have the devices made available to NHS patients. The company is currently in the planning stages of a medical trial to assess the suitability of the device for NHS standards with a group of patients across three NHS clinics.
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Wheelchair athlete given ‘new lease of life’ after amputation fullest.
AN athlete who had his leg amputated five years ago says it has given him a “fresh perspective on life” as he prepares to embark on his next sporting challenge.
“All of us only get one life, which is why I’m passionate about showing people that having a disability doesn’t stop you from achieving anything you want,” he added.
A member of the Welsh national wheelchair rugby team and one of the world’s first wheelchair boxers, Phil Bousfield lives a busy and active lifestyle, with his latest goal being to take part in a 70-mile fundraising bike ride this spring.
“People with disabilities can still live an active and fulfilled lifestyle.” A day shy of his five-year amputation anniversary Phil visited RJAH to have a catch-up with Nilesh, as well as his secretary Georgi Norris, who has liaised with him about his hospital appointments and surgery for more than 20 years.
But he says all of his sporting successes wouldn’t have been possible without the care he received and the staff at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital – in particular Nilesh Makwana, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, and his team.
Nilesh said: “It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with Phil and really wonderful to see the progress he’s been making.
Phil, from Mold, had spent most of his life suffering with the crippling pain of a club foot and since he was an infant, had numerous operations in a bid to put a stop to his agony. But in 2013, after deliberating long and hard, he and Nilesh, between them, decided an amputation might be his best option to improve his quality of life. Father-of-two Phil, 43, said it was the “hardest – but best – decision he’s ever made”. He added: “Since my amputation my life has completely changed. Five years ago I didn’t play any sports, simply because I was in too much pain, I never imagined I could be as successful as I have been. “The amputation gave me a new lease of life, and for that I have Mr Makwana, his team and RJAH to
He’s an inspiration to many, having achieved so much but also because of his positive attitude. “Phil is a perfect example for patients that there is life after amputation and that patients go onto live a relatively pain-free, active and enjoyable life.” Phil Bousfield with Nilesh Makwana and his secretary Georgi Norris.
thank.”
Association.
After his operation Phil joined the North Wales Crusader wheelchair rugby club and was selected to play for the Wales national team, after just five months of playing.
In order to achieve that, Phil has played a part in designing a new prosthetic leg so that he is able to ride a bike for the long distance of the ride.
As well as boxing and rugby, he also practices jujitsu, coaches and is currently preparing to take part in a charity bike ride from Chester to Llandudno, in aid of the Limbless
Phil, who works for Options Autism supporting children, young people and adults who require specialist support, said his amputation has allowed him to live his life to the
Phil concluded: “Everything I’ve achieved I owe to Mr Makwana and his wonderful team for everything they’ve done for me, so for that I’d like to publicly thank them, as well as thank everyone at RJAH. “Working in the NHS is a real team effort, no matter what your role is, you’re part of the wider picture that contributes to patient care in some way. I’d also like to thank my wonderful wife Della and our girls Ellie and Fay for their constant love and support, I couldn’t do what I do without that.”
New institute to study link between mobility and early signs of illness A NEW innovation institute has been created to investigate links between mobility and degenerative disorders like dementia among the elderly. The UK-China Gait and Health Innovation Institute is a joint initiative by De Montfort University Leicester and Qianhan Technology, China. Changes in a person’s gait – the way that they walk – has been linked to cognitive decline and can be an early indicator of whether someone is more likely to suffer falls or develop dementia, Parkinson’s Disease or Alzheimer’s. Qianhan Technology has developed smart shoes – a latest wearable technology to monitor a person’s 8
walk looking at factors such as how fast they walk, the rhythm and stride. It works with healthcare organisations in China such as hospitals and care homes to monitor patients and elderly residents. The technology is also being investigated in use for rehabilitation, sport science and forensic science. In the new institute, DMU experts will be able to analyse the enormous amount of gait data provided by Qianhan’s monitoring to try to establish accurate predictors which can help identify those at highest risk of progressing to dementia from mild cognitive impairment. Knowing who is at risk will help
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doctors put in place preventative strategies enabling better quality of life for patients and saving the health care system billions of pounds. Professor Liming Chen, head of the Context, Intelligence and Interaction Research Group at DMU, said: “We strongly believe gait data analysis can contribute to smart healthcare. We want to increase impact and provide easy to use scalable technology that will benefit society. The creation of this institute reflects our desire and our aspiration to pursue innovative research to positively impact society and the economy.” Dr Shuai Tao, CEO of Qianhan Technology, which is in China’s
Liaoning Province, said he was excited to launch the institute. He added: “This institute is the first organisation we have founded outside of China. I hope the two sites together will lead to more academic papers and applications not only in China but in the UK and EU.” Professor Nigel Wright, DMU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), added: “We recently launched our research strategy and there are a number of aspects that this event exemplifies including not only the global aspect but the collaborative element to the research which will have a social impact.”
NEWS The group of 30 physiotherapy students and staff from the University of Hertfordshire (left) and two students work on the legs of a tired finisher (right).
Marathon effort from students A GROUP of 30 second and third year physiotherapy students, assisted by staff from the University of Hertfordshire, delivered post-event massages to runners raising funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society at the London Marathon. Skye-Lucia Moore, one of the third year physiotherapy students involved, said: “I’m privileged to have taken part in this inspirational event. “There’s such a positive vibe and it’s great fun! I’ve really enjoyed working as part of a team, delivering much-needed care to these amazing runners, and also developing my soft tissue work in a real-life environment at the same time.” Karen Atkinson, professional lead for the physiotherapy programme, said: “This is the fourth year running
I’ve had the opportunity to support our physiotherapy students as they provided post-marathon massage to runners raising money for the MS Society.
have MS themselves) are inspirational and their families and friends are so supportive. I would like to congratulate everyone involved for making this such an amazing day.
“This is an inspirational and lifeaffirming event that I would recommend to anyone – a way to be immersed in the experience without needing to be a runner.
“For our students it’s a really valuable experience providing an opportunity to contextualize their practice; supporting the athletes at this event facilitates the development of problem solving skills needed to become competent professional physiotherapists.”
“We were ably assisted by Chris Monize, a local clinician, and Tracy Burge, a physiotherapist with extensive experience of providing physiotherapy at elite sporting events. “They were both extremely impressed with our students’ professionalism and hands-on skills. “It’s a privilege to be part of this event; the runners (some of whom
Runners were very complimentary about their massages and the professionalism exhibited by the students, with one runner commenting ‘I was a broken man, but the students have glued me back together!’ Another commented: ‘This was a first-
class experience. Thank you so much. A perfect end to a perfect day.’ Ellie Smith, the MS event organiser, added: “The students did a fantastic job of helping our runners recover after their marathons; we had brilliant feedback from runners who said it was just what they needed after their run. “Our team of 300 runners are on track to raise an amazing £600,000 for the MS Society, and the students were an essential part of ensuring they had a great race day experience – we can’t thank them enough.” The University of Hertfordshire offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in physiotherapy, in addition to a number of short courses for professionals.
New diabetic foot clinics helping to prevent amputations in Lincolnshire NEW one-stop foot clinics in Lincolnshire are already seeing results, just a few months after being set up to help prevent amputations in people with diabetes.
People with diabetes are much more likely to develop problems with their feet as high blood sugars can damage blood circulation and the feeling in their feet. If left untreated diabetic patients can develop foot ulcers, infections and, at worst, it can lead to amputation. There are around 25 major (above or below the knee) amputations performed each year across the 10
county due to diabetes. Statistics show four out of five amputations can be prevented. This is why new clinics are being run at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, bringing together the expertise of vascular and orthopaedic surgeons, podiatrists, research nurses, radiology, microbiology, cast technicians and orthotics. Murali Subramaniam, a vascular surgeon on the team, said: “A diabetic patient is 16 times more at risk of having a limb amputation than a non-diabetic of the same age. “Time is so important in these cases
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and having to wait for a referral to the diabetes foot team or vascular team could make a real difference between a patient keeping their foot or having to have it amputated. It really is that serious.
“By having these clinics a patient can come in see a diabetes doctor, have their foot treated by the podiatrist, they can seek the advice of the vascular team and can have scans, treatments and check-ups all in one visit.” Dr Ammar Tarik is a consultant fiabetologist at ULHT and knows just how much of a difference the clinics
are going to make.
He added: “By working so closely together we can prevent the risk of amputation it is as simple as that. “It also has a positive impact on our patients general health, reduces mortality, reduces the number of hospital admissions, means fewer hospital outpatient visits for patients and improves their quality of life. “Despite only running for a few weeks we are confident that we are going to see the new clinics having a positive impact, not only on the state of our patients’ feet but also their overall health.”
NEWS
Glove shortlisted for accolade A VIRTUAL reality glove that is transforming both recovery times and expectations of those who have suffered stroke or serious injury has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
The RAPAEL Smart Glove is revolutionising patient rehabilitation thanks to its interactive gaming element, which encourages and motivates its users to keep repeating measured movements. With its range of games that, using algorithms, adapt to the progression of its users, the RAPAEL Smart Glove brings feeling and movement back to inactive parts of the hand, wrist and forearm. Not only does the outstanding piece of equipment increase the difficulty of the movements and games with the patient’s progression, it also tracks and records their development. The ingenious design, which
represents just how today’s technology can be adapted for patient care, is one of the shortlisted entries in the Blackwood Design Awards, which aim to celebrate the great and good of innovations to help people who have disabilities.
Anna Choi, marketing communication manager at NEOFECT, said: “The rehabilitation process for people trying to get movement back in their body can be a slow and exhausting process. “Quite simply, it’s not a fun task. Older techniques would see patients move a cup from one part of the table to another repeatedly to get muscles to recognise and develop the movement – you can imagine how boring that is. “But the RAPAEL Smart Glove is fun – and by motivating the patient to progress with each game, the patient progresses in recovery.”
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, and a therapist can give regular checks by tele-communication. Therefore patients do not need full time supervision during rehab exercises. Anna added: “We develop solutions for patients who need rehab but are unmotivated, so we know that it can be a tough job convincing them that things can improve. “Keeping patients motivated through gamification and a user-friendly interface is an essential part of their development.” 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 victims to the same thing.
Anna added: “We’re all so proud and honoured to be recognised by such a prestigious award and are extremely excited at the prospect of the word spreading, which could see more people benefit from the glove.” Max Brown, chair of Blackwood Board, said: “The standard of entries this year has been incredibly high across the board. “This glove’s design has incredible results with its patient recovery rates and has the potential to breathe a breath of fresh air into the way we think about the rehabilitation process.” “We’re all excited to see which entries comes out on top when the Awards are announced and wish the best of luck to all those shortlisted.”
Management buyout agreed New Mid Wheel Drive and for Blackburn manufacturer B4 model in Juvo range
WENDY Bleasdale and John Vause have agreed a management buyout of Blackburn based orthopaedic footwear manufacturer Reed Medical Limited, taking ownership of the company due to Peter Reed’s retirement after 50 years with the company. Wendy has 30 years’ experience in many aspects of the footwear industry, including her role as managing director of Reed Medical since March 2005.
John is a fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and has been a senior member of the Reed Medical management team for 28 years. Wendy will remain as Managing Director, with John being appointed as finance director. This transaction will ensure ownership remains in the current management’s
OTTOBOCK has launched a new Mid Wheel Drive option in the groundbreaking Juvo range, plus a new model, the B4.
hands to provide continuity for Reed Medical’s customers, employees and suppliers. Wendy said: “We are keen to build on the solid foundation that’s been laid and are very excited about the future plans to build on the success achieved so far. It is very much business as usual for Reed Medical and we will continue to focus on providing quality product and service for our customers.” John added: “We look forward to the next chapter of the company’s development with the right team in place to deliver the company’s long term aspirations.”
Originally launched in 2017, Ottobock’s Juvo powered wheelchairs provide a combination of reliability, safety and design with multiple options that can be tailored to the individual person. The Juvo range is suitable for a wide variety of conditions including; Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Motor Neurone Disease, Spina Bifida and spinal injuries. The wheelchair has a maximum weight limit of between 140kg and 160kg depending on the selected model. There are endless choices including options for front or rear wheel drive depending on the needs of the
individual. An exciting new addition, the existing Juvo B5 and B6 models are now available in Mid Wheel Drive. The new Mid Wheel Drive option offers incomparable driving characteristics for all fields of application, with single-wheel suspension and torsion drive system for an intuitive drive type. Thanks to the direct pivot point, safe handling is possible even with more complex forms of input.
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Physiotherapy students visit Premier League football club PHYSIOTHERAPY students from Bournemouth University spent an afternoon at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium to see how the medical team use state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to both train and rehabilitate players. AFC Bournemouth’s head of sports medicine and club doctor, Craig Roberts, alongside first team physiotherapist, Nick Court, took the group through a presentation about emerging technologies being used by the team together with clips of how physiotherapists employed a range of techniques to rehabilitate premier league players suffering from injury. The students then split into smaller groups where they spent time with Craig, who elaborated on how ultrasound was being used at AFC Bournemouth. AFC Bournemouth physiotherapists Steve Hard and Jonny King then gave
a talk to assembled students about the range of exercises and recovery programmes undertaken by players, including a state-of-the-art antigravity treadmill, demonstrated by a BU student. Students then moved to the gymnasium, where they were joined by first team sports therapists Dave Gardner, Matt Best and BU alumni Ben Donachie, who studied BSc Sports Science at BU before joining AFC Bournemouth as lead strength coach in 2012. As a member of the sports science staff, Ben’s role is to strength development of club players, from the AFC Bournemouth Academy, to the first team. BU physiotherapy lecturer Osman Ahmed said: “Our final year students are currently learning about innovation in physiotherapy, and so we were very grateful to be hosted by
the medical staff at AFCB as part of this unit. Everyone at the club went to a lot of time and effort to show us some of the cutting-edge equipment that they use, including anti-gravity treadmills, diagnostic ultrasound scanning, and a wide range of muscle testing equipment. “The students were also exposed to the cryo-chamber which is used for recovery. They had the opportunity to try it themselves and experience what -140 degrees Celsius feels like! All of the medical staff at AFCB were very approachable and open, and the students were able to fully interact and engage with them.” Speaking about the opportunity on offer for BU students, Osman added: “It was a terrific opportunity for the students to get an insight into the sort of equipment that is used at the elite sporting level and for them to be able to see some of the technological
changes that are happening in physiotherapy. “Although many of our students will go into the NHS to work upon graduation, having an awareness of the different treatment and diagnostic opportunities that are out there will broaden their horizons. Many of the students commented on what a great learning experience it was and it was definitely a day they will remember.” As higher education partner of AFC Bournemouth, BU is able to offer a number of opportunities to students, from attending match days to working as an ambassador at the club, and currently sponsors the AFC Bournemouth ladies football teams. AFC Bournemouth staff and players have also visited BU, including a talk from Eddie Howe to sports science students, and a talk from striker Jermain Defoe at BU’s Executive Business Centre.
Lee’s going for gold at Invictus Games A CARDIFF University staff member selected for Great Britain at this year’s Invictus Games will make major sacrifices in a bid to add to his medal collection. Lee Matthews is juggling his work in the School of Healthcare Sciences with a gruelling training programme. The 29-year-old is desperate to succeed at this year’s Games for injured, wounded or sick service personnel. The preparation required for his chosen events of powerlifting and wheelchair basketball demands his full mental and physical commitment. The challenge is huge because he suffers from a condition that limits the use of one of his legs and leaves him in chronic pain. 12
“I’m definitely in a good place. I’m preparing and we’ve got a lot of training camps coming up before the Games.” But despite his dedication and competitive spirit, the Games are about far more than personal success for Lee, an Assessments and Student Cases Officer at the University. Lee served in the Army Air Corps between 2006 and 2014, completing a tour of Afghanistan in 2008, but was diagnosed with viscero-somatic pain syndrome in 2010 following a routine operation.
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“I have nerve damage in my left leg and the lower left of my back, and have chronic pain. I have numbness and loss of use of my left leg,” he said. “There are some days when your body wants to shut down. It has got progressively worse and there’s the mental health aspect too. It can be quite difficult. “But I’m definitely in a good place. I’m preparing and we’ve got a lot of training camps coming up before the Games.”
competitive in the basketball again,” he added. The Invictus Games, started by Prince Harry in 2014, are for veteran and active service personnel who are wounded, injured or ill. They aim to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of those who serve their country. Lee is appreciative of the efforts of Prince Harry to promote the Games and support the athletes.
Lee has won a gold and a silver medal for Great Britain in the wheelchair basketball at previous Invictus Games so knows what it takes.
“I’ve met Prince Harry a few times and I used to work with him; he was a pilot in my regiment,” he said. “He’s down to earth and understanding. He’s so supportive of us.”
“I’m aiming for gold in the powerlifting and for us to be
This year’s Games take place in Sydney from October 20-27.
Award to benefit wheelchair users NEWS
A PROJECT to improve the lives of young disabled people has been awarded £1 million from People’s Postcode Lottery.
Part of the lottery’s Dream Fund initiative, the award will fund a partnership between researchers at Edinburgh University and charities Whizz-Kidz and Duchenne UK. Their Wheels of Change project will research and develop wheelchair technology to integrate with and enhance mobility equipment for young people. The University will assemble a diverse team of researchers and students from its School of Design and School of Engineering. The team will be led by and engineering professor Ian Underwood
“This award will allow us to move from dreaming to demonstrating the powerful impact interdisciplinary research and development can have on the lives of everyone, making things better.” and design expert Arno Verhoeven. Key partner Whizz-Kidz has helped more than 20,000 disabled and young people in the UK since 1990. The charity supports people between the ages of two and 24 with disabilities by providing mobility equipment, support and life skills to help them fulfil their potential and achieve their goals. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
charity, Duchenne UK, will support the project with additional funding to improve technical and device support for disabled children and young people. Ian said: “We are delighted to be working with Whizz-Kidz and Duchenne UK as a lead partner in this ground-breaking research project intended to enhance the quality of life of young wheelchair users.
“Our participatory approach will put young disabled people at the heart of the project by listening to their needs and aspirations.”
Arno Verhoeven from the School of Design at Edinburgh College of Art, added: ”Freedom of choice, dignity and personal control are hallmarks of Scotland’s ambition to ensure all citizens are able to live independently. “A key part of our vision is making a socially responsible contribution in promoting health and wellbeing, both locally in Scotland and further afield. “This award will allow us to move from dreaming to demonstrating the powerful impact interdisciplinary research and development can have on the lives of everyone, making things better.”
Advertiser’s announcement
Orthoticks Poly insoles: five styles for all your patients’ needs THE Orthoticks Poly insole range, now available from Ortho Europe, allows you to provide customised orthotics to prevent and treat common lower limb conditions for any patient. Each prefabricated Poly insole is created from a tough and ready thermoplastic polymer specifically formulated for orthotic use, available in five unique designs with features to provide the best support for your patient, no matter their condition. The Poly Classic sets the standard in thermoplastic over-the-counter orthotics, while the Comfort is ideal for sensitive or high-risk patients. The two Performance insoles are 14
tapered, with the SL suitable for hard-to-fit footwear, and the FL designed for performance applications and sporting footwear.
n MLA pads.
Poly Custom insoles are fully customisable, with a partially open top cover for easy placement and adjustment of additions before sealing, giving you the ultimate range of prescription options.
n Wedge strips.
A full range of self-adhesive additions is available to customise any Poly custom range insole to your patients’ needs. These include: n Metatarsal bars and domes. n Heel raises.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2018
n Forefoot wedges. n Reverse Mortons extensions. Poly insoles arrive complete with antimicrobial, moisture-wicking performance top covers and anti-slip bottom covers to provide superior comfort with seamless footwear integration. This makes outstanding function and features available to your patients in a prefabricated, cost-effective package. Ortho Europe also supplies alternative insoles for a range of
conditions, as well as many other orthotic, prosthetic and mobility products. If you would like further details about Orthoticks Poly insoles, or to learn more about the full Ortho Europe product range, please get in touch: Andy Cooper 07770 948592 andy.cooper@ortho-europe.com Ian Walker 07786 378515 ian.walker@ortho-europe.com You can also find more information on the Ortho Europe website at www.ortho-europe.com
3D printed foot orthotics that don’t cost an arm and a leg FOLLOWING five years of research into additive manufacturing technology, Crispin Orthotics have installed one of the most advanced 3D printers currently available. Capable of producing aesthetic, functional and durable parts, the Multi Jet Fusion printer is perfect for manufacturing orthotic devices. Manufactured to a scan, template, foam impression or plaster cast, Foot Orthotics+ are 3D printed in nylon, a dynamic material which can be designed to offer both rigidity for control, and flexibility for shock attenuation. With a high strength-to-weight ratio, Foot Orthotics+ give you complete control over form and function, utilising clever features such as
integrated heel and forefoot posts, low profile designs and options for increased rigidity or flexibility. Bespoke or modular, Foot Orthotics+ offer pinpoint accuracy, exact repeatability and unrestricted control over design, coupled with previously unseen affordability. 3D printing has truly arrived. For information contact us: joshruddiman@crispinorthotics.com 0113 252 8866 www.crispinorthotics.com
EATING is not just a functional activity, it is also a social interaction that should be enjoyable.
Obi can be used by anyone who has the cognitive ability to operate a simple machine, the physical ability to operate accessibility switches and the
The patented technology of Silcare Breathe works by letting the air and perspiration that are often trapped between the liner and skin to escape through specially designed laser drilled perforations. The air and moisture are then expelled from the socket as the wearer walks, resulting in drier skin and a healthier environment for the residual limb.
control, and reduce the damaging effects of relative motion on damp tissues that is often encountered with standard prosthetic liners. The Silcare Breathe Cushion Liner and Silcare Breathe Locking Liner are now available to order from Blatchford. blatchford.co.uk +44 (0) 01256 316600 customer.service@blatchford.co.uk
Get the heads up on Closomat’s intimate care developments INNOVATIONS at brand-leading Closomat are enabling housing providers to take advantage of a uniquely ‘fit and forget’ solution, that offers optimum flexibility for lifetime accessibility and support º stylishly. Closomat’s top-selling range of wash & dry toilets offer floor and wallmounted options in WC provision that obviates the need, potentially, for care support in intimate cleansing, and delivers enhanced hygiene. Contemporary lines ensure the fixtures compliment any modern décor, instead of giving an institutional ‘feel’. Similarly, the company’s range of bathroom accessories – including hoists, washbasins and shower seats – bring a sophisticated ambience to a
functional room that addresses even the most severe disability needs. Uniquely, Closomat engineers its core wash and dry toilet offering in-house, at its dedicated UK factories, with each unit being hand finished to individual specification. For information call 0161 969 1199 or visit www.clos-o-mat.com
Head UpTM Brace – see the world in a new dimension
Unfortunately, for many who have difficulty in feeding themselves, dignity and independence can be quickly lost.
It gives independence, dignity, freedom, wellbeing and improved quality of life to users anywhere.
Modern liner technology provides excellent cushioning, but the impermeable and insulating materials can allow a build-up of heat and moisture so they begin to slip and chafe.
This helps to increase comfort and
Revolutionary robotic self-feeding device Obi is a revolutionary portable, robotic eating device with a rechargeable battery, designed to suit children and adults with muscular weakness, upper limb function loss, quadriplegia or extreme athetoid movements.
OPTIMAL control of a prosthetic limb depends on a comfortable and secure connection between limb and socket.
NEWS
New product showcase
New direction in silicone liner technology from Blatchford
capability to take food from a spoon, chew and swallow without choking. Everyone deserves access to independent and fulfilling dining experiences. Obi’s assistive technology will allow users to take control of their mealtimes helping to improve their quality of life and restore dignity and enjoyment to their meals. For more information visit www.cyclonemobility.com or call 0800 1804850
At Script Media we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data in compliance with the new GDPR regulations. We have improved the way we collect your contact preferences for marketing purposes. You can update your contact preferences at anytime by completing the registration form on the back of the label carrier or alternatively online at http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/ Our privacy policy is available on request – email circulation@scriptmedia.co.uk or view online at http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=privacy
INNOVATION is critical to enabling the NHS to achieve the very tough objectives that have been set, and Beagle are excited to launch our latest product innovation to all those in the relevant field.
We have worked closely with the “Innovations Team” at Musgrove Park to design and deliver the “Head UpTM Brace”; a daily living aid to assist those with motor neurone disease or other relatable diseases. Patients suffering with irreversible weakness of the posterior cervical spinal muscles are the ones that are going to benefit most from this product. Most of the current designs available are based on the concept of a collar, but neck weakness is only part of the condition and it is usually accompanied by weakening
in the shoulder region and long back muscles. These can cause chafing of the skin under the chin and clavicles, whilst surgery is associated with a very high complication rate of, in excess of 30 per cent. The Head Up BraceTM is a unique, non-surgical method that allows the patient to passively correct their chin on chest deformity, improve posture and comfortably hold the head in neutral position while preventing skin problems from occurring.
Visit www.beagleorthopaedic.com or call 01254 268788.
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