INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 124 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018/19 £6.95
New service may give amputees a pain and socket-free future THE country’s first dedicated Osseointegration and Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) surgery and rehabilitation service for amputees has been launched in London.
The service, to be run by Dorset Orthopaedic and Relimb – part of the private patients’ unit (PPU) based at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust — will allow amputees, who wish to live a life free from socket-related problems or nerve-related pain, to access these innovative surgical procedures and follow-up rehabilitation in one package of care. Relimb surgeons Norbert Kang and Alex Woollard, who work in the PPU at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in Hampstead will perform the surgical procedures, while Dorset Orthopaedic — which has clinics in Ringwood and Burton-On-Trent — will provide follow-up rehabilitation and support. The launch of the service took place at the Royal College of Physicians, with Norbert and Alex explaining the intricacies of their groundbreaking surgical procedures alongside a number of inspiring patient testimonies. Delegates — which comprised patients considering the surgery, case managers and solicitors — heard from Caroline Rutley-Frayne, who had osseointegration surgery on her leg in Australia, and now enjoys long hikes up to 20km a day, Alex Paterson, who is the UK’s first upper limb amputee to have both TMR and osseointegration surgeries and former Olympic judo competitor Jo Horton, who had TMR
surgery to rid herself of phantom limb pain.
Matthew Hughes, clinical services director at Dorset Orthopaedic, said: “The event was a huge success and we have had excellent feedback from all parties. We’re delighted to be a part of this pioneering new partnership with Relimb and bringing these incredible treatments to the UK.” TMR is a complex surgical procedure which can give patients a realistic chance of complete relief from neuroma pain while simultaneously improving phantom limb pain. For upper limb amputees, TMR surgery also gives them the means to control far more complex, multiarticulated, prostheses — operating in much the same way a person would use a normal limb — instead of a standard prosthesis. The surgery involves identifying the free nerve ends in a patient’s stump and connecting them to residual muscles within, or close to, the amputation site. Electrical signals travelling down the nerves are then amplified by the muscles, allowing them to achieve outcomes associated with this surgery. Osseointegration surgery involves the insertion of a metal implant into the residual bone of a stump. Its unique properties help it to fuse with the bone, creating a solid and secure fixation point for a prosthesis. Currently, most osseointegration patients are lower limb amputees – especially above knee — but it is suitable for almost all lower and upper limb amputees.
President of the international FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission, Nathalie McGloin, has called for fundamental, widespread changes to be made within the world of motor racing, to make the sport more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities. Nathalie is currently the only female tetraplegic racing driver in the world to be competing at professional level, and would like to see significant advancements made within the sport to increase opportunities for disabled drivers to participate through more accessible competition licence application processes, as well as improving the attendance experience for spectators, officials, volunteers and drivers at race circuits globally.
A ONE-of-a-kind orthosis has been created for Paralympic track cycling champion and Ottobock ambassador Megan Giglia, as training begins for her quest for Tokyo 2020 gold.
suit the terrain she’s cycling on.
Megan, 33, who wears an AFO (ankle and foot orthosis) on her right leg to correct drop foot following a major stroke, wanted a new orthosis to help her navigate corners and sharp bends in her off-track cycling, as her current rigid AFO prevents her from swinging her knee outwards to create a better camber on her bike.
“It has taken some adjustment because my body has been used to working to accommodate my leg being in a fixed position, and now it can move, so it’s been challenging – but in a good way.”
She said: “It’s really exciting all round, being a part of the process of making the AFO to putting it through its paces.
Megan, who is back in training after being sidelined with a viral infection, is now training for next March’s Paracycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands.
After many months of research and experimentation at Ottobock’s specialist facility in Minworth in the West Midlands, Megan’s orthotist Jana Middlebrook has fitted her with a new ‘frontal plane articulating’ AFO, the only one of its kind in the world. Instead of fitting inside her cycling shoe — which causes the fit to be too tight and makes wearing it uncomfortable — the new AFO fits externally around the base of the outside of her shoe, and it also features an adjustable sprung hinge.
Paralympic track cycling champion Megan Giglia has been fitted with a new ‘frontal plane articulating’ AFO.
The hinge allows her to swing her knee out just as she wished, and she can adjust the resistance herself to
Kevin Green, Ottobock’s head of orthotics in the UK, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist Megan in this way as she looks to maintain her champion form going into the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020. “Megan’s needs as a cyclist present a unique challenge for our specialists but it’s one we all really enjoyed tackling, and we can’t wait to see her in action soon.”
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NEWS
Megan gets new orthosis for her Paralympics quest
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018/19
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Loyal Karen gets UK’s first Juvo mid-wheel drive NEWS
LOYAL Ottobock customer Karen Danks has become the first person in the UK to take delivery of the new Juvo mid-wheel drive powerchair.
Veteran Lloyd back on the road again A FORMER Soldier, who lost both legs in an explosion in Afghanistan, is set to gain a new lease of life after being given a Wolturnus handbike through veterans’ charity Blesma, the Limbless Veterans’ charity.
at the gym and I can do weights all the time but what I really want is to get the heart pumping and break a proper sweat.
Lloyd Bull, 27, of Wirral, lost his legs above the knee and some fingers on his right hand in 2010, when the metal detector he was using failed to detect an improvised explosive device (IED), which he then stepped on.
Through the charity, Blesma — which helps war veterans who have lost limbs on duty — and a donation of a Wolturnus Antaras handbike from Ottobock, a leading mobility company, Lloyd now has a chance to get slim for his wedding day and break the sweat he really wants to.
The former private with the 1 Mercian regiment recovered at Hedley Court and is now back at home with his partner Kristie, and their two children, who are six and four years old. For many years he used a wheelchair to get around but last year, thanks to pioneering Osseointegration surgery – where an implant is inserted into the bone of the residual limb leaving an external fixation point for a prosthesis - he’s been able to get up and about and back to some fitness, doing weights in the gym and regularly going fishing. However, what he really wanted was to get back into cardiovascular exercise. He said: “You can only do so much
Karen, of Uttoxeter, has been using Ottobock chairs for many years and even extended her Motability contract on her previous powerchair to wait for the Juvo mid-wheel drive to be released. She chose a B6 model of the Juvo, in a vibrant green colour, through Loughborough retailer Bromakin. The Juvo B6 mid-wheel drive fits perfectly into Karen’s lifestyle, with
its tight turning circle ideal for navigating the narrow corridors and doorways in her home, and the unique torsion drive system giving her added confidence while out at the shops or going to garden and flower shows with her friends.
There are additional smaller features which suit Karen’s needs, too. The footrests can be moved and adjusted using just one hand, while the seat can be tilted to an angle which suits her while she’s out, then tilted back to help her get out and transfer to her manual wheelchair, sofa or bed.
“We’re getting married next year and I have some weight to lose too.”
“It’s absolutely brilliant and I cannot wait to see what I can do with it. I’m definitely going to give it everything I’ve got,” said Lloyd. “The kids love it as well – they call it my Batmobile!” Russell Pizzey, technical services manager at Ottobock, which distributes Wolturnus wheelchairs and handbikes in the UK,added: “This is the second handbike we’ve been able to donate to Blesma and we’re thrilled they both now have good homes and will be enjoyed to the fullest. Veterans like Lloyd deserve every opportunity to enjoy good exercise and the great outdoors.”
Professionals mark AHP day HEALTH professionals from Doncaster, Rotherham and Scunthorpe have celebrated the first national Allied Health Professionals day. The Allied Health Professionals – known as AHPs for short – all work for Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust AHPs in the Trust include art therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and speech and language therapists. National AHP Day celebrates the
varied work these professionals do. At RDaSH an event was held at St Catherine’s House, Woodfield Park, Balby, which included workshops, networking and future planning. Cora Turner, interim head of service in Doncaster, said: “We have marked national AHP day to celebrate the diversity of AHP staff we have across our Trust. AHP’s are often at the heart of innovative practice and all put patient care at the heart of what they do day in day out.”
Don’t underestimate sprains, podiatrists warn THOUSANDS of people are increasing their risk of chronic ankle problems by underestimating the impact of sprains, according to foot scientists.
an ankle sprain in the past two years.
Volunteers will undergo an ultrasound scan and have their ability to perform functional tasks assessed with a 3D motion capture programme.
Podiatrists at the University of Salford say sprains, picked up in sports like football,often need more attention than people think and if left uncorrected could predispose individuals to develop repeated ankle problems.
The team says that improving understanding of the causes and characteristics of ankle instability will help in the development of remedies such as shoe design and orthotic supports to prevent sprains.
Following a sprain, up to 70 per cent of individuals develop lasting symptoms such as the ankle feeling unstable or starting to giving way and are vulnerable to recurrent sprains. The research in the Journal of Ultrasound Medicine, using ultrasound scanning techniques, found differences in ligament size between those that have had ankle sprains and those who have not. People developing chronic instability generally had longer, thicker anterior talofibular ligaments than people with healthy ankles. 4
One possible remedy for instability are supportive ankle-collars and the team has been commissioned to carrying out a project with innovative footwear manufacturer New Balance. Dr Chelsea Starbuck, who leads a series of ankle studies in the university’s School of Health & Society, said: “Once the pain of a sprain eases off people tend to treat their ankles as fully recuperated.
deficits which can augment with repeated twists.
“However, sometimes there are underlying weaknesses or functional
As part of that mission, the team is welcoming volunteers who have had
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018/19
“It is still unclear why some individuals develop long term symptoms, yet others do not.”
The study will test a prototype shoe which features a flexible ankle-collar to support the ankle joint. If you think you might like to take part, email researcher Chelsea on c.starbuck@salford.ac.uk. You can follow updates on the project and other projects by the research group at @KneeAnkleFoot
NEWS
Designed, sealed and delivered ... THE SEARCH to find the brightest and best innovations to help people with disabilities has been launched by a leading care provider. The Blackwood Design Awards are an annual celebration of cutting edge designs and adaptations which help people with disabilities live life independently. The Awards are open to all, with talented amateurs having as much chance of success as a seasoned pro, as both simple and high-tech designs are welcome. It boasts a rich history of success, with previous entries including the ‘S’up Spoon’, which enables people with shaky hands to eat more easily, as well as a design for glasses which allow visually impaired runners to follow a running track. Max Brown, chair of Blackwood, said: “We’re blown away year after year by the quality of entries we receive. “The brilliant designs and ideas have an amazing impact on the lives of people with disabilities and we’re really proud to be able to give them the prominence they deserve and in some cases, provide the designers with a platform to take their ideas into production. “We’re open to judging as many designs as possible. It’s such a privilege to work in an industry where so many people are dedicating themselves to improving the lives of others.” The Blackwood Design Awards celebrate ideas and concepts from everyone, with a university academic as likely to win as an inspired amateur. 6
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There are three categories of Award; Best Collaborative Project by a University or Institute of Higher Learning, Best New Concept and Best New Product.
Regular BDA sponsors, Kingdom Gas, are returning to the competition once again and are joined for the first time by Triodos Bank. Thanks to their combined support, the total prize package is set to be worth thousands of pounds. Winners from last year’s Awards include Andrew Taylor, for his specially-designed guidance system for visually impaired athletes and the University of Stirling for its Iridis app, which helps users improve living spaces for people with dementia. Max added: “The broad range of winners we’ve had over the years shows that people shouldn’t be put off because their design is simplistic or because they’re not part of a huge design team. “We’re always delighted to judge all designs and are really proud to see the incredible success past entrants have gone on to.” The competition has a rich history of finding success, with entries from all over the globe, from Canada to South Korea. Entries should be submitted no later than Friday, April 12, and entrants will be notified that their submission has been received. Shortlisting of entries will be completed by April 26 and if selected as a finalist, entrants will be asked to make a final pitch to the judging panel via Skype or in person.
NEWS
Students explore the future of physiotherapy at conference
Michelle Howell, product quality executive, who helped us achieve the certification, is pictured (left) with Jackie Fisher, CEO.
Algeos renews its two ISO quality standards UPGRADES to both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certified means that Algeos continue to give their customers and suppliers an assurance they operate under international quality standards. Christine Winstanley, compliance manager, said: “The upgrades this year have meant the revised quality management systems of ISO 9001:2015 align quality with our wider business strategy. “The new focus is on risk-based thinking and accountability. Algeo’s has also been reassessed
for ISO 13485:2016 certified, the International Quality Management Systems for Medical Devices. Holding both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016, demonstrates we have processes in place which ensures consistent and good quality products and services.” Jackie Fisher, Algeos’ CEO, added: “The certification provides additional assurance to our customers that we are focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Working to both quality standards sets us apart from the competition.”
A TEAM of students from Robert Gordon University’s School of Health Sciences hosted their peers from across the country, as they work together to shape their learning and the future of Scotland’s physiotherapy.
rehabilitation needs; Valerie Cooper, a hippotherapist and riding therapist for ARC Hippotherapy and Camphill School; and Dr Darragh Whelan, from The Insight Centre for Data Analytics, who demonstrated the effectiveness of wearable sport technology.
The Scottish Physiotherapy Student Conference is an annual event organised by students themselves, where they pair their education with expert lessons, in an effort to improve the profession for service users going forward.
Mark Dunphy, fourth year physiotherapy student and one of the organisers of this year’s conference, said: “This event is the result of work which began back in April, with the excellent support of the School of Health Sciences.
Each year the conference rotates between RGU, Glasgow Caledonian University and Queen Margaret University, and this year students, graduates and experienced physiotherapists travelled to RGU’s Garthdee campus. This year’s conference, which was put together by a small team of RGU physiotherapy students, focused on the theme of ‘Innovation Without Limitations’. There were presentations from a number of key speakers on a variety of topics, including Alex McKenzie, chair of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Council, addressed future population
“Under our theme of innovation, we hoped to open the minds of students from across the country with a new forward way of thinking. “To that end, we hosted speakers with expertise in areas such as policy and pathways, neurorehabilitation, wearable technology and respiratory physiotherapy. “Not only will did event allow for open discussion and collaboration between different universities, but every student in attendance took home a professional development certificate to mark their independent active participation in directing their own studies.”
Virtual physiotherapy system for Stroke survivors AN INTELLIGENT system to support home rehabilitation for Stroke survivors has been developed by a Leeds Beckett University academic. The virtual physiotherapist system has been designed by Professor Dorothy Monekosso, director of research in the School of Computing, Creative Technologies and Engineering at Leeds Beckett, with the aim of providing real-time feedback, assessment of patient performance and objective measures of progress to care providers direct from a patient’s home. Professor Monekosso said: “Every year, more than 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke and almost a million people in the UK are living with the after-effects. Common effects are physical weakness and paralysis of one or more limbs. “There is no cure, symptoms are managed with physiotherapy.
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The virtual physiotherapist system uses video analytics, to support upper limb rehabilitation within the patient’s home.
“Once discharged from hospital the patient must continue physiotherapy in the form of exercises. These are relatively easy for able-bodied people but challenging for the Stroke survivor. A patient is advised to carry out tens of repetitions daily.
It monitors the exercise and has several potential benefits: patients can have more frequent physiotherapy sessions; clinician and patient receive improved clinical assessment of their progress; and it is a very cost-effective management of a long-term condition.
“However, several factors limit the amount of time a patient spends in supervised physiotherapy sessions; economic factors, ability to travel to and from a clinic, health, and motivation.”
A prototype system has been developed, which comprises a camera and computing equipment installed at the patient’s home; linked by residential broadband to a clinic.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018/19
The system collects and processes the video data and, through a user interface, guides the patient through rehabilitation exercises providing feedback and encouragement in real-time. The system assesses patient performance and sends this information to the physiotherapist based at the clinic, providing an objective measure of progress. In situations where internet connectivity is not available the system can be used standalone with the data store on-board. Professor Monekosso and her team are now collaborating with Stroke and rehabilitation experts to
further develop the user interface and evaluate the system, including trialling the virtual physiotherapist with Stroke patients. To do this, and prepare the product for commercial launch, Professor Monekosso has been awarded a £5,000 Proof of Market grant by Grow MedTech, a new programme supporting medical technology innovation in the Leeds and Sheffield City Regions. Grow MedTech is funding projects that advance the development and de-risking of technologies to make them more attractive for further investment from commercial organisations.
Advertiser’s announcement
AS 2018 draws to a close Wendy Bleasdale and John Vause, the new owners of Reed Medical Limited, are looking forward to 2019 following changes to the company’s direction and strategy during the last six months. Reed Medical Limited is now pleased to be a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association and Wendy and John are both looking forward to taking an active future role in the orthotics section.
customer relationships continue and new ones develop, with the aim of providing excellence in terms of a quality product, with value for money and customer service being of paramount importance.
Wage. The Living Wage is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually, based on the cost of living in the UK.
As a company we are proud to be part of the Living Wage movement as an accredited Living Wage Employer.
We believe that every member of our staff deserves a Living Wage, because a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.
This means every member of staff in our organisation earns not just the minimum wage but the real Living
The company is gradually building a new identity, following the management buyout, as current
2018 has seen the launch of new adults and kids catalogues, both of which incorporate new styles and features, which are proving extremely popular with our customer base. Reed Medical Limited are continually undertaking product development and listening to the requirements of our customers and fulfilling their wishes, under our philosophy of “Just Ask”. We continue to be an innovative company. This year has also seen the
introduction of several new branded products in to the Reed Medical Limited offering, complementing the footwear range for both adults and children and there will be more brands added as we head through 2019. Wendy said: “We are visiting as many of our customers, both old and new, as we can to discuss how we can accommodate their footwear requirements by adopting a proactive approach as we look to adapt to individual customer needs.”
NEWS
Reed Medical Ltd looking forward to 2019
As part of the company’s continued development, during the second half of 2018, we will be relocating to larger premises early in the New Year as we continue our exciting new phase on the company’s journey.
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Cycling boosts outcomes in patients with hip pain and helps avoid surgery NEWS
A NEW exercise and education programme is helping patients avoid surgery and supporting their improved fitness. The programme is also saving the NHS money and freeing up valuable bed space by putting patients at the heart of managing their conditions. The CHAIN (Cycling Against Hip Pain) programme is a six-week exercise and education treatment pathway for people with hip pain. TGA is congratulated by Simon Weston CBE for winning the 2018 BHTA Independent Living Design Award. Pictured from left to right: Simon Weston CBE; Daniel Stone, TGA managing director; Justin Bone, TGA service manager; Dom Walbanke, marketing co-ordinator; Tim Ross, national sales manager; and Eric Cooper, wheelchair specialist.
TGA’s WHILL Model C Powerchair scoops prestigious award WHILL Model C, the multi awardwinning powered wheelchair from TGA, has triumphed again with another prestigious accolade – the BHTA Independent Living Design Award 2018. Now in its 23rd year, the Independent Living Design Award is recognised by members of the healthcare trade as the flagship title that highlights the very best in innovation. Manufacturers, designers and retailers were invited to nominate products they believed to have significantly enhanced independent living. TGA entered its pioneering WHILL Model C with clear justification regarding how and why it has excelled in all award criteria. TGA’s success was announced at the BHTA’s annual black-tie awards dinner which was held at the Alton Towers Hotel, Stoke-on-Trent. Simon Weston CBE, the inspirational host for the evening, presented the award to Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director, alongside key members from the TGA team. Working on behalf of the BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association), an expert panel of judges deemed WHILL Model C exceptional in terms of: Enabling independence, Improving quality of life, Innovation, Price accessibility, Ease of use and Aesthetic appeal. Exclusively supplied by TGA in the UK, WHILL Model C is unlike any other electric wheelchair. It can be dismantled into three manageable components for easy transportation and its omni wheels provide the 10
tightest feasible turning circle for ultimate versatility. Combined with touch-sensitive ‘mouse style’ steering, remote control app and appealing aesthetics, the beautifully engineered WHILL Model C delivers a new level of self-assured independence. On receipt of the award, Daniel said: “2018 has been a remarkable year for our customers, WHILL Model C and TGA. “WHILL Model C has now won seven prestigious awards but more importantly, it has empowered styleconscious people with disabilities to achieve more from life through pioneering practicality and aesthetics. “Our remarkable powerchair focuses on enhancing self-esteem and confidence whilst delivering levels of inclusion and accessibility never seen before in the UK. “We are delighted as a business to have won the BHTA Independent Living Design Award for the third time as it reiterates our commitment to innovation. This latest accolade is testament to WHILL Model C’s exceptional Japanese design and proven ability to change peoples’ lives.” This BHTA Independent Living Design Award is the latest addition to WHILL Model C’s collection of awards which includes: the CES 2018 Innovation Award, If Design Award, International Design Excellence Award, Japan’s Good Design Award, ‘Best of the Best’ Red Dot Award (healthcare category) and TIME Best Innovation.
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The programme was first piloted in 2013, and was created by Professor Robert Middleton and Associate Professor Tom Wainwright, of the Orthopaedic Research Institute, Bournemouth University in partnership with the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and BH Live. Professor Robert Middleton said: “CHAIN is a great success for both patients and the NHS. More than 70 per cent of people completing the CHAIN programme have less pain, are able to do more activities and have avoided surgery. It is the go to first line treatment for hip pain.” With a hip replacement costing the NHS almost £7,000, this represents a big saving to the tax payer, while ensuring other patients requiring surgery do not have to wait as long. It provides better outcomes for the patient, as depending on their job role, patients generally take at least six weeks off work to recover, in addition to time off needed for any follow up appointments and aftercare. Neil Cowan, director of operations for surgery at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, added: “This fantastic collaboration between Bournemouth University, BH Live, ActiPath and The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals is helping people to manage their hip pain and avoid complex surgery. “Furthermore, patients are supported in the longer term with lifestyle and wellbeing help, alongside all the marvellous benefits that increased exercise brings. We are very excited about the results of this programme and look forward to developing it further for the benefit of more NHS patients both locally and nationally.” So far, more than 100 people have been referred onto the CHAIN programme out of 500 who have been commissioned by the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals. The results for those patients who have completed the programme have been extremely positive, with 100 per cent of participants reporting that they would recommend the programme.
“We continue to be delighted with the results of the CHAIN course. Participant feedback is excellent, with 100 per cent recommending the course to others, and many achieving life changing results. A small minority of patients have returned for a clinical intervention where appropriate, and whilst the programme is not mandatory, most people referred for CHAIN are taking up the opportunity to improve their health and well-being. Associate Professor Tom Wainwright, also of Bournemouth University, said: “We continue to be delighted with the results of the CHAIN course. “Participant feedback is excellent, with 100 per cent recommending the course to others, and many achieving life changing results. “It is an excellent example of how working across organisations in partnership can bring benefits to our patients” The programme is designed to promote the self-management of hip pain and is based on the latest NICE guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis. These guidelines recommend local muscle strengthening, aerobic exercise, and education as a core part of the treatment. Cycling strengthens muscles around the hip, helps to reduce pain, and is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. The CHAIN programme is securely digitally managed through an innovative online platform from local software experts, ActiPath Limited. Their secure portal provides end-toend lifecycle management of patients throughout the programme, including real-time outcome analysis and patient communication via email and text. Associate Professor Wainwright added: “The deployment of ActiPath has allowed us to increase efficiencies within the CHAIN programme whilst ensuring consistency of delivery and future scalability.” With the ongoing success of the CHAIN programme, other health conditions are being considered for the opportunity to be included in future CHAIN programmes
NEWS
Advertiser’s announcement
Ortho Europe expands footwear range with new manufacturing facility ORTHO Europe is delighted to announce that it has acquired a new range of adult footwear, as well as an additional manufacturing facility in Leicestershire.
Finding that most orthotic footwear was considered heavy and ugly, the Footline range was fully redesigned to become more aesthetically pleasing and to follow trends in fashion.
In October 2018, Ortho Europe purchased the assets of PR Cooper, a family-run footwear business with almost 50 years of experience in the industry; the company is looking forward to taking on the expertise of existing staff whilst investing in skilled workers in the local area.
Increasing the range of colours and materials also meant that patients who required a particular style of shoe could also change their look through customisation.
All PR Cooper staff members were offered roles with Ortho Europe, and will be working together to grow the business locally with Wendy Wilson-Hunt at the helm. The footwear range, Footline, aims to improve people’s mobility with stylish and comfortable shoes, and is specially designed for users who require extra support. Footline consists of an array of footwear styles that are comparable with those found on the high street. The large selection of lasts and toe shapes used in the production of Footline shoes have been developed in a different way from traditional orthopaedic lasts. This means that footwear can be made to suit all types of foot shape and size, from the very slender to the very wide, or even a wide forefoot with a slender heel. Footline is also able to accommodate a marked foot deformity whilst maintaining a normal shoe toe shape in its outward appearance, and the shoes can be more or less lightweight depending on the user’s requirements. As an already-established footwear manufacturer, the Footline range complements Ortho Europe’s existing FitzKidz and FootMatch ranges – all of which are available as stock, modular, or bespoke. 12
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The addition of the Footline range and the Leicestershire manufacturing facility to the Ortho Europe portfolio represents an exciting expansion of the footwear range and production capabilities, and enables better logistics solutions for existing customers within the area.
Lasting techniques and materials for soles and insoles were also changed to create a better fitting, lighter shoe.
Having an additional factory will allow for quicker turnaround times for all three ranges, as well as a broader range of products for customers to enjoy.
With 18 available lasts, varying in width, depth and foot shape, the range provides the best possible fit for all occasions.
Users will also benefit from the expertise and dedication of the technical staff at the Leicestershire operation, many of whom bring decades of experience in bespoke footwear manufacturing with them to Ortho Europe.
Get in touch
About PR Cooper and the Footline range
Today, the Footline range encompasses a choice of 95 modular, semi-bespoke, or fully made-tomeasure styles, and over 50 colours.
Ortho Europe is currently looking to recruit a number of apprentices and experienced footwear technicians at the Leicester facility. For more information, please contact: recruitment@ abilitymatters.com
PR Cooper was founded in the early 1970s by Philip Cooper Snr and one of his colleagues at Salford University. Run as a small family business in Leicestershire, the company initially created a range of bespoke surgical shoes, made to casts and marketing under the Footline brand name.
If you would like further details about Footline, FitzKidz or FootMatch, or to learn more about the full Ortho Europe product range, please get in touch:
Once the 1980s hit, purchasing procedures changed with demands, so Footline added a range of stock shoes, created with two last styles, three widths, and two depth choices.
07770 948592
The 1990s saw the current Footline team joining, and running a series of studies with the NHS to consider patients’ needs, as well as the cost and effectiveness of the footwear provided.
Andy Cooper 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, www.ortho-europe.com
Robotic arm developed for self-help mobile stroke rehabilitation NEWS
THE Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed a robotic arm to facilitate self-help and upper-limb mobile rehabilitation for stroke patients.
Active Hands launches new gripping aid
The robotic arm called ‘mobile exo-neuro-musculo-skeleton’ is the first-of-its-kind integration of exoskeleton, soft robot and exo-nerve stimulation technologies. The PolyU-developed robotic arm is the first-of-its-kind integration of exoskeleton, soft robot and exo-nerve stimulation technologies. It is light in weight, compact in size, fast in response and demands minimal power supply. Copyright : PolyU
ACTIVE Hands – the go-to place for people with hand function disabilities – has announced the launch of its new gripping aid: the Small Item gripping aid.
Stroke is the third leading cause of disability worldwide. In Hong Kong, there are about 25,000 new incidences of stroke annually in recent years.
Gripping items such as toothbrushes, pens, art equipment and make-up brushes, this aid allows you to get a grip on every day fine-motor activities, giving users the independence to accomplish more.
Research studies have proven that intensive, repeated and long-term rehabilitation training are critical for enhancing the physical mobility of stroke patients, thus help alleviating post-stroke symptoms such as disability.
The Small Item gripping aid comes in two parts: a neoprene glove and a Velcro-backed palm pad with clamp. This unique design means items clamped in the palm pad can be placed into the glove at any angle, making a wide range of activities accessible. Those with reduced hand function are able to hold pens upright, a toothbrush sideways or a mascara wand at just the right tilt. It has been used with great success during art classes where participants were able to paint on an easel or use a drawing board with comfort and confidence. As with all Active Hands products, it is designed to be used with little or no finger strength. The clamp mechanism can be easily opened and closed to switch between items. Alternatively, additional palm pads can be purchased, enabling users to pre-load commonly used items and simply switch between the palm pads without having to remove the glove each time. In this way, the aids can promote greater autonomy in many aspects of daily living. Pens and pencils can be left clamped in a palm pad on a desk or in a pencil case, ready for work or school. For artistic activities, several paintbrushes can be clamped in separate palm pads to switch 14
The lightweight device enables the patients to engage in intensive and effective self-help rehabilitation exercise anywhere, anytime after they are discharged from hospital.
between colours more easily. At home, the Small Item Aid is ideal for items such as make-up brushes, toothbrushes, razors etc, enabling users to have far more independence over their own personal care. Director, Rob Smith, said: “Our mission is to help people achieve more active and inclusive lives – giving them independent access to a variety of activities that would be impossible without Active Hands gripping aids. “We offer a wide range of solutions for the frustrations of daily living as well as fantastic solutions to getting active. This new product delivers an effective solution to completing finemotor activities with reduced grip; something our customers have been asking for. We are confident that its unique design and quality finish will meet the high standards our customers have come to expect from us and that it will quickly become a key item in our range of gripping solutions. “We are excited to launch this product to customers and to hear of the many ways in which this gripping aid will enable them to lead full, active and independent lives.”
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018/19
They faced problems in having regular and intensive rehabilitation training crucial for limb recovery. “We are confident that with our mobile exo-neuro-musculo-skeleton, stroke patients can conduct rehabilitation training anytime and anywhere, turning the training into part of their daily activities,” she said. “We hope such flexible self-help training can well supplement traditional outpatient rehabilitation services, helping stroke patients achieve a much better rehabilitation progress.” Her team anticipated that the robotic arm can be commercialised in two years.
However, access to the outpatient rehabilitation service for stroke patients has been difficult. Due to the overwhelming demand for rehabilitation services, patients have to queue up for a long time to get a slot for rehabilitation training. As such, they can’t get timely support and routine rehabilitation exercises. Stroke patients also find it challenging to travel from home to outpatient clinics.
The working principle of both exoskeleton and soft robot designs is to provide external mechanical forces driven by voluntary muscle signals to assist the patient’s desired joint movement. Conventional exo-skeleton structure is mainly constructed by orthotic materials such as metal and plastic, simulating external bones of the patient. Although it is compact in size, it is heavy and uncomfortable to wear.
The ‘mobile exo-neuro-musculoskeleton’ developed by Dr Hu Xiao-ling and her research team in the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, features lightweight design (up to 300g for wearable upper limb components, which are fit for different functional training needs), low power demand (12V rechargeable battery supply for four-hour continuous use), and sportswear features.
Soft robot, made of air-filled or liquid-filled pipes to simulate one’s external muscles, is light in weight but very bulky in size. Both types of structures demand high electrical power for driving motors or pumps, thus it is not convenient for patients to use them outside hospitals or rehabilitation centres. Combining the advantages of both structural designs, the BME innovative robotic arm is light in weight, compact in size, fast in response and demands minimal power supply, therefore it is suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor environment effective for stroke rehabilitation than applying external mechanical forces alone.
The robotic arm thus provides a flexible, self-help, easy-to-use, mobile tool for patients to supplement their rehabilitation sessions at the clinic. The innovative training option can effectively enhance the rehabilitation progress. Dr Hu Xiaoling said development of the novel device was inspired by the feedback of many stroke patients who were discharged from hospital.
An initial trial of the robotic arm on 10 stroke patients indicated better muscle coordination, wrist and finger functions, and lower muscle spasticity of all after they have completed 20 two-hour training sessions.
Comprehensive healing shoe is designed for ease of use
Home rehab helps people with heart failure achieve a better quality of life A NEW home-based rehabilitation programme could help thousands of heart failure patients to achieve a better quality of life, research carried out in collaboration with the University of Birmingham has found. A new study has found that the Rehabilitation Enablement in CHronic Heart Failure (REACH-HF) programme, led by the University of Exeter and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS trust, significantly improved quality of life and is deliverable within NHS cost guidelines. REACH-HF was co-designed by clinicians, academics, patients and caregivers to help increase participation in rehabilitation therapies by bringing care into patients’ own homes including a programme of exercise and wellbeing. The programme was aimed at patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction – where their heart muscles do not contract as effectively as they should resulting in poorer circulation of blood around the body – which affects approximately half of heart failure patients. The five-year study received £2million in funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Programme Grants for Applied Research programme, with contributions also from a number of clinical and academic partners from across the UK including Exeter, Gwent, Birmingham, York, and Dundee. Approximately 900,000 people are affected by heart failure in the UK, costing the NHS £1bn per year. Although NICE recommends that all people with heart failure should receive rehabilitation, less than one in 10 do. With this in mind, the new 2018 heart failure guidelines from NICE recommend that patients are offered the option of a personalised home-based rehab programme that is easily accessible. In this study,
the researchers monitored 216 patients with an average aged of 70 who participated in the REACHHF programme for 12 months, and found that their quality of life was significantly improved compared to patients not undergoing rehabilitation. In addition to education and psychological support the rehab programme included chair-based or walking exercises three or more times a week. The cost of the intervention was £418 per patient - within the £477 that the NHS currently pays for rehabilitation. The study was jointly led by Professor Rod Taylor and Dr Hasnain Dalal of the University of Exeter. Dr Hasnain Dalal, of the University of Exeter and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Although previous hospital-based studies have shown an improvement in quality of life and reduction in hospital admissions for patients receiving cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure patients often find it difficult to attend rehabilitation centres in hospitals. This tends to be due to lack of access to transport, poor mobility, and other health problems and can lead to isolation and depression.
FROM post-op to wound care, the “Allrounder” is a comprehensive healing shoe, a relief shoe and a rehabilitation shoe, an all-in-one design for comfort and ease of use. The AllRound® shoe is the perfect, versatile option; with a wide opening for easy access and plenty of room for bandages. The slip resistant sole, offers stability and good shock absorption due to two different shore densities. Indications n Post-operative care. n Wound care.
n Stable and easily adjustable. n Shock absorbent, anti-slip outer-sole. n Spacious boot design for custom Insoles or bulky bandages (can accommodate diabetic foot insoles).
n Arthritis.
n Soft breathable fabric with adjustable hook and loop closure.
n Foot in risk category 0, 1 or 2 according to the German Diabetes Association Guideline.
n Long ridged internal plate promoting weight distribution.
Purpose
n Extra wide opening – seamless comfort-zone.
n Sole allows for easier mobility without compromising stability.
n Low profile sole – no height compensation necessary.
n Sandwich sole construct combines firmness for stability and a cushion sole for softer landings.
n Also for bandaged or swollen feet, arthritic feet and feet with deformities.
n Shoe upper is a light-weight, breathable nylon fabric that repels water and soil.
n Can be worn on the right or the left.
n Multi-layered closure for protection and a secure fit. n Removable insoles plus ample space to accommodate individual needs. Features
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New products for 2019 ...
Call or email V-M Orthotics Ltd for further information or for details of how to buy the product through any one of our UK distributors. Telephone 01986 798 120 or email info@vmorthotics.co.uk
“Our research gives us hope that this more accessible rehabilitation intervention will increase participation and improve patients’ quality of life.” Professor Rod Taylor, of the University of Exeter Medical School said: “In this study we demonstrate the effectiveness of the REACH-HF programme on the quality of life, and ability of patients to better manage their condition. “We now we hope to see REACH-HF rolled out across the UK as genuine menu option for all cardiac rehab programmes which will help improve uptake to rehabilitation and improve the quality of life of people with HF and their caregivers.”
Many pathologies, one solution EXCLUSIVELY dedicated to foot professionals, SIDAS has used its 40+ years of experience to design the 3Feet PATHO-LOGIC: the first orthopedic insole customisable in five minutes, integrating high quality Sidas materials. The key to our unique design is the combination of elements
that fit together easily and quickly: an insole adapted to the patient’s arch, preconceived to accommodate correction and comfort elements at strategic locations (forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot). Telephone 01539 725817, email info@ sidas.co.uk or visit www.sidas.co.uk
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018/19
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