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INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 69 October/November 2009 £6.95
Jacket ‘could speed stroke recovery’ By Dominic Musgrave SCIENTISTS at Bournemouth University are developing a high-tech jacket that they hope could speed up recovery after a stroke. The jacket is designed to help patients left partly paralysed in one arm as a result of a clot or bleeding in the brain. Dr Venky Dubey, associate professor of design engineering at the university, told Assistive Technologies that the beauty of the jacket is that it is cheap, portable and simple to build. He added: “The work is very much experimental at this stage, and we have been working on this for quite a long time because we realise that most of the robotic systems used for rehab are bulky and only work with assistance at specialist centres. “The aim of the project is to design something portable like a jacket which would be much more useful for people suffering from a stroke.” Sewn into the jacket is an exo-skeleton device, a system of miniature motors and cables that fit snugly next to the damaged limb. When the patient tries to use their arm for everyday tasks, such as answering
the phone or picking up a cup of tea, tiny sensors inside the exo-skeleton detect what type of movement is being attempted. These then send a signal to three motors on the shoulder, upper arm and forearm, which tighten or release the cables according to how the patient needs to move. This exaggerates the movement. So far the scientists have been concentrating on perfecting the method in the laboratory, using motors too bulky to put inside clothes. But Venky added that they now plan to adapt it using much smaller equipment that can easily be stored inside clothing. He said “We want to make the arm look as natural as possible, and the tests we have done in the laboratory using larger motors have all been very positive. “We want to make the arm so that it can be customised for all different user groups, and to do this we will need to spend some time refining the designs. 'We hope to have it on the market in the next three years, but are at the stage now where we need to make it more viable, and to do this we need more funding to take this forward.”
Scientists at the University of Salford’s school of podiatry have developed an insole that may help prevent the metatarsal injuries that plague many footballers including Wayne Rooney. The team designed the Foot Science Insole so that it provides extra support for the mid-foot section of the football boot and helps protect the shaft of the metatarsals. It is already in use at several Premiership and Championship clubs. For more turn to page 20
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Touch-sensitive prosthetic hand hope By Dominic Musgrave SCIENTISTS at Karolinska Institutet and Lund University in Sweden have succeeded in inducing people with an amputated arm to experience a prosthetic rubber hand as belonging to their own body. They are now hoping the results of the study, which was carried out at the Red Cross hospital in Stockholm, will lead to the development of a new type of touch-sensitive prosthetic hands. The illusion of having a rubber hand was achieved by touching the stump of the amputated arm out of sight of the subject while simultaneously touching the rubber hand in full view of the same subject.
This created the illusion that the sensory input was coming from the prosthetic hand rather than from the stump, and that the hand belonged to the subject’s own body. The effect was confirmed by the subjects’ own descriptions of the experience, and by their tendency to point to the hand when asked to localise the point of stimulation. That they experienced the rubber hand as their own was also substantiated physiologically in that they started to sweat when the hand was pricked with a needle. Henrik Ehrsson, one of the researchers involved in the study, said the results open up new opportunities for developing prosthetic hands that can be experienced by wearers as
belonging to their own bodies. He added: “We will now be looking into the possibilities of developing a prosthetic hand that can register touch and stimulate the stump to which it is attached. “If this makes it possible to make a prosthetic sensitive by cheating the brain, it can prove an important step towards better and more practical prosthetic hands than those available today." The study is part of the EU´s SmartHand project, which is administered from Lund University. The objective of the project is to develop a new type of thoughtcontrolled prosthetic hand with advanced motor and sensory capabilities. Other financiers include the European Research Council, the
Ex Rangers star opens exhibition FORMER Glasgow Rangers and England footballer Mark Hateley officially opened the Independent Living Scotland exhibition. Special features at the show, which took place at the Glasgow SECC and was free to attend, included the Lifestyle Seminar and Demonstration Zone where visitors could see products in action and attend informative seminars.
Mark Hateley speaks to Craig Pickington on the Wessex Lift Co stand
These were complemented by The Health and Wellbeing Zone and demonstrations by The Yoga, Health and Therapy Centre Scotland, who ran sessions for adults, children and therapists.
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Henrik Ehrsson
Swedish Research Council, and Skåne County Council.
Contacts Editorial Andrew Harrod Group Editor editorial@assistivetechnologies.co.uk Dominic Musgrave Healthcare Editor Email: dm@whpl.net Tel: 01226 734407 Sales Ellen Sharp Email: es@whpl.net Tel: 01226 734412 Jackie Brook Email: jb@whpl.net Tel: 01226 734469
Sales representative Fax: 01226 734478 Product manager Fax: 01226 734478
Circulation circulation@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 24 hour hotline: 01226 734695 Design/Production Judith Halkerston Group Deputy Editor Email: jhalkerston@whpl.net Stewart Holt Studio Manager Email: sth@whpl.net Sales and Marketing Director Tony Barry Email: tb@whpl.net Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all contents, the publishers do not accept liability for any error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk
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Study looks at advanced artificial arm
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And they walked 500 miles ... THE Proclaimers took part in a trek for a charity named after their most famous song. Charlie and Craig Reid led hundreds of fundraisers on a one-mile route around of Edinburgh, which saw them notch up a total of 500 miles. The Miles for Smiles event helped boost the 500 Miles charity, which is named after the twins' biggest hit. It was set up by Edinburgh quadruple amputee Olivia Giles along with fellow quadruple amputee Jamie Andrew in 2007 to provide prosthetic limbs and support for some of Africa's poorest patients. The event is the brainchild of the former lawyer, whose hands and feet
were amputated in February 2002 after she contracted meningitis. The charity now runs a series of projects including a prosthetic limbs workshop in Zaire and Flyspec, an air service which delivers vital orthopaedic and reconstructive surgery, and a prosthetic and orthotic service to patients in Zambia and Malawi. Olivia added: “It costs just £60 to buy a prosthetic leg which can dramatically change someone's life. To be disabled in Africa is a complete disaster because not only is there severe discrimination but if you want to get from A to B you have to rely on someone physically carrying you.”
By Dominic Musgrave
healthcare system.
THE Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in America has unveiled a threeyear study of an advanced artificial arm that easily allows those with severe limb loss to pick up a key or hold a pencil.
A unique feature of the advanced arm will be its control system, which works almost like a foot-operated joystick. An array of sensors embedded in a shoe allows users to manoeuvre the arm by putting pressure on different parts of the foot. The current version uses wires to relay the signals to the arm, but in future they expect them to be be wireless. The arm can also be adapted to work with other control systems, including myoelectric switches, which are wired to residual nerves and muscles in the upper body and respond to movement impulses from the brain, shoulder joysticks or other conventional inputs.
The research, in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), marks the first large-scale testing of the arm, which allows those who have lost a limb up to their shoulder joint to perform movements while reaching over their head, a previously impossible manoeuvre for people with a prosthetic arm. Chief research and development officer Dr. Joel Kupersmith said: “This arm is a high-tech example of how VA researchers are continually modernising the materials, design, and clinical use of artificial limbs to meet veterans’ lifestyle and medical needs.” Dr. Linda Resnik at the Providence RI VA Medical Center will lead the study, with veterans fitted with the arm providing feedback to guide engineers in refining the prototype, before it is commercialised and also made available through the VA
Frederick Downs Jr, director of VA’s Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, who lost his left arm during combat in Vietnam, said he was “brought to tears” recently when the prosthetic arm allowed him to smoothly bring a water bottle to his mouth and drink. He added: “Learning to use the controls is not difficult, due in part to a sensor in the artificial hand that sends a vibration signal that tells how strong the grip is. A stronger grip causes more vibration.”
Maria heads for Nepal hospital AN occupational therapist has traded her patients at Cirencester Hospital for three months in Nepal. Maria Sleggs was inspired to take a three-month break from her job to help out in the newly-built department in Tansen Mission Hospital in Nepal after visiting the hospital last December. There are only five occupational therapists in the whole country, who like Maria have taken time from their existing jobs in other countries. There is one newly trained Nepali, who will be based at the hospital. Maria will look at patient referral pathways, raise awareness of
occupational therapy, source adaptive aids and help with the paper work. She said: “I know some of the language, having lived in Nepal while doing my GCSEs, and I have friends in the country so there will be some familiarity to my surroundings. As occupational therapy is a new form of healthcare for patients it will be interesting to see how they respond.” Colleagues at Cirencester Hospital will raise money to send books and equipment to help the new department. Tansen Mission Hospital is about eight hours’ bus ride west of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
Community hospital officially opened A COMMUNITY hospital that offers podiatry, physiotherapy and occupational therapy among its services has officially opened in Brentwood by Professor Sir George Alberti. Tom Quennell, the brother of Mary Rose – who presented a bouquet to the Princess Royal when the 4
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facility's predecessor was opened on the same site 75 years ago – was among the 70 people who attended the ceremony. Construction of the building took two years and it was designed as a sustainable building which can be easily serviced and has a high degree of flexibility.
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Kay enters the Den and wins NEWS
AN entrepreneur hopes her business will go from strength to strength after securing an investment in television’s Dragons’ Den. Kay Russell succeeded where most fail after accepting a £100,000 investment for 30 per cent of her business from fellow West Country businesswoman Deborah Meaden on the BBC show. Her product Physicool, a sports bandage that stays ice-cold even if stored at room temperature, wowed the dragons’ panel and got one of them reaching for her purse. However, it wasn’t all smooth going as Kay thought she had fluffed her pitch – after waiting three days to enter the den. Kay told Assistive Technologies that she hopes the investment and input of business acumen will provide the boost her products needs to get on to the shelves of major national retailers.
Kay Russell with her products of days of deliberation I decided in the end to go for it. It was very nerve-racking – I felt like a rabbit caught in the headlights.”
She added: “I just had a phone call out of the blue saying they thought it was a good product and would I like to pitch it to the dragons.
Physicool, which Kay first launched at the London Marathon in 2007, was developed from an earlier product she made called Equi-NicE, a re-useable sports ice pack for use on horses.
“I was surprised but after a couple
Kay added: “I saw people using
rapidly evaporating alcohol pads for cooling in the US and thought it would be a very good way of cooling down horses that have been competing in events. “After a couple of years of work and investment I came up with a product called Equi-N-icE, which was launched in 2002. After that, however, I found that a lot of the riders were using the pads on themselves, so I thought, ‘let’s get
a product on to the human market’. “The first year of selling the product was slow and steady but from November last year the product has really started to take off and we’re now selling it in India, Australia, Chile and all over.” Kay says she is now in talks with top end companies to get the product on to their shelves.
Patient Donald McKillop with secretary of state for Scotland Jim Murphy MP and Touch Bionics CEO Stuart Mead.
Centre of excellence opens in Scotland SECRETARY of state for Scotland Jim Murphy MP officially opened Touch Bionics’ UK centre of excellence in Livingston, Scotland.
occupational therapy and the chance to participate in the company’s ongoing research and development projects.
The new facility offers full clinical services to upper limb amputees, while the services are tailored to each individual’s needs and governed by the company’s Touch Life Total Care Program, which takes the whole range of prosthetic solutions into account.
CEO Stuart Mead said: “Our team of highly skilled professionals are on hand to support patients every step of the way, to help them reach their highest potential level of function, independence and quality of life.”
The Centre of Excellence also offers clinical assessments, recommendations and insurance reimbursement support, as well as 6
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Touch Bionics’ i-LIMB Hand added to its list of award wins when it took silver at the recent Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards.
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Research centre boost for osteoarthritis sufferers NEWS
A NEW £11m research centre will aim to improve the lives of people with osteoarthritis, it has been claimed. The new facility at Imperial College London is one of four new Centres of Excellence in Medical Engineering, funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and will look at the condition, which affects more than 8.5million people in the UK. Researchers will develop new devices to detect and monitor the disease, create new procedures and implants to make joint replacement surgery less invasive, and develop new techniques to improve how people are rehabilitated following surgery. They also aim to identify the early signs of osteoarthritis so that
treatments can be administered early, to minimise the disease’s impact. Professor Ross Ethier, principal investigator and head of the department of bioengineering, said: “The burden of osteoarthritis is projected to increase in the coming years, and it has never been more important to develop new and innovative ways to treat this disease. At Imperial, we will establish a hub for research in this field that will draw the best and brightest researchers from around the UK and the world to fight osteoarthritis.” The researchers also want to develop new hand-held devices to help doctors determine whether the therapies that they administer are having any effect on patients by recognising whether there were increases or decreases of disease markers in the blood.
Olympic champion Steve to give lecture FIVE times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave will give the Founders Lecture at this year’s Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Congress. The annual conference, which this
year takes place at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, will bring together more than 1,000 members to share best practice, research, educational and professional developments in physiotherapy.
Lois training for the Round the World Yacht Race
Physiotherapist Lois to fulfil her sailing dream A BRISTOL physiotherapist is taking part in a round-the-world yacht race.
the race begins and each boat is sponsored by cities and countries from around the world.
Lois Bickerton, aged 28, will fulfil a lifelong ambition when she takes part in three legs of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race starting from Hull and sailing to Rio de Janeiro, down to South Africa and on to Western Australia.
Lois added: “As a physiotherapist I will be able to use my professional skills on board to keep the crew fit and able to race around the clock.
The physio, who works at Spire Bristol Hospital, The Glen, said: “I’ve never done anything like this before and although it’s a daunting challenge I’m really looking forward to it and couldn’t be more excited.” “I’ve been involved with boats all my life, but didn’t really take up sailing as a serious hobby until about three-and-a-half years ago and since then it’s been my ambition to take part in something amazing like this.” The 35,000 mile Clipper race sees ten 68-foot yachts race against each other 24 hours a day from port to port. The boats are made up of amateur crews from all over the world with a whole range of ages and occupations. Participants undertake intensive training to ensure they are competent ocean racers before 8
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“I will also be taking on additional training to help manage other medical situations that can occur on board the boats at sea. “The most common kind of boating injury are sprained ankles, fingers and wrists, but of course there’s always the chance of a more serious injury, such as a bone fracture or dislocation, so I have to be ready and prepared for anything.” To help Lois, her employer Spire Healthcare paid for her first aid course and donating physiotherapy equipment for the voyage. She added: “I’m very grateful to Spire Bristol Hospital for their generosity and support in helping me achieve my dream. “And even though I might be gone for up to ten months they’ve said they would love me to come and work for them again when I get back to England.”
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Orthopaedic staff recognised
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ORTHOPAEDIC nursing staff at a London hospital have gained national recognition for patient care. The ‘Revolution’ campaign at Whipps Cross University Hospital has been enhanced further by the orthopaedic unit nursing staff, who have been successful in a bid for a place on a national programme designed to further improve patient care. The Patients First scheme provides support to clinically based nurse-led teams to help them to continue to develop, implement and evaluate locally focused innovations that improve patient care in healthcare settings. Run by the Foundation of Nursing Studies and the Burdett Trust for Nursing, the programme includes a number of benefits, from advice on developing effective project plans to funding of up to £3,000. Project lead Brian Lucas, orthopaedic advanced practice nurse, said: “This programme is designed to improve staff responsiveness to the needs of our patients, thereby enhancing their experience and safety in the orthopaedic unit.” The team will introduce a new initiative called Proactive Patient Rounding (PPR), which involves nursing staff asking patients if there is anything they need rather than waiting for them to ask or ring the call bell for assistance.
Biggest entry yet for ILDA MORE entries than ever have been received for this year’s BHTA Independent Living Design Awards. With more than 20 innovative products to assess, it will be a hard job for the judges to whittle them down to a shortlist and then choose the first, second and third place winners. Recognised as the most important award for assistive technologies products in the UK, this is the 14th year they have taken place. As always, the aim of the awards is to recognise innovative products that help disabled, elderly and
vulnerable people live a more independent life. The 2009 judges have been carefully chosen for their broad industry knowledge and practical experience. Sue Norris, former head of the NHS Centre for Evidence-based Purchasing (CEP), takes the chair for the fifth time and her fellow judges this year include Julia Scott, chief executive of the College of Occupational Therapists and Maggie Winchcombe, a trained occupational therapist who runs her own consultancy business,
working for Government departments, industry and voluntary organisations. The judges give their time free of charge and every single penny raised from the product entries goes straight to “When You Wish Upon a Star”. This small charity makes wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. The three winners will be presented with their trophies at the BHTA Awards Dinner at the Hotel Russell in London on Thursday, December 3.
Voting begins in BHTA Excellence Awards THE shortlist has been unveiled and voting has begun in this year’s BHTA Excellence Awards sponsored by Assistive Technologies magazine. You can vote for your favourite from the list of companies by following the instructions on our website www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk or by filling in the form on page 16 The winner in each category will receive a special trophy from Angela Rippon at the annual awards dinner at Hotel Russell, London on December 3. The
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runner up will receive a certificate. Voting closes on November 9 at 5pm. Open to all readers, there are four categories: Mobility: Invacare Remploy Pride Mobility Albion Mobility The Mobility Aids Centre Dolphin Mobility Prosthetics: Dorset Orthopaedic Ltd Blatchford Ossur Otto Bock
RSL Steeper Touch Bionics Rehabilitation: Careflex Minivator Repose Furniture Leisurelines GB Ltd Nottingham Rehab Supplies Ltd Renray Healthcare Orthotics: Trulife Remploy Rightstride Orthotics Beagle Orthopaedic RS Scan Labs Gilbert and Mellish
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New tool assesses prosthetics Frank Fedel, an exercise science lecturer at Eastern Michigan University, measures the force of a prosthetic foot.
By Dominic Musgrave A RESEARCHER at Eastern Michigan University and a company that makes prosthetic feet are working on a device that measures what happens when amputees use artificial limbs. Frank Fedel and College Park Industries in Fraser have jointly developed a tool called the Intelligent Prosthetic Endoskeletal Component System, or iPecs.
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Frank told Assistive Technologies that when he joined the university's orthotics and prosthetics master's degree program in 2003 he was surprised by the lack of hard data on how and whether prosthetics worked the way they were supposed to. He added: “I wanted to see something that said, 'OK, we're making a difference. In the past, when people with an amputation walked around, you'd have a person with experience in gait analysis look at someone with an amputation as they walked around and they'd say, 'OK, you look like you're walking normally. “Or, if not, they'd try to adjust the prosthesis. But 'walking normally' is kind of a subjective thing."
He added that iPecs will be a research tool at first, but said eventually he would like to see it become as commonplace for amputees as heart rate monitors are to cardiac patients or blood sugar monitors are to diabetics. The device works by being incorporated into the prosthetic
system, where it measures the force being transmitted from the ground into the person's leg. It can monitor the position of the foot and tell which way the toes are pointing, and can also reveal twisting, direction of force and other parameters that will help clinicians and researchers refine the way a
prosthetic limb fits and performs. College Park has tested the device at laboratories at Northwestern and Georgia Tech universities. The company got a $165,000 grant from the National Institutes for Health for the first phase of the project.
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Therapist Five minutes with Philip Taylor, managing director of TayCare Medical Ltd struck off ‘The work we do can be fundamental’
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AN occupational therapist has been struck off the HPC Register for breaching policy while employed by the North East London NHS Trust. A panel of the HPC Conduct and Competence Committee heard how Shaun Gastall developed a close relationship with a woman who has been receiving support from mental health services for nearly 30 years. They also heard how he borrowed money from the vulnerable service user and lived at her home on two separate occasions causing unnecessary distress. Panel chair Raymond Pattison said: “By his actions Mr Gastall demonstrated a comprehensive disregard for proper boundaries with the consequences that the trust of a vulnerable person was seriously compromised”. “He not only failed to acknowledge any wrongdoing, but positively and arrogantly asserted that his behaviour had been proper. The public is entitled to be protected from a professional who is capable of behaving in this way, and the way in which that protection can be afforded is by a striking-off order.” Shaun was neither present nor represented at the hearing.
their manufacturing base although we are now seeing this division being reunited.
When did you become interested in the industry and why? The company was founded in 1925 by my grandfather Ernest Taylor and was established under the name of Taylor and Higgins. My father Cyril Taylor then joined the company and following in my father’s footsteps I joined the company in 1970.
If you could make one recommendation to take the industry forward what would it be?
How did your career in the industry begin? I trained as a technician just as my grandfather and father had done and learned and developed the skills and knowledge of a technician. I believe this was a fundamental process to enable me to fully understand the operations of the orthoses and, as an orthotist now, I appreciate the skills and expertise involved in manufacturing the orthoses and rely on technicians just as much as they rely on me. How have you ended up where you are today? Through hard work, dedication
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Philip Taylor
and most importantly, teamwork! I run the business on a “when the work is done” attitude and not 9am-5pm. Teamwork is a fundamental aspect of providing an effective orthotic service and without my team of clinicians, technicians and administrators I wouldn’t be where are am today. What's the biggest change you've seen in the industry? I think the greatest change has been the division of orthotist from
I would like to see a greater understanding and appreciation of orthotics throughout the industry and in particular from the buyers of our products and services. The work we do can be fundamental in the wellbeing of a patient and can often prevent a more disabling condition. The whole life cost of orthotics is often overlooked by a more short term financial strategy. How do you see the next 12 months panning out for your company, and what is your goal? My vision over the next year is to continue growing and developing on a sustained basis. The company has been trading for over 85 years and with each year we implement new tools, methods and ideas which are beneficial for our customers and patients.
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University study looks at developing stumble detection scheme AN American university is carrying out a study that seeks to improve the safety of prosthetic legs by developing a reliable and responsive stumble detection system. The University of Rhode Island project is being funded in part by the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council, which believes that a successful prototype could quickly lead to a commercially available component that will enhance the safety of prosthetic limbs. Helen Huang, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the university, who is leading the project, said the design of a high performing prosthetic leg is crucial as the population of lowerlimb amputees in the country is growing. She added: “When we
become unbalanced, our neural system reacts quickly and sends a signal to help us recover. “Our challenge is to see if we can detect these neural reactions fast enough to activate a mechanism in a patient’s prosthetic leg to stabilise them before they fall.” During the experimental phase of the study, Helen is collecting data from ablebodied individuals and those using prosthetic legs to determine what kind of physiological signals can be detected for use in developing a stumble detection system. She added: “If we can detect the stumble reaction fast enough, then there may be time to react to it. “Hopefully we can develop a system that can mimic the normal human reaction to stumbling.” “All of the patients we’ve
tested have been happy to participate because they know that it might help themselves later.” One of the people who took part in the study was 71-year-old Marjorie Brasier, who lost her leg when a teenage drunk driver struck her car in Florida in 2001. For the research she had to walk on a treadmill using an instrumented prosthetic leg, and again and again she tripped or slipped. Sometimes Marjorie recovered on her own and kept walking, while at other times the harness she wore was all that kept her from tumbling to the floor. To collect the required data she was also hooked up to dozens of electrodes, wore shoes containing 99 pressure sensors, and 40 light-reflective markers on her body were tracked by eight cameras surrounding the room.
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Marjorie Brasier being tested by Helen Huang and Michael Nunnery from Nunnery Orthotic and Prosthetic Technologies
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Hip ops prompt Victoria to raise research cash
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Sportacus brought a smile to the face of a four-year-old who had both his arms and legs amputated after contracting meningitis. The LazyTown star visited Harley Slack in hospital before his latest skin graft operation and performed a variety of tricks for him, such as handstands with one hand and press-ups with dad Adam on his back. He was accompanied by Richard Hirons from Össur, who presented him with a gift certificate for a pair of Flex-Run Jr. feet, a junior version of those used by Oscar Pistorius.
Sportacus also took a teddy donated by Team Össur member Sarah Reinertsen. The ‘SarahBear’ is an amputated teddy bear which helps children understand and explain living with amputation. Sarah is famous in the USA as being the first amputee to complete the notorious ironman triathlon. Harley’s parents Adam and Sam launched a fundraising campaign following his amputations, which has so far raised more than £400,000. Picture: Sportacus presents Harley with his certificate
By Dominic Musgrave
to congenital hip dysplasia.
A WOMAN who underwent lifechanging hip operations swam the Serpentine in London to raise money for research into her condition.
The painful and disabling condition meant she was only able to walk short distances and has never been able to work.
Victoria Wells, 39, swam a kilometre of the Serpentine along with two orthopaedic surgeons and former University of Bath PhD student Hazel Boyd.
But after attending a lecture by Professor Tony Miles, director of the Centre for Orthopaedic Biomechanics at the University of Bath on Hip Replacement Research, she learned that a complex hip operation could change her life.
The team hoped to raise awareness of the benefits and life changing nature of joint replacement. They also wanted to raise money for further research into the subject. She said: “Swimming is about the best exercise after joint replacement, as it is a non-weight bearing activity and uses just about every muscle in your body. “I have found this to be a hugely beneficial part of my rehabilitation and enjoy being weightless in water and gaining fitness at the same time.” Victoria spent all of her childhood and a significant portion of her adult life enduring pain and disability due
He introduced her to Professor Ian Learmonth from the University of Bristol who specialises in complex hip surgery. This led to two hip joint replacement operations that have transformed Victoria’s life, resulting in her growing two inches taller and allowing her to live a life that is free from pain. Victoria is the driving force behind a campaign to raise money to support Joint Replacement Research at the Centre for Orthopaedic Biomechanics at the University of Bath.
State-of-the-art gym reaches construction milestone STAFF from Mid Yorkshire Hospitals celebrated a milestone in the construction of a state-of-the-art gym for spinal injuries patients. A ‘final bolt-tightening ceremony’ marked the completion of the steel structure that will allow construction of the gym to begin. The specialist facility will be part of the new spinal injuries unit in the new hospital at Wakefield being built by Balfour Beatty. As well as a court area for sports such as basketball and table tennis, the gym will have a ‘conditioning suite’ with specialised treadmills and IT facilities for patients. It is being
built using a £2.5m donation from The Stepping Stones Appeal charity. Mr Firas Jamil, spinal injuries consultant and director of the current regional spinal injuries unit, said: “This new custom-built gym will play a major part in the rehabilitation and care of patients on our new spinal injuries unit. “We have worked with our patients in the planning of the gym, which is being built to suit their specific needs. This is part of our aim to deliver the best possible treatment and care for our patients in high quality facilities.”
Roadshow heads east THE annual Mobility Roadshow exhibition will be held in the east of England for the first time in 2010. The three-day event will take place at the East of England Showground, Peterborough from July 1 to 3, and will be the first mobility event of its type to take place in the region. Jacqui Jones, executive director 14
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from organiser Mobility Choice, said: “The move to Peterborough fulfils our mission to move the Roadshow around the UK, making it accessible to as many visitors as possible. We are very excited about the opportunities and look forward to welcoming visitors from the eastern side of the UK who may have been unable to attend our shows in recent years.”
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WheelPower chief executive Martin McElhatton receives a cheque from Leisure Connection sales director Mark Botha
VAT drop sees charity gain £40k boost LEISURE Connection and its members have donated £40,000 to their nominated corporate charity WheelPower. Since December 2008, when the VAT rate was dropped from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent, the company in partnership with its 60,000 members and millions of customers opted to donate the 2.5 per cent difference to the national charity for wheelchair sport.
WheelPower chief executive Martin McElhatton said: “We rely on the support of individuals and companies to keep us going and all donations – however big or small make a huge difference. “Just £3,000 will provide a new sports wheelchair, the training and support from WheelPower’s expert staff at Stoke Mandeville Stadium to enable each disabled child and adult to participate in sport and to lead a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.”
Hospital gains special status TORBAY Hospital has been given special status as a rapid recovery site for patients after surgery. The hospital, working with other health services, will act as a test site for the Department of Health's newly-established enhanced or rapid recovery programme. A hospital spokesman said: “As an innovation site, Torbay Hospital will help build up the evidence of how effective enhanced recovery methods can be, helping patients to get up and about, and feel better, much sooner after surgery. “It has been selected as a demonstration centre because of existing work across a number of specialities.” 16
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The hospital says it has a wellestablished enhanced recovery programme for patients having hip and knee replacement surgery which allows most to go home three days after their operation. The hospital spokesman added: “The idea behind enhanced or accelerated or rapid recovery is to prepare patients for surgery and reduce the total impact of having an operation, helping them to recover better and sooner. “Hospitals which have piloted such schemes are reporting improved patient experience and outcomes, improved staff experience, reduced lengths of stay and improved waiting times.”
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Scheme to end hip replacement embarrassment PEOPLE with hip replacements will soon be saved from the embarrassment of being bleeped as they go through metal detectors thanks to the success of a new scheme being piloted in Basildon.
Association, said: “There are over 150,000 knee and hip replacement operations in the UK every year and one in two people will have some sort of orthopaedic intervention during their lifetime.
The town’s hospital is the first in the country to adopt the Orthocard scheme to spare the blushes of those living with artificial joints which can set off metal detectors at airports, museums and court buildings.
“It is something which affects so many people. The Orthocard helps make life easier for patients and is a point of reference for other medical staff.”
The credit-card sized Orthocard was designed by the British Orthopaedic Association, and acts as a confirmation card by verifying the patient’s name, their doctor’s name, what operation they have had and what hospital they attended. The free card also provides medical staff with important information if the patient is involved in an accident and requires emergency care or if they require another operation, but cannot remember specific details. Peter Foy, joint action development manager at The British Orthopaedic
He says he hopes eventually that every orthopaedic patient will be carrying an Orthocard when the programme is rolled out nationally through hospitals, GPs and the association later in the year. Lisa Albin, a sister at the hospital, added: “Since the pilot started, we’ve been handing out about 60 cards per month to patients who have had a joint replacement and the feedback has been very good. “The way we explain the concept of Orthocards has left our patients with a better understanding of what we, and the British Orthopaedic Association, are trying to achieve.”
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Lorraine Warr has been appointed physiotherapy manager at Spire Bristol Hospital. The hospital has also relocated the entire physio department to new purpose-built facilities and invested heavily in high-tech equipment to help patients’ rehabilitation. Lorraine has more than 20 years’ hands-on clinical experience and was one of the first physiotherapists in the UK to reach the post of consultant. She said: “Physiotherapy is a major growth area in healthcare and from my recruitment to
investing in new facilities and equipment, everything is geared towards consolidating the hospital’s position as centre of excellence for physiotherapy. My role at Spire Bristol as physiotherapy manager is a hugely exciting. My main focus is on developing services, ensuring that they meet the very highest clinical standards, while giving the physiotherapy staff at the hospital the opportunity to grow and consolidate their areas of specialist expertise.”
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PODIATRY & PRODUCT NEWS
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Knowing what footwear points to look for By Daniel Blackman WITHIN the clinical setting nothing is more time consuming or distressing than watching a good and healthy foot deteriorate before you as a result of poor or ill-fitting foot wear. In any patient this becomes a difficult problem to address but in a patient who suffers from diabetes this becomes a matter of vital importance. As clinicians it is important for us to know how to appraise a patient’s footwear and the danger points to look for. The most obvious problem is the fitting of the shoe and, while that sounds like child’s play in my experience, it is the most difficult to address. Patients have a very firm view of the size of their feet, and in some
Podiatry practice system to be launched A COMPLETE podiatry practice management system which offers the ultimate protection for podiatrists in a database is to be officially released at the beginning of November. Podi, which runs as an IBM Lotus Notes application, is the first complete podiatry practice management system available on the market, and uses a consistent format to ensure podiatrists keep data records to the standards required.
cases this can be the size they were at 18. All of this is not helped by the fact that in this country there is no absolute standard of shoe size, while it is true to say that a size six will be roughly the same for all manufactures roughly is not good enough for this patient group . Gone are the days when shoe shops would routinely measure adult feet and, while we still strive to ensure that our children are in the best possible footwear, however this service is vital for these patients, so my advice is find a make where you know they fit and stay with them as much as possible. There are companies out there who are trying to reclaim the old standards of measuring, both in shops and remotely, and I would encourage you all to find those companies and promote them to
your patients to try and get a shift in policy and a raise in standards. Once you have a shoe that fits the foot, the three most common areas that cause problems are the seams in the counter of the shoe (heel). The seam here should be covered with fabric or leather, or at least be flattened to ensure no rough points are felt. Secondly ensure that the innersole provided with many shoes today is a good fit and thick enough not to curl up, thus causing blistering. Also of concern is that some insoles can increase the in shoe temperature, resulting in an increase risk of fungal infection. Finally check the stitched detail on the upper in conjunction with the heel height. Heel height will change the crease point in the toe
Barbara sets up village chiropody clinic A FORMER domiciliary podiatrist has set up a chiropody clinic in her local village. Barbara Chambers has opened Bowburn Chiropody near County Durham having treated people in their own homes for 12 years. She told Assistive Technologies that she hopes the business will boost the regeneration of the former mining town. “You are very limited in a home visit and there are certain treatments that you simply cannot do,” Barbara added. “I wanted to expand my service to offer a variety of things and to be selfemployed. I hope it brings value to the regeneration of Bowburn as
well. I want it to be a village podiatry, and we are perfectly placed to be that because we are next door to the chemists.” Barbara says she had a good response to the business since it opened, which offers everything from nail cutting and shaping to treating ingrowing toenails and sports injuries. She added: “We offer every sort of treatment for the foot, including nail surgery and bio-mechanic assessments. “An alternative therapist will be working upstairs from next month, who will offer reflexology and aromatherapy among other treatments.”
box, as will the detail on the upper. This will often result in excess pressure being placed on the tops of all the lesser digits. In short, check your patient’s shoes and ensure they are not undoing all the hard work you and your team have done. Daniel Blackman is head of clinical services at RS Scan Lab.
Portable hoist IF A service user needs a hoist they do not just need it at home. Many hoists are not portable and effectively confine the service user to their home. The Molift Smart portable hoist is portable, reliable and easy to use. Whether used in the home, taken on day excursions or used when visiting friends or attending medical appointments, this unique hoist assists support staff to lift service users. It is easy to put together and take apart, making it simple to transport in a vehicle. The Molift Smart is not the cheapest mobile hoist on the market but it offers unique benefits. Its portability and the fact it can be transported with the service user means you may only need to provide one hoist rather than two.
Podi runs on Desktops, Notebooks and Netbooks, ensuring podiatrists cans keep records up-to-date on the move.
‘Inspirational, innovative and practical solutions’
Podi’s logical sequence of userfriendly forms sticks to the ‘subjective, objective, analysis, plan’ (SOAP) techniques taught to all podiatrists. Its ‘green/red’ route system will alert any gaps in the records to keep procedures on the right path.
CO-OPERATIVE Xest launched in April into the aids for daily living market. The new home shopping concept offers a range of products that make life easier, and help people to live more mobile and independent lives. Their ambition is to establish
themselves as the sector’s marketleading brand and to have the unbeaten reputation for innovation, quality, value and customer care. After conducting extensive research, Co-operative Xest discovered that the experience of shopping for living aids can be tough, and that finding
those products to make life easer can be difficult. Managing director Andrea Dipple said: “In developing our website, we wanted one that was “best in class” for accessibility and usability. We aim to provide inspirational, innovative and practical solutions to improve quality of life.”
Annual conference keynote speakers named THE Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists’ annual conference and exhibition takes place at the Harrogate International Centre in November. Keynote addresses at the three-day event, which this year has the theme Developing You: Promoting Podiatry, will be delivered by motivational speaker Adrian Webster, creator of Polar Bear Pirates, who will talk about leadership in challenging times. From the UK this year’s keynote speakers include William Jeffcote, 18
who will overview new concepts in diabetes, and professor Richard White, the UK’s first professor of wound care. Visiting from New Zealand will be professor Keith Rome, who will present new work on a series of rheumatological topics. Additionally, from the US will be Dr Benjamin Lipsky, who will present new guidelines on diabetic foot infection, and Dr Howard Danenberg, reviewing sagittal plane biomechanics. Last year’s event attracted 1,300
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delegates and conference chair Simon Otter says he is hopeful of a similar turnout this year. He added: “The conference provides a unique forum for delegates with different experiences to learn about the latest developments, share their knowledge and discuss current concepts that are influencing the practice of podiatry. “The programme offers something for all, and will showcase the latest updates and developments from renowned national and international speakers, interactive and clinically
focused workshops and over 30 specialist concurrent sessions.” There are also more social events planned for this year. Following the society’s wine reception after the final plenary session on the Thursday, there is a formal conference dinner hosted by the Faculty of Podiatric Surgery. The conference party will be held in the Majestic hotel on the Friday evening, with the awards lunch on the Saturday. The event runs from November 19 to 21.
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to develop Crutch incorporates £300k motorised device sensor technology A FOREARM crutch which incorporates sensor technology to monitor whether it is being used correctly has been developed by engineers at the University of Southampton. The crutch was developed by Professor Neil White and Dr Geoff Merrett at the University's School of Electronics and Computer Science in conjunction with Georgina Hallett, a physiotherapist at Southampton General Hospital. It is fitted with three accelerometers that detect movement and force sensors that measure the weight being applied to a patient's leg and the position of his/her hand on the grip. Data is then transmitted wirelessly to a remote computer and visual information is displayed on the crutch if the patient uses it incorrectly. Professor White said: “A growing number of people are in need of physiotherapy, but reports from physiotherapists indicate that people do not always use crutches in the correct manner. “Until now, there has been no way to monitor this, even though repeated incorrect use of the crutch could make the patient's injury worse.” The new crutch has been developed using lowcost, off-the-shelf technology and sensors similar to those used in Nintendo Wii. Georgina added: “These crutches will make it
much easier for patients to be taught how to use them properly, and how much weight they are allowed to put through their injured leg. “This will help them to get out of hospital faster and also reduce their risk of further damaging an already injured leg by putting too much or too little weight through it.” At the moment the crutch is suitable for monitoring and training patients in hospital environments, but the researchers have plans to develop a pair for use in patients’ homes.
THE University of Salford has received more than £300,000 to help develop a motorised frame which allows people affected by stroke and other illnesses learn to walk again. The team from the School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences will work with partners to develop the frame, which will support the legs of people who can Sarah Tyson not take their own weight so that they can practice stepping and walking much earlier in their rehabilitation. Currently, this procedure is performed by up to three physiotherapists supporting the patient, but it is hoped that the new frame will eliminate this need and make the whole experience more comfortable and dignified for the patient. Dr Sarah Tyson, who is leading the project, said: “The Government is keen for more technology to be introduced into the NHS as part of its modernisation programme. This frame is an obvious way to save time and manpower and to improve the experience for patients. We're working closely with patients and the NHS to develop the device which we hope will be adopted by hospitals." The original frame was developed in a prototype form by a Lancashire man whose relative had had a stroke. He took it to local engineering firm PDS Engineering, who joined with the University of Salford, Medilink NW and Butters Innovation to form the the development group and secure funding from the National Institute for Health Research.
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MOBILITY
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New innings for Pipe as team physio DERBYSHIRE County Cricket Club’s wicketkeeper James Pipe will take over as first team physiotherapist in 2010 after deciding to retire from the firstclass game. He graduated from the university of Salford last year, having studied for a physiotherapy degree on a parttime basis during his playing career. Head of cricket John Morris said: “It is great for us to have such an excellent team man remaining involved in the first team and the club at the end of his playing career. “James has been training and working towards his physiotherapy degree for several years and this is a great opportunity for him to further his career in that area.” He will take up the role of head physiotherapist following the departure of David Beakley, who is leaving for a position with the Cricket Australia Academy at the end of the season.
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Metatarsal injuries could be a thing of the past for footballers thanks to the creation of scientists at Europe’s largest school of podiatry. Dominic Musgrave reports.
An end to metatarsal misery? MICHAEL Owen and David Beckham are just two high-profile footballers to have suffered the injury, which can take between two and four months to heal.
insole that could increase the protection and support for the foot and yet did not interfere with normal movements that are necessary during running.
Metatarsal fractures are caused by high intensity running and rapid turning manoeuvres, and both players and managers have suggested that modern lightweight and overly flexible football boots offer too little protection for the foot and are to blame for these injuries.
“The insole significantly stiffens the boot where required and helps to reduce risk of metatarsal injury. Players notice an immediate benefit.”
Researchers at the University of Salford have developed The Foot Science Insole, which is already in use at several Premiership and Championship clubs, and is widely used by podiatrists and physiotherapists across the UK and Europe. Lecturer and podiatrist Phil Laxton, who has more than 30 years of clinical experience working with footballers and elite athletes, told Assistive Technologies that the insole provides extra support for the midfoot section of the football boot. He added: “We wanted to design an
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A common problem with the use of specialist insoles is that football boots need to be close fitting to the foot and there is no room for an insole. To overcome this problem a unique insole material was developed through Midlands-based material specialists The Space Agency.
David Beckham
solution to many of the problems our young players face when starting full-time high intensity training.
The material makes the insole rigid in the mid-foot yet flexible under the toes, allowing it to be extremely durable and slim so that it takes up minimal room in the boot.
“We find them useful in alleviating the symptoms of shin splints and heel pain associated with Achilles tendonitis.
Richie Porter, podiatrist at Everton, has been using the insole at the club’s academy since it became available.
“Because of the slim design they easily fit into all football boots and running footwear. We find them very hardwearing and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to any of our playing staff.”
He added: “They are an ideal
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University initiative is chosen as a finalist in learning awards By Dominic Musgrave
placements.
A HANDHELD learning initiative used by occupational therapy and physiotherapy students at York St John University has been announced as a finalist in the Handheld Learning Awards for Innovation and Best Practice.
It allows the university’s 400 occupational therapy and physiotherapy students to download learning materials, complete assessments and communicate with their tutors while working on real life cases in hospitals and clinics.
As a partner in the ALPS programme (Assessment and Learning in Practice Settings), the university has helped develop software for students to receive assessments and feedback direct to their mobile devices while on work
ALPS has worked closely with York based technology company MyKnowledgeMap to develop the service platform and accompanying assessment tools.
said: “I am delighted that ALPS’ achievements have been recognised by the handheld learning awards. Teaching and learning are at the centre of ALPS’ work and its aim is to improve the experience of students, helping them to become competent and confident professionals.”
Learning (CETLs) funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to promote excellence across all subjects and aspects of teaching and learning in higher education. Attended by more than 1,500 international delegates, the conference is the world’s leading event about learning assisted by mobile technologies.
Exhibition returns to Reebok Stadium KIDZ up North returns to the Reebok Stadium in Bolton on November 26. With over 120 exhibitor stands at each event, the show is an opportunity to ‘try before buy’.
Wiihabilitation site offers rehab information
Parallel to the exhibitions are the popular and topical programme of free seminars. They provide a full and varied timetable of presentations which support professional visitors in their continuing professional development.
others are using the Wii. “It’s not exhaustive and it doesn’t need to be only my work – I’m very happy to have contributions – but it’s a good place to start.” The site, which gets around 80 hits a day, includes information on the games she uses with students, along with research and news stories she has found relating to Wii and rehabilitation, which she updates regularly.
It has been highlighted by senior managers that releasing staff to attend these events has enabled their local authority to provide a comprehensive and improved quality of service to children in their area. As this exhibition is near to the festive season, Santa and his helpers will be on hand.
Peter Gray, ALPS partner lead at York St John University,
A PHYSIOTHERAPIST has created a website as a resource for information on how to use the Nintendo Wii for rehabilitation purposes. The Wiihabilitation site is mainly based on Rebecca Redmond’s own experience of using the console in her role as senior physiotherapist at the National Star College, a residential further education school for disabled 16-25 year olds in Cheltenham. The interactive games console, played
ALPS is a collaborative programme between five universities in the region, the NHS and professional health practice bodies. ALPS is one of the 74 Centres for Excellence in Teaching and
with a wand and a screen, has become popular with physiotherapists as a fun tool to support rehabilitation. Rebecca said: “Physiotherapists are coming round to using it in sessions because it’s so motivational — it’s not a treatment as such, but one of a number of tools we have. Because the great thing is, I’m no different from my patients: we all want to have a go. “I realised there wasn’t a central point where physios could go to see how
Boost for Mexican charity A STAFFORDSHIRE orthotics company has set up close links with a charity in Mexico which aims to improve the lives of the country's children. Specialised Orthotic Services, run by Gordon McQuilton MBE is providing services and specialist seating to a large number of wheelchair users. He told Assistive Technologies that the link with the Mexican Disabled Children’s Trust was created by physiotherapist Sarah Davies. Gordon added: “For the past couple of years people have donated their
redundant equipment and we collect it together and transport it over there in a big container. “My family visited the country this summer helped and advised them, and after seeing how poor the workshop facilities are over there we have now created the SOS Workshop Project, with the aim of improving the facilities and the environment. We are at the very start of the process at the moment but hope to better equip the centre so that it can provide a better service for the children.”
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London hosted by The Gadget Show’s Jason Bradbury.
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Grant for development RESEARCHERS from the departments of prosthetics and orthotics and chemical engineering at the University of Strathclyde have been awarded £99,370 to further develop a prosthetic limb using vegetable based materials. Building on the innovative ideas of prosthetics technician Harry Kinsman, a prosthetic limb socket has already been made entirely from composite plant materials. Samples of a composite incorporating a bioresin with a
standard fibre lay-up were mechanically tested with results close to acrylic resin tensile strength. Harry’s idea was inspired because of a wish to work in a healthier environment with “greener” safer materials and because the techniques of artificial limb socket manufacture have not changed in the last 30 years. This funding award is from the National Institute for Health Research under its Invention for Innovation Programme for Future Product Development.
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PRODUCTS
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SIMPLA DEDICATED TO PRODUCING EASY TO USE PRODUCTS
DENOVO HEALTHCARE INTRODUCES THE ‘DYNAMIC WALK’ BY CENTRI
SIMPLA Ltd is a company dedicated to producing uncomplicated, easy to use products. Our unique product, the SimplaPhone is the first touch screen handsfree home telephone. Use the handset’s built-in camera to create your own photo directory, allowing you to scroll through photos rather than telephone numbers. The large touch screen allows you to simply touch the photo and the SimplaPhone does the dialling for you. Key features: - Very easy to use 7” Touch screen - Make a call with the touch of a photo - See who is calling you with Caller ID - Take a photo with the built-in camera - Store up to 150 entries in the photo directory - Built in answerphone - Handsfree operation on the base unit and handset - Plugs straight into your existing phone line. Dial by photo and see who is calling you – it’s an easy, convenient and fun way to stay in touch. Available to purchase now.
THE Dynamic Walk is a dynamic foot lifter AFO made of a lightweight carbon fibre composite and double sided PEEK rods that provide high strength and flexibility. This unique design allows you to drive and climb stairs since it provides stable free movement and constant lifting of the foot. The open heel construction and slim foot design allows the AFO to fit easily into normal shoes. The Peek rods are the key to the Dynamic Walk’s lifting action and extreme flexibility. When the patient’s ankle is at around a 90 degree position, the rods are held out of their unloaded position and will use that stored energy to actively lift the foot at the initiation of the swing phase. The ability of the rods to be moved beyond 90 degrees allows the patient to easily plantarflex. The Revolutionary Thermoplastic Carbon Fibre Material used in this product offers the strength and stability of carbon fibre but also allows the possibility of reshaping and trimming the composite material to suit the individual patient’s requirements.
Enquiries: Telephone 01865 301 915 or visit www.simplaphone.com
Enquiries to Denovo Healthcare, Telephone 01934 808416 or email sales@denovohealthcare.com
COMPANY ADDS NEW PRODUCT TO RANGE
REED MEDICAL LAUNCH PONSETI BOOTS
THE SAFO Go™ is an exciting new addition to Dorset Orthopaedic’s established SAFO® family. The primary purpose of the Go™ is to make the SAFO® more available to a wider number of patients as an “off the shelf” paediatric product that comes in a variety of sizes. The big difference with the SAFO Go™ when compared to previous designs, is that it comes with an adjustable foot section which can be fastened, using a silicone adhesive that comes with the SAFO Go™. The fastening system on the leg is identical to the SAFO Walk™ design and incorporates two wrap around Velcro straps. Once glued, the foot section is fixed permanently. The simplicity of this design, which was produced with functionality and comfort in mind, provides the flexibility to assess and fit the patient in one appointment. Key benefits of the SAFO Go™: Allows ‘normal’ foot/ankle action. Provides improved sensory feedback. Can be used as part of a full rehabilitation programme. Reduces risk of pressure sores. Easy to fit, clean and maintain. Enquiries: Telephone 01425 481742. www.dorset-ortho.com
REED Medical’s latest product Ponseti Boots for the treatment of talipes, encompass all the design features and protocols of the Ponseti system, yet have unique features to aid comfort and easy donning. Available in 10 sizes and for use with the D. B. Bar, Horton Click Bar and Dobbs Dynamic Bar.
G&M INTRODUCES THE HAWK LIGAMENT KNEE BRACE
OTTO BOCK LAUNCHES DYNAMIC ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS
THE prefabricated Hawk ligament knee brace combines the benefits of rigid bracing protection with a new level of suspension, support and comfort. It features the patented Active Thigh Cuff (ATC) system, which accommodates soft tissue profile changes during activity, providing optimum suspension. Strong and lightweight fibre reinforced composite shells and steel hinges provide the strength and protection needed by patients with deficient or repaired ligaments. The Hawk ligament knee brace is just one of new range of knee braces available from G&M. A custom OA, custom ligament, combined instability and contact sports knee braces are also available. Enquiries: Contact 0121 475 1101 for more information or a product demonstration or email marketing@gilbert-mellish.co.uk
Soft insoles, trimmable straps, heel check aperture are all standard features. Available ex-stock for next day zdelivery. REED Medical Ltd, Shadsworth Business Park, Blackburn. BB1 2QQ. Enquiries: Telephone 01254 503333, email admin@reedmedical.co.uk or visit www.reedmedical.co.uk
THE Dyna Ankle from Otto Bock is a dynamic ankle foot orthosis which is applied to sprains and ruptures of the ankle ligaments. For immediate application following injury, pressure points are avoided as trim lines and straps are positioned to leave the outer ankle free, thus allowing heat and ice to be applied with the orthosis in place. After performing its initial function as an immobiliser during the first two weeks, and subject to physician approval, the orthosis may be worn during weight bearing activities. For stability, the Dyna Ankle is generally worn for six weeks both day and night and should be removed only for bathing. The injection moulded polypropylene orthosis allows for slight modification with heat. For ease of use extra–long hook and loop straps are included with the Dyna Ankle, which are shortened to the appropriate length during fitting. The orthosis can be worn with or without a shoe, is waterproof and easy to care for. Enquiries: Telephone 0845 430 1231.
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