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Paralysed man regains use of hand after op By Helen Williams A PARALYSED man regained the use of his hand after he had a pioneering operation to bypass damage to his spinal cord. The 71-year-old patient injured the lowest bone in his neck in a car crash in June 2008. The damage to the C7 vertebra left him without the use of his legs and only limited shoulder, elbow and wrist function. He also lost the use of his hand because while the nerve circuit in his hand was intact, the connection between his brain and digits had been lost. Surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis restored this link by rerouting working nerves in his upper arm. The patient can now pinch his thumb and index fingers together using nerves that once told his brain to bend at the elbow. He can now feed himself and even write. Senior researcher Dr Ida K Fox said: “This procedure is unusual for treating quadriplegia because we do not attempt to go back into the spinal cord where the injury is. “Instead, we go out to where we know things work – in this case the elbow – so that we can
borrow nerves there and reroute them to give hand function.” After the surgery, the bicep still flexes the elbow, but a second muscle, called the brachialis, that used to also provide elbow flexion, now bends the thumb and index finger. The patient underwent intense physiotherapy so his brain could understand how his nerves now worked. “Many times these patients say they would like to be able to do very simple things,” Dr Fox said. “If we can restore the ability to pinch, between thumb and index finger, it can return some very basic independence.” The surgery was developed and performed by Dr Susan E. Mackinnon. Specialising in injuries to peripheral nerves, she has pioneered similar surgeries to return function to injured arms and legs. “This is not a particularly expensive or overly complex surgery,” Dr Mackinnon said. “It’s not a hand or a face transplant, for example. It’s something we would like other surgeons around the country to do.” If you’ve got a story for Assistive Technologies email Helen Williams at helenw@scriptmedia.co.uk
Paracyclist Jon-Allan Butterworth has teamed up with Droitwich-based company AKW to promote independent lifestyles for people with disabilities. Jon-Allan, who is preparing for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, lost his left arm while serving in Iraq in 2007. He gave a presentation with the company – an accessible bathrooms and kitchens specialist – at Naidex National at Birmingham NEC.
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Paralysed woman moves arm using brain power A PIONEERING experiment in the US has seen a paralysed woman move a bionic arm with just her brain power.
Sales Christine Daly-Sadler
Product Manager
Email: cds@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478
The development came after a sensor was implanted into her brain to monitor its electrical signals. A computer then translates these signals into movements in a robotic arm.
He said: “We’ve moved significantly closer to returning everyday functions, like serving yourself a sip of coffee, usually performed effortlessly by the arm and hand, for people who are unable to move their own limbs.”
Editorial Judith Halkerston Group Editor editorial@assistivetechnologies.co.uk Dominic Musgrave Healthcare Editor Email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734407 Helen Williams Reporter Email: helenw@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734694
Cathy Hutchinson has been unable to speak or move her limbs for 15 years. But she has now been able to lift a bottle of coffee and take a drink thanks to the groundbreaking research at Brown University in Rhode Island.
Dr John Donoghue — who led the project dubbed ‘BrainGate’ — said the work was a critical step toward the long-term goal of creating a neurotechnology that would restore movement, control and independence to people with paralysis or limb loss.
Contacts
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Tony Barry Sales and Marketing Director Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Circulation circulation@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 24 hour hotline: 01226 734695
Cathy Hutchinson takes a drink using the bionic arm.
Credit BrainGate2.org
He added that watching Cathy drink for herself for the first time in 15 years was a “stunning scene”.
the brain to outside world, so the brain signals can control not muscles but machines or devices.”
“People who are paralysed have their brain disconnected from their bodies so they are not able to do everyday things that you and I can do, like reach for a glass of water or scratch their nose. Many of us don’t realise how debilitating it is.
Cathy and a 66-year-old man participated in the study. They had each been paralysed by a brain stem stroke years earlier which left them with no functional control of their limbs. They used neural activity to directly control two different robotic arms, to perform reaching and grasping tasks across a broad threedimensional space.
“Our idea is to bypass the damaged nervous system and go directly from
Design/Production Stewart Holt Studio Manager Email: sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Natalie Talbot Graphic Designer Laura Blackburn Graphic Designer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all contents, the publishers do not accept liability for any error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
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Donations continue for Claire’s Marathon effort By Helen Williams DONATIONS continue to come in for paralysed Claire Lomas, who completed the London Marathon in 16 days wearing a bionic suit. Claire, from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, finished the 26.2-mile route at a rate of 3.2km (two miles) a day wearing the ReWalk suit designed by Israeli entrepreneur and quadriplegic Amit Goffer. The suit enables people with lowerlimb paralysis to stand, walk and climb stairs via motion sensors and an onboard computer system. Claire said she was “over the moon” to finish, and three members of the Household Cavalry gave her a guard of honour as she crossed the line on The Mall. She was also buoyed by husband Dan and one-year-old daughter Maisie. Claire said: “There were times when I questioned whether I would make it when I was training. Once I started, I just took each day as it came – every step got me closer.” A number of celebrities walked a
mile with her, including TV stars Gabby Logan and Ben Fogle, and Holly Branson – daughter of tycoon Richard – was at the finish line waiting to give Claire the Virgin trophy for endurance.
RSLSteeper has launched a new door entry control system, allowing physically disabled people to transform their iPad, iPod or iPhone into an intercom.
A former chiropractor turned jewellery designer, Claire was left paralysed after breaking her neck, back and ribs and puncturing a lung in a horse-riding accident in 2007. She is an ambassador for the Spinal Research Saddle Up campaign, and has raised over £86,000 for the medical charity’s research into treatments for paralysis caused by a broken neck or back. Jonathan Miall, CEO, Spinal Research, said: “We are overwhelmed by Claire’s determination and commitment – it is a stunning effort. “Claire is not only raising substantial income for our potentially lifechanging research but also awareness of our charity and the impact of spinal cord injury. We cannot thank her enough.” The UK is one of the first countries to gain ReWalk, and Cyclone Technologies is sole UK distributor. It
RSL launch new door system
Claire Lomas at the London Marathon finish line.
is hoped that a personal model, tailored to match an individual’s physical capability following medical assessment and training in a rehabilitation centre, will be introduced towards the end of this year. It would cost €50,000.
The EvoAssist 2.0 does away with the need for a handset or internal unit. Enabling two-way communication, it uses a high quality camera with full colour video display, so users can easily identify who is at the door. They can then unlock the door with a simple command. The system has an LED backlighting system for night use and a large, easy-to-use call button. It is an upgrade to RSLSteeper’s EvoAssist system, which allows people to perform everyday tasks through their iPhone, iPod or iPad. These include answering telephones, opening curtains, raising alarms, and changing television channels.
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Dave Howson, director of RSLSteeper’s Assistive Technology division, said: “The system is easy to use and intuitive and brings control of a user’s environment into one convenient place.”
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Is technology responsible for record-breaking sporting feats, rather than improved athletic performance? Ottobock’s ‘Passion for Paralympics’ exhibition asked the question.
Paralympian Heinrich Popow goes head-to-head in a hand cycle race with Olympian Iwan Thomas (left) and Iwan looks on as a youngster tries out an interactive exhibit.
Event puts technology’s role under the spotlight PEOPLE might claim that technology advancements are behind sporting feats at London 2012 – rather than improved athletic performance. That was the view of International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Sir Philip Craven who spoke at Ottobock’s travelling exhibition when it visited London’s Science Museum. A former Great Britain wheelchair basketball player, Sir Philip said: “Technology plays a key part in the improvement of all sports – both Paralympic and able bodied. Whether it be lighter boots for footballers or running blades for sprinters, technology has helped in advancing performance. “However, when it comes to Paralympic sport I am concerned that some people prefer to give credit to the role of technology in an athlete
smashing a world record over their actual performance. This pays a total disservice to the outstanding performance of our elite full-time athletes who, just like their able bodied counterparts, follow punishing regimes that push their body to the limit.”
been the biggest factor in his improved speed.”
The IPC president said: “In the last three years Oscar Pistorius has knocked two and a half seconds off his 400m personal best. He’s achieved this running on the same blades for the last seven years. Very few people give him credit for this and instead prefer to claim he has some sort of advantage.
He added: “We should look at the T38 class for athletes with cerebral palsy. At the last three Paralympic Games the 100m world record has fallen from 11.56 seconds in 2000 to 10.96 seconds in 2008.”
“Oscar’s only advantage, like all Paralympians, is his sheer determination to be the best.
Ottobock’s exhibition runs until the end of the Paralympics (September 9) and is due to visit cities including Glasgow and Manchester as well as London.
“I’d like to think his training regime, which has seen him lose 17 kg, has
Sir Philip also pointed out how achievements are improving across all sports, including some track and field events where the only technology required is a running vest, shorts and running spikes.
Passion for Paralympics
It has been raising awareness of Paralympic sport in the run up to the Paralympic Games, starting on August 29. The games feature 4,200 athletes from 160 countries competing in 20 sports.
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employs 5,327 people.
The exhibition includes stories of Paralympic athletes who use prosthetic limbs and a display of Ottobock’s 24 years of involvement with the Paralympic movement.
The company has been a partner to the Paralympic Games since 1988. Since then, it has completed almost 10,000 repairs for athletes.
Visitors have been enjoying interactive exhibits, such as testing the strength required to power a carbon fibre running blade, and competing in a hand cycling race.
At the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Ottobock technicians from 19 different countries worked more than 10,000 hours completing repairs for athletes from 120 countries.
Ottobock Fast Facts
Ottobock’s staff busy at work.
Sir Philip Craven speaking at Ottobock’s travelling exhibition.
Ottobock, which offers prosthetics, orthotics and wheelchairs, operates in 44 countries worldwide and
Ottobock will support all competing athletes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, with an international team of 80 wheelchair technicians, prosthetists and orthotists.
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Economist to send tonnes of recycled orthotics to Africa NEWS
By Helen Williams A UNIVERSITY economist is spearheading a campaign to recycle tonnes of useable orthotic equipment – by sending it to Africa.
The fully articulating bebionic3 was unveiled at Orthopadie + Reha Technik.
Germany launch for new myo-electric hands PROSTHETIC manufacturer RSLSteeper launched its latest generation of myo-electric hands at a conference in Germany.
custom programmed to suit individual requirements through smart software and wireless technology.
The company hopes the third generation hand will lead to major export orders in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Paul Steeper, product sales director of RSLSteeper, said: “We have been able to make substantial improvements to what was already a groundbreaking bionic hand.
The fully articulating bebionic3 was unveiled at the Orthopadie + Reha Technik event in Leipzig. Originally launched at the 2010 Hanger Education Fair in Reno, Nevada, bebionic hands feature naturally compliant grip patterns combining innovative technology with lifelike appearance. Functions of the hand such as speed, grip force and grip patterns may be
“This new version will be faster, more accurate, easier to programme and more robust. It will be competitively priced to open up accessibility to many more end users.
There are at least 60 million disabled people in Africa, and in Uganda alone one in six of the population is disabled. Many of them could be helped relatively easily through crutches, artificial limbs and other orthopaedic devices. But in such poor countries, resources to make and fit this equipment and to deliver the necessary training are hard to find. Dr Trudy Owens, a development economist at the University of Nottingham, has organised a campaign to recycle tonnes of useable orthotic equipment thrown out by the NHS each year. The plan was hatched last year in the unlikely surroundings of a three-yearold’s birthday celebration, when Trudy met another mother, Eleanor Weinberg, an orthotist at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre.
Eleanor mentioned that some orthotic equipment was being discarded. This ultimately led to Trudy approaching Simon Dickinson, head of orthotics at the QMC. He contacted all 23 NHS Trusts, as well as orthotic manufacturers, and collected enough equipment to fill a 40ft container. Thanks to a grant from the University of Nottingham’s Alumni Fund, this is now being shipped to Uganda, where 12 orthotists and five economists are volunteering their time this month (June) to assess, fit and survey hundreds of disabled people. Local orthotists are shadowing the team to gain valuable training. Trudy said: “If we can measure the impact of the equipment on disabled people’s lives we can help governments see the investment that’s needed in orthotics and persuade individuals to place a price on the equipment.” She added that, ultimately, this would encourage development of orthotic manufacturing in Africa, as well as job creation and professional development of orthotic staff.
“The product is all about striking the perfect balance between advanced technology and aesthetics.” The bebionic3 will be available worldwide this summer.
Paralympian opens £1.7m department PARALYMPIAN Anton Raimondo, vice captain of The British Sitting Volleyball Team, helped launch Enfield Hospital’s new £1.7million imaging department. The investment into the department at The Kings Oak and Cavell Hospital was made possible through a partnership between the hospitals’ parent company BMI Healthcare and Alliance Medical. David Henderson, executive director of BMI, announced that BMI Healthcare and Alliance Medical would be donating £1,000 to The British Sitting Volleyball Team to support them in their bid for Paralympic glory. The new MRI and CT scanners will improve imaging services across a range of disciplines including spinal, neurological and orthopaedics.
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Unlike conventional MRI scanners, this open bore version does not require the patient’s whole body to be inside the machine. For most examinations, the patient’s head will remain outside the scanner. If it is necessary for the head to be positioned inside, the open bore scanner provides 30cm of space above their face, about twice that of a traditional MRI scanner.
Jenna Slowey and Darren Dewar from Ai Claims Solutions present Lucy Lomas from Motability with a cheque for £2,355.
Aside from reducing patients’ anxiety, this new technology allows the hospital to accommodate needs such as pain and mobility issues, claustrophobia and respiratory problems.
NATIONAL charity Motability recently received donations of almost £5,000 from two companies.
The scanner has a wider circumference, so can also accommodate larger patients who might otherwise not be able to receive appropriate treatment.
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Motability receives donations Employees from Blackpool-based firm Ai Claims Solutions raised over £2,000 by taking part in an abseil in Lancashire, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car presented £2,500 to the charity. The funds will go to disabled people who cannot afford a car, adaptations or driving lessons they need to get
around independently. Lucy Lomas, Motability’s corporate and trusts relationship manager, said over 600,000 people used the Motability Scheme. She said: “Corporate donations like this will help many more disabled people to pursue their hobbies, education and employment and live their day to day lives independently without having to rely on others.”
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‘Inspirational’ Jonti takes over running of gym By Helen Williams A BODYBUILDER who was born without his right leg because of spina bifida has taken over the running of his local gym in Cumbria. Jonti Wilson, of Aspatria, has renamed the former Presice Fitness Jonti’s Gym. He has become wellknown within the bodybuilding fraternity and now wants to help others achieve their fitness goals.
TrustLink staff have seen a rise in demand.
Short-term help service reports a rise in users
He said: “The hardest muscle to train is the mind. If you can do that then you are halfway there. We have a motto here: ‘Never say never; there is always a way’. No excuses. If I can do it with one leg, then you can certainly do it with two.”
PEOPLE are increasingly sourcing short-term help in their own homes following a hospital stay, illness or a movement restricting injury, according to Cheshire-based independent living service TrustLink.
His plans include redecorating the gym, moving the reception area and opening an in-house supplements and clothing store. Brands supporting him include Dinosaur Nutrition, ProSupplements and Beyond Failure gymwear. Jonti also wants to transform unused space into a women only weights area and to support various charity events including Sport Relief. Exercise classes including kettlersize, tone and sculpt and circuits will be run from the gym. When Jonti started training three years ago, he had a beer belly, low self-esteem and got out of breath easily. Now in the best shape of his life, he is competing and making guest appearances at various bodybuilding shows including the two-day Hercules Olympia in Essex, a major event in the bodybuilding calendar. Jonti won the UKBBF Championship in 2010 in the wheelchair section and has not ruled out competing in future events if they introduce more
The not-for-profit organisation says its Home Alone service for people with short-term needs has seen rising demand, with most clients requiring it for between six and 12 weeks. Jonti Wilson takes part in a bodybuilding competition.
suitable categories. When he made his debut at the South Lakes Classic in Ulverston two years ago, cheers and applause broke out from the crowd as soon as he threw down his crutches. Some have called him ‘inspirational’ but Jonti rejects the term. “People do see me like that but I’m just doing my thing,” he added. He previously worked as a duty control manager for the ambulance service and more recently has been working for the company Trauma FX which simulates emergencies to help train army and medical personnel.
Service closure angers Veronica A DIABETIC has called for better communication from healthcare providers after the closure of podiatry services at an NHS clinic in Hale, Greater Manchester. Veronica Berry requires regular appointments as a result of diabetes, which can cause painful cracks in her feet if not attended to. She had been going to sessions at the NHS Broomfield Lane Clinic. Podiatry services have currently stopped at Broomfield Lane, although they are still available at seven locations borough wide, and home visits where appropriate. 10
Veronica said: “I was told on my final appointment there that I would have to go to another clinic – I was put on the spot to decide there and then. They could have at least sent a letter out.” A spokesperson for Trafford Provider Services said: “We have taken steps to make podiatry services available over longer hours across a geographical spread of locations in Trafford. We are sorry for any disruption or misunderstanding caused for this particular patient as we want to make sure they receive the right treatment in the most appropriate setting.”
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This service is provided throughout Cheshire East and is one of TrustLink’s range of assisted living solutions from alarm monitoring to ‘safe and well’ calls. Home Alone customers receive 24hour alarm monitoring, with a response if needed by family, friends, carers or the emergency services. For the first week, a TrustLink officer visits the customer daily to check on their well-being and also performs a monthly equipment test.
TrustLink’s Andrew Lofthouse said: “There is no such thing as an ‘off the shelf’ package when it comes to providing support to individuals and developing services with partners. We deal with each client as we would a customer and their family, on a case by case basis, ensuring we develop the most appropriate solution.” TrustLink was set up by Peaks & Plains Housing Trust. It offers consultation on all elements of telecare – from specialist sensors that monitor smoke, floods and gas to advanced equipment that can help people with dementia, Alzheimer’s and autism to lead a more independent life. The service, which employs specialist field-based TrustLink officers, has a control centre which delivers 24-hour customer support every day of the year. Andrew added: “Telecare technology is constantly evolving and we work hard to embrace emerging innovations.”
Design key, claims expert GOOD design can beat the ‘stigma’ that blights some assistive technology products, according to a health design expert. Guy Smallman, commercial development director of Coventry University Health Design & Technology Institute (HDTI), said products to help older people, those with disabilities and chronic health conditions, should be just as ‘funky’ as any other consumer item. “People don’t want a product to remind them that they are older or have a disability. And they don’t want something that hasn’t been designed for them. For example, a lot of older people with dexterity problems are given baby cups - of course they won’t use them.” HDTI supports the development of
innovative community healthcare products. It focuses on the ageing population and people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, providing design, prototyping and user-centred product evaluation. Customers are companies developing new technologies in the field, the NHS, and entrepreneurial individuals. Guy said that assisted living devices often suffer from a limited appreciation of aesthetic design and an ignorance of consumer perception. He added: “The stigma associated with disability products is the biggest barrier to their adoption.” Among the HDTI’s latest collaborations is the ‘Rock Me,’ a non spill drinking cup conceived by a professional carer.
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Two-year-old Ava Bainbridge lost her toes and part of her feet to meningitis. Now she is walking, thanks to a unique pair of silicone slippers. Helen Williams reports.
Unique silicone ‘slippers’ help Ava to walk again AVA Bainbridge contracted meningitis when she was just 14 months old.
for someone so young and were built with a set of toes to help Ava walk.
Her mother Gemma Clay, who lives with her partner and Ava in Newcastle upon Tyne, said: “They diagnosed her with meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia and within half an hour she was on a ventilator fighting for her life. Our whole world just fell apart.”
Gemma said: “They have been designed especially for Ava. She is thrilled with them as now she can wear normal shoes again. And it has helped her to walk again properly too.
Ava’s toes went black, and surgeons eventually had to remove them and half of each foot as they were damaged beyond repair – although doctors managed to save her fingers with drugs used to fight frostbite.
“It was amazing when we put them on for the first time and she took her first steps.”
After the operation, Ava was given foam blocks to put into her shoes to help her walk again, but found them too uncomfortable.
Dorset Orthopaedic built Ava the tiny pair of silicone slippers with toes on the end, allowing her to walk properly and wear ordinary shoes. They cost £900, raised by Ava’s family and friends, and will need to be replaced with larger versions as her feet grow.
More than a year later, she is walking again thanks to the ‘slippers’ made by Dorset Orthopaedic. They are thought to be the first to be made
Ava, Gemma, and Mark Ledger, lead prosthetist at Dorset Orthopaedic Midlands Clinic, appeared on BBC’s The One Show to tell Ava’s story.
Mark, who fitted Ava with the silicone feet, said the issues were manifold: “It was quite difficult to cast her feet as they are so tiny. Another problem was that she would see anyone who went near her feet that she didn’t know as a marker for pain – so everything had to be done very rapidly.”
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Meningitis disrupted the architecture of Ava’s feet and can affect development, meaning that growth of the feet could be slower, while the condition itself and the surgery had left fragile scar tissue. Mark said: “That’s where silicone is the perfect material – you can put gel into it to protect any bony areas and paperlike skin.” He added: “The end result is extremely realistic and they look great. The big thing for Ava was that she was able to get some pretty shoes!”
Ava Bainbridge Credit: WorldWide Features.
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Increase in ‘future proofing’ PEOPLE are increasingly ‘future proofing’ their homes against the impact of ageing and disability, according to Patrick Stannah, joint managing director of Stannah Lift Services. Speaking at Naidex, he said: “This is undoubtedly the biggest show for us in many years, not just because we are unveiling so many new products, but because we are taking the brand to new users. The strategy is to help more users with mobility issues to stay in their homes for longer, but also reach out to those people who simply want a home lift to make life easier. “By making our mobility products more flexible and stylish we can help more people benefit from the independence a mobility product can bring.” Stannah launched its next generation of stairlifts and homelifts at the show, including Salise, a homelift that can move two standing people between floors.
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Prince Harry pays tribute as Everest attempt is abandoned PRINCE Harry has paid tribute to a team of injured servicemen whose attempt to climb Mount Everest had to be abandoned because of safety concerns. The five servicemen taking part in the Walking With The Wounded challenge had to abandon it early in May. A charity spokesman said the mountain was "a death trap" and the already difficult task of climbing 8,848m (29,028ft) above sea level to the summit had been made "almost impossible". Expedition patron Prince Harry said: “Last year, I struggled to keep up with the four British soldiers whom I joined for part of their expedition to walk to the North Pole. Each of these men had recently been gravely wounded on the battlefields of Afghanistan. Theirs was the fastest team to reach the Pole that season. “Now another team of our wounded have returned from Mount Everest. Sadly, I have to be the first to say they have been frustrated from reaching the summit by the unusually warm weather, which brings particularly dangerous conditions. However, the mere fact that they
The Summit team in front of Everest.
were up there on that fearsome peak, I find totally amazing.” Russell Brice, expedition leader who has led groups up Everest over the past 25 years, said: “I’ve never seen conditions like this before – the mountain is in a very critical condition indeed.” The team arrived in Nepal at the end of March and planned to reach the summit of Everest by the end of May.
However, unseasonal dry and warm conditions meant there was not enough snow on the mountain and as a result, rocks had been loosening and falling. There had also been more avalanches. The team was led by Martin Hewett from Widnes in Cheshire, a former captain in the Parachute Regiment, who was shot twice through his right shoulder in Afghanistan in 2007, which paralysed his arm.
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The BLESMA team taking part in the Armed Forces Skydiving Championships.
BBC Radio Sheffield’s Rob Staton, chairman of the British Paralympics Association Tim Reddish OBE, paratriathlete Steve Judge, fencer Suzannah Rockett-Coughlan and former table tennis world champion Farrel Anthony.
Legacy discussed at event FOUR champions of British disability sport took to the stage for a public discussion of their hopes for London 2012. They talked about the legacy of the Paralympic Games and the issues facing disabled athletes.
chair of the British Paralympic Association (BPA) Tim Reddish OBE, Paralympic fencer Suzannah Rockett-Coughlan, former table tennis world champion Farrel Anthony and Rio 2016 paratriathlon hopeful Steve Judge (see Steve’s story on page 21).
Sheffield Hallam University, in partnership with BBC Radio Sheffield, hosted the Meet the Paralympians event. It featured the
Tim said: “We need the whole nation to get behind the Paralympics, because it's a phenomenal opportunity.“
Amputees take to the skies SEVEN wounded members of The Limbless Veterans charity BLESMA will compete in the Armed Forces Skydiving Championships in July and the UK National Championships in August. The team took to the skies to become a part of ‘Trans4mers,’ the world’s first disabled four-way skydiving formation team. The skydivers, some still serving, undertook gruelling training to take them from beginners to effective members of a disabled four-way formation skydiving team. Team member David Scott, a former army physical training corps member who lost his right leg above the knee
in 2009, said: “To go from novice skydiver to national competition standard, competing against some of the UK’s top able-bodied skydivers in a little under eight months, takes fantastic effort. But you will see us in the sky and up there on the podium.” David and his fellow team members took part in tandem and indoor skydives at the Airkix centre, Milton Keynes, before being selected to go to California in March to complete their solo skydive courses. Upon returning, the team was due to begin intensive training at Netheravon in Wiltshire as they prepare for competition season.
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Jody helps to launch products By Helen Williams
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DOUBLE Paralympic gold medallist Jody Cundy helped launch two new Ossur products – the Vari-Flex XC foot and the Seal-In V liner – at Manchester Velodrome. The athlete shared a training session with those attending, with some having travelled from as far away as Glasgow to hit the track for an 8am start. Manchester Velodrome is among the fastest tracks in the world with regular users including Sir Chris Hoy and Vicky Pendleton. That did not deter the cyclists, despite the fact that most of them had never ridden on a track before. Coach Brian Sowter revealed: “Some don’t even ride a bike regularly.”
Jody Cundy (centre) with some of the visitors to Ossur’s launch event at Manchester Velodrome.
cycling prosthesis.
But everyone got round with Brian’s encouragement and the verdict afterwards was “brilliant.”
Clinical specialist prosthetist Richard Hirons said: “The devil’s in the detail when working with cycling and amputees.
Jody was born with a deformed foot which was amputated when he was three. He is one of only a handful of athletes who are Paralympic champions in two sports, having won gold medals in swimming and cycling.
“What you really need in a cycling prosthesis is rigidity so we have made one that is stronger so it doesn’t bend and we improved the aerodynamics.” After the track session, Richard and colleague Ollie Smith demonstrated
Ossur has worked with Jody to make a new and improved version of his
the new products and casting techniques.
– we don’t tell them to do that, but that’s just what they feel like doing.”
The lightweight Vari-Flex XC foot is suitable for hiking, jogging and cycling as well as ground level walking. The technology ensures fluid, natural gait which reduces fatigue and puts less strain on the lower back and sound side.
Richard and Ollie also demonstrated the Seal-In V liner. With new, volume adaptive blades, it gives the security of a locking liner and the comfort and convenience of a ‘sleeve-free’ cushion liner.
Ollie, who showed how to fine-tune the foot by using wedges, said: “The first thing people do with it is to hop
It is the first liner capable of maintaining an effective vacuum when the volume of the limb changes.
Amputees take first running steps at Loughborough PEOPLE took their first running steps as amputees at a PACE Rehabilitation event at Loughborough University. Motability has added new dates due to demand.
‘One Big Day’ extended MOTABILITY has extended its ‘One Big Day’ events due to demand, with four events across the country including the first ‘One Big Day Extra’ at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. The extra event on June 8 and 9 will have more than 70 cars on display from over 20 manufacturers, including Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles and a wide range of adaptations, scooters and powered wheelchairs. Motability advisors and specialists from WAV and adaptations companies will be on hand to offer advice. Visitors will be able to book in for free test drives in a range of both standard and adapted cars. Family entertainment includes bouncy castles, face painting and 14
appearances from Motability mascot ‘Billy the Bear.’ Parking is free and scooters and wheelchairs are available for hire. Mike Betts, chief executive, Motability Operations, said: “The events have continued to grow in popularity with record numbers every year. Last year we introduced our first indoor event at Stoneleigh Park and visitor numbers were so high that this year we’ll be open for an extra day.” Further ‘One Big Day’ events take place at Chepstow Racecourse, South Wales, on July 7; at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton on July 26; and at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire, on August 16. All events open at 9am and finish at 4pm.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2012
The inaugural running day, at the university’s HiPAC Centre, offered amputees practical and educational sessions of teaching to run on their prosthesis. UK Athletics Paralympic Coach Hayley Ginn – who donated her time for the event – worked with Carolyn Hirons, PACE physiotherapist. Carolyn said: “All the patients have a prosthesis which they can at least attempt to run on. You don’t have to be an elite athlete and have a ‘blade’ like Oscar Pistorius to start running. You just need the will to have a go.” The group consisted of above and below knee amputees, ranging in age from 10 to 72. Under Hayley and Carolyn’s guidance, the day started with corrective postural exercises, core stability and glute activation, Hayley told the group: “Under-
standing which muscles do what, and how to use them efficiently, provides the foundation to run efficiently, which is of particular importance to an amputee.” The group then performed various ‘drills’ demonstrated by Paralympic sprinter Jonas Zimnicki, who Hayley coaches. Everyone began at walking pace and increased to a light jog. Hand-outs about residual limb care and sweat management were provided, and thanks to Endolite, Ossur and Otto Bock, participants each received a complimentary PACE kit bag. The morning ended with practical tips and personal experiences regarding increased activity levels as an amputee. In the afternoon, everyone increased speed and confidence as their technique improved. Prosthetists Toby Carlsson and Howard Woolley were on hand throughout, with spanners and Allen keys, to carry out minor tweaks to the variety of prostheses.
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Heather thanks prosthetists after scooping four golds By Helen Williams
push on with complete confidence.”
HEATHER Mills paid tribute to her team of prosthetists after she scooped four gold medals on the ski slopes of Aspen, Colorado.
Heather only took up ski race training a year ago after being spotted on the slopes and encouraged to try out for competitive skiing.
Competing for the British Disabled Ski Team, Heather won two Super G ski speed races and two downhill events at the US Paralympics Adaptive Alpine Speed National and North American Championships on the formidable Tiehack speed course.
That’s when she visited consultant prosthetist, Abdo Haidar, at The London Prosthetic Centre in Kingston Upon Thames, to have a new specialised skiing prosthetic leg fitted.
Her ultimate aim is to compete at the 2014 Paralympic Games in Russia. Heather praised the efforts of The London Prosthetic Centre who worked closely with her to develop a specialised prosthetic skiing leg that could withstand the harsh racing conditions. She said: “A prosthesis should not just help people regain mobility in their lives; it should enable them to achieve their goals. “Abdo Haidar and the team at The London Prosthetic Centre fully understood this from day one, and devoted the care, attention, ability and creativity that enabled me to
EXETER Physio is the latest approved regional UK fitting centre for DonJoy’s range of knee braces. The Exeter sports, spinal and rehabilitation clinic was selected by the orthopaedic bracing manufacturer, which is part of DJO Global. DonJoy now has over 20 approved fitting centres across the UK.
Abdo even visited the Hemel Hempstead ski slopes to watch Heather in action, and help her with any problems. It was a painstaking process that involved over a year of fine tuning and over 15 appointments.
Knee braces help keep patients mobile during their rehabilitation programme, or help those with knee joint instabilities following reconstructive surgery. All DonJoy’s braces and supports are rigorously researched and tested and, if an ‘off the shelf’ brace does not fit properly, the patient can be fitted for the company’s custom knee brace, the DonJoy Defiance.
Mr Haidar said: “We spent so much time to find the ideal solution, working with Heather and her coach. The key was to provide maximum control and manoeuvrability, so that Heather could take corners close to the ground and really attack them with complete confidence. “To achieve this we designed and fitted the socket in a way that considerably reduces movement and thereby enhances control and focus.”
Approval for Exeter Physio NEWS
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Heather Mills shows off her skiing medals.
Clinicians at Exeter Physio work with sports professionals including England Rugby Football Union, the Women’s GB Basketball team and the European Tour.
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Some exercise plans causing employers a headache, claim
NEWS
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By Helen Williams
and road traffic accidents.
OVER-AMBITIOUS exercise plans could give employers a headache as staff face long lay-offs with musculoskeletal injuries, research has revealed.
The physiotherapists reported that 49 per cent of fitness-related injuries were caused by people overestimating their ability and pushing themselves too far, with 27 per cent citing lack of proper instruction on correct fitness techniques or gym equipment and 12 per cent blaming a failure to warmup before exercising.
Physiotherapy provider Physio Med has found that injuries caused by failed New Year and spring fitness resolutions are responsible for a huge spike in musculoskeletal injuries and sickness absence. Physio Med surveyed its 2,000-strong network of chartered physiotherapists across the UK, to find out more about the reasons behind the biggest cause of long term sickness absence. A robot that uses high-precision tactile sensors and flexible motor control is being developed in Japan. Researchers at RIKEN and Tokai Rubber Industries have designed a robot, known as the RIBA-II, with the ability to lift a patient up to 80kg in weight off floor-level bedding and into a wheelchair. The development of robotic lifting systems is hoped to revolutionise the Japanese care industry. The Center for Human-Interactive Robot Research intends to work with Japanese care facilities to test the RIBA-II and further modify the design to fit the needs of caregivers and their patients. Picture credit: RIKEN RTC.
It found that requests for physiotherapy appointments increased dramatically in March and April, with 89 per cent of the physiotherapists that responded naming injuries related to exercise and sport as one of the most common reasons for people to seek treatment. Other less common causes included work-related injuries, DIY, gardening
The three most common injuries resulting from ill-fated fitness campaigns were lower back pain, followed by neck or upper back pain and shoulder pain. Mark Fletcher, clinical director at Physio Med, said: “Musculoskeletal injuries are currently the number one reason for long-term sickness absence in the workplace, and in the current climate that is bad news for both businesses and employees. “Within the healthcare industry we obviously encourage physical exercise but a sudden increase in physical activity – such as a new fitness campaign – should always be approached with caution.”
The team competing in the Race Across America.
America cycle challenge for wounded servicemen A GROUP of wounded servicemen are competing in one of the world's toughest cycling rides – the Race Across America.
moments from their training, showing the struggle they have gone through to rebuild their lives after being injured.
Four double amputees riding on hand bikes will be accompanied by four wounded colleagues on upright bikes as they face a gruelling 3,051-mile trek across the United States. They leave on June 16 and aim to finish within eight days.
During the team’s practice run in the UK, they suffered sleep deprivation as they cycled through the night on bikes which needed constant tuning.
A short film by Help for Heroes – the charity which helps wounded servicemen and women – captures 16
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2012
Over 24 hours, they cycled 407 miles. At the notorious Devil's Staircase in Scotland they were joined by supporters as they cycled up a 5km incline, including a gradient of over 25 per cent.
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NEWS
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Brunel has become one of the largest providers of physiotherapy education in the UK.
NHS London contract caps an ‘outstanding year’ for physio team BRUNEL University has been awarded a contract with NHS London, making it one of the largest providers of physiotherapy education in the UK.
“This new contract is an indicator of how we have met the heightened quality standards set by NHS London for the training of physiotherapists.
Following a competitive tender, Brunel's School of Health Sciences and Social Care will receive funding for its full-time and part-time BSc Hons physiotherapy courses. The award will also enable the university to offer a new preregistration MSc in Physiotherapy.
“These standards measure how universities ensure that physiotherapists are equipped with the best skills, abilities and attitudes to provide excellent levels of care, and London education providers were invited to show how they would meet these levels as part of a competitive tender process.
This means that the university has been awarded funding for 82 physiotherapy student places.
“It's a tremendous feeling to be regarded as number one for physiotherapy in London.”
Brunel will be working in partnership with NHS London over the next few months to plan for the future provision of NHS-funded physiotherapy degree programmes.
The university’s undergraduate physiotherapy programme was recently re-approved by the Health Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
The announcement caps an “outstanding year” for Brunel’s physiotherapy team, said John Cossar, the university's director of physiotherapy.
Brunel’s physiotherapy programmes are regularly ranked in the top five in the national education league tables and achieved sector-leading results in the last National Student Survey.
The TGA team at Naidex National.
Firm sees sales increase SUFFOLK-based firm TGA unveiled its new Vita Midi 4 mobility scooter at Naidex National – and saw a 25 per cent increase in sales compared to last year’s show. The mobility product company attributed the rise to quality products and high level brand exposure. National sales manager Tim Ross was interviewed by The Guardian at the show and appeared in the
newspaper on a TGA Supersport. Earlier this year, the company’s GT model won the BBC’s Top Gear extreme mobility scooter challenge. Managing director Daniel Stone said the Vita Midi 4 represented a new direction in mobility scooter design. He added: “Owners are moving towards products that look less traditional and are more aspirational in form and function.”
Talking TV range launched PANASONIC has launched a range of televisions with talking features that were designed with the help of the Royal National Institute of Blind People. RNIB provided design advice and user feedback on the talking features which are now included as standard in the Panasonic Viera 2012 TV range. The TV is easy to use and allows people with sight loss to enjoy TV independently. This is the first integrated TV with voice guidance to come on the market. Most people take using programme guides or on screen channel information for granted, but for people with sight loss it can be difficult or impossible to
find information about their favourite programmes, check what is on later or to record a programme. This new feature, known as 'Voice Guidance', works by announcing onscreen information with synthetic speech and provides clear instructions on how to navigate around the TV menu. The talking feature allows people to choose the level of guidance that suits them, whether beginner or expert, and can be adjusted in terms of speed and volume. As well as people with sight loss, those who have difficulty reading or operating electrical goods are set to benefit. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2012
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NEWS
Point-of-care ultrasound is increasingly being used for diagnoses and needle guidance in physiotherapy. Mark Maybury, musculoskeletal physiotherapist and qualified sonographer, explores the process.
Latest equipment offers flexibility and ease of use POINT-OF-CARE ultrasound has become more familiar throughout the healthcare environment since SonoSite launched the first handcarried system in 1999. Ultrasound development has led to a rise in the use of bedside ultrasound imaging across a broad range of applications. The flexibility and ease of use of the latest instruments allows healthcare professionals from various clinical backgrounds to take advantage of these benefits. Point-of-care imaging is used more and more as a practical tool for diagnoses in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Physiotherapists would traditionally have referred patients to radiology departments with large, complex and cart-based ultrasound systems for scanning. But ease of use and image quality of modern hand-carried systems means that many of these procedures can now be carried out as part of a one-stop clinic in secondary or primary care – or even the patient’s own home. The ability to perform investigations within the physiotherapy environment offers advantages for complex cases where a physical examination proves inconclusive. This is because, unlike other imaging techniques such as X-ray and MRI, ultrasound offers potential for nominal dynamic examination. So, it is particularly useful for investigation of damage to complex joints – like the shoulder. It provides a clearer
picture of the problem and allows more focused therapy, or timely referral to orthopaedics. Ultrasound is also excellent for ongoing monitoring of a patient’s progress, especially in cases where rehabilitation is not proceeding as quickly as expected. It allows the physiotherapist to accurately gauge the patient’s condition and decide whether to refer them to a surgeon, change the focus or pace of rehabilitation, or provide an ultrasound-guided injection for analgesia, allowing pain-free physiotherapy to continue. Needle guidance Ultrasound needle guidance is now common practice for both regional anaesthesia and post-operative analgesia, thanks to improved efficacy and duration of ultrasound-guided injections. This technique is directly applicable to physiotherapy, allowing injection therapy for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. It offers direct visualisation of the needle during the injection, ensuring correct needle placement regardless of individual anatomical variations, making it far more accurate and avoiding damage to unaffected neighbouring tissues. This improves the efficiency of treatment and reduces the risk compared with anatomical-based approaches. In an increasingly litigious world, it also offers practitioners the option to capture an image of the needle during
Mark Maybury treats a patient using point-of-care ultrasound.
injection, providing clear evidence of correct needle placement. In addition to pain relief, this technique can be used to inject Botulinum toxin in the treatment of upper and lower limb spasticity. This approach is growing in popularity amongst neurophysiotherapists and rehabilitation medicine specialists, as ultrasound needle guidance avoids the poor results and need for repeat interventional procedures commonly associated with anatomical-based approaches. The increased precision of ultrasound needle guidance may also provide more long lasting effects without increasing the dose – particularly important in
paediatric cases. More recently, the benefits of ultrasound have been explored by alternative therapists, and sonography is starting to be employed by physiotherapists using acupuncture to alleviate myofascial pain, particularly in the treatment of myofascial trigger points using dry needling or acupuncture. Use of ultrasound in this setting allows practitioners to apply needling techniques to areas where practitioners would otherwise be concerned about the proximity to delicate structures, for instance the apex of the lung when needling the upper fibres of trapezius, or the large intestine when needling internal obliques.
Roadshow to host scooter world record attempt THIS year’s Mobility Roadshow (June 21-23) will see an attempt to smash a Guinness World Record.
do around 750 laps to beat the record of 154 miles achieved by Jackie Weeden in 2011.
Steve Tarrant, the motorsport marshal who survived a near-fatal crash at Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2000, will attempt to beat the greatest distance covered in 24 hours by a mobility scooter.
The show celebrates 30 years in 2013 and is for disabled people of all ages, their families and carers.
He will make the attempt on the show’s first day at the Speedway Ring, Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground, using a TGA Breeze S4 mobility scooter. Steve calculates that he will have to 18
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2012
Visitors can test drive adapted vehicles and explore adaptations, and motoring accessories, scooters and bikes, products for the home and children, clothing, and gadgets are all on display. There is also advice on insurance, accessible holidays and accommodation, fitness and therapies.
Highlights Adapted Vauxhall Zafira Tourer. Sirus Automotive wheelchair passenger-up-front vehicle. Autochair’s range of Olympian Hoists. Elap electric rotating seat and the Ghost, an ‘almost invisible’ accelerating system mounted directly under the steering wheel. Available to test drive in a Ford S Max and Mondeo. Medi-Popper, a device to help people with limited use of their
fingers to push pills out of sealed foil packs. Arxcis Ltd’s new product from Australia, which converts patio doors into automatic doors via a device that fits into existing sliding doors at home. New features this year include a dedicated Fitness Zone, Switches for Kids and Tech for Teens, Interactive Crafting and Painting Workshops. To celebrate the Paralympics there will be a daily programme of minitournaments and events in the Sports Arena.
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sponsors podiatry Elite para-cyclist Colin Lynch is preparing for the Paralympic Games. He told Assistive Technologies how cosmetic prostheses can help athletes focus all their energy on where it's needed – winning.
New leg helps me to ‘cycle without shame’ AS an elite Paralympic athlete, I have had the pleasure of working with Howard Wooley at Pace Rehabilitation. The work that they have done over the past year to create two different and unique cycling-specific prosthetic legs has paid massive dividends for me. Their work helped me go from a topten ranked athlete to become a double World Champion in a single year. Power data gleaned from devices I have on my bike can easily show the clear jump in performance that was gained when I moved from using a standard walking limb to using one built specifically for cycling. Any amputee looking to improve their cycling abilities can benefit from this type of prosthetic – not just the 'elite' ones. More recently I started work with Dorset Orthopaedic on a completely different type of prosthetic. And one that you might not consider would actually make me a better cyclist.
However, the muscle on my ‘good’ leg is completely emaciated below the knee, leaving just skin and bone.
It will again cover new technologies and processes designed to assist practitioners and laboratories in prescribing, designing and manufacturing custom orthotic insoles.
The problem arises when I compete at international races. In these events I'm normally not allowed to wear the tights and so have to leave the emaciated leg exposed.
Delcam is currently contacting international speakers that are leading the way in developing and using different types of technology. These include hardware devices to help measure biomechanical features, pressure and anatomical form, and CADCAM tools for plasterless manufacture, as well as new ideas for increasing productivity and reducing manufacturing costs.
Even amongst my fellow competitors, many of whom have far greater injuries or problems, I still feel uncomfortable. It plays on my mind and can distract me from the task at hand. Matthew and Dorset are going to create a silicone prosthetic that I can wear over my leg. It will be shaped like a normal calf muscle. I'll pull it on like a knee-high sock – and if they do their job right, to the naked eye it will look like I have a normal leg. It will allow me to cycle without shame or distraction and will mean I can focus all my energy and attention to where it's needed – to winning races.
I suffered a spinal cord injury when I was younger that, due to injury and complications, led to me losing one leg below the knee.
You might not ever think that something so simple could actually aid performance. But don't ever overlook the impact that feeling
CADCAM solutions company Delcam is hosting a forum in July with a strong focus on sports podiatry. The event on July 12 and 13 at the University of Salford in Greater Manchester follows the success of an initial orthotics technology forum in Bath.
All my life this has been a source of embarrassment to me. Ironically I'm more comfortable with my prosthetic leg than my real leg. I normally wrap the leg up with padding to make it look like it has a normal calf muscle and always wear tights over top to keep it hidden. It's rudimentary, but it does the job.
Last year I met Matthew Hughes from Dorset at a prosthetics conference. We got to talking about the work they do with cosmetic prosthetics. He and Dorset Ortho offered to help create a purely cosmetic prosthetic – not for my artificial leg but for my 'normal' leg!
Delcam’s forum looks at sports podiatry
PODIATRY
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Colin Lynch with his gold prosthesis supplied by PACE Rehabilitation.
good about yourself can have on a person. If you are healthy and 'whole' you might not fully appreciate how difficult it can be for those that are lacking in some way.” Follow Colin on Twitter at TTworldchamp, or go to his blog at http://637daystogo.blogspot.co.uk
The forum will be of interest to laboratory managers, podiatrists and orthotists, and any organisation that aims to improve efficiency and profitability of its laboratory or clinic. Delegates will be able to take part in hands-on experiences as well as a tour of the university’s podiatry facilities – Europe’s largest. As part of the focus on sport, the forum dinner will be held at Old Trafford.
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KIDS
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PORT-ER trustee, amputee and Olympic torch bearer Colin Edwards shares his moment with local children.
PORT-ER helps Lottery’s ‘Raising the Bar’ project MERU’s Bugzi chair gives children a chance to be independently mobile.
Foundation and charity join to expand range By Helen Williams QUEEN Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People has joined forces with MERU, a children’s disability charity. Jonathan Powell, CEO at QEF, said: “For us the key driver in joining with MERU is to expand the range of services for disabled children and young people as well as creating more opportunities in more disabled people’s lives.” This merger follows on the heels of another merger for QEF last November when Voluntary Association Surrey Disabled (VASD) became part of the QEF Group. It is part of strategic move by the charity to use its resources and specialist knowledge to impact directly on the lives of more disabled people, particularly in London and the South East where its operations are concentrated. The number of disabled people QEF supports will rise from around 2,700 each year to over 3,800 and will also give the charity a much stronger campaigning voice in pressing for a better deal on issues directly affecting people’s lives. 20
Susan Brumpton, CEO of MERU, said: “The merger will create opportunities for MERU to design equipment for QEF’s younger service users or to use MERU’s workshops for QEF’s work in the re-training and rehabilitation of disabled people.
AN Exeter-based charity which supports better care for people with mobility challenges has started a one-year project worth almost £10,000 through the Big Lottery Fund.
The charity, which relies on a small number of volunteers, also has a ‘Designed by Children’ collection, promoting modern footwear designs for children who need prescription footwear.
Prosthetic, Orthotics and Rehabilitation Technology – Education and Research (or PORTER), focuses on information, education and service development for people who need prosthetic limbs or orthotic brace supports.
People supported include amputees but also those who have loss of function of limbs through vascular problems, and arthritis or neurological conditions such as stroke and cerebral palsy.
Through grant funding, the charity supports applicants who want to host their own project in the UK or internationally. UK events include amputee running classes and challenges, talks and exhibitions.
A WALKER designed in Sheffield to help children with brittle bone disease is now being sold across the country.
The MERU board will cease to exist, but many members will continue to volunteer their expertise through various project committees.
The ‘Sheffield Micro Walking Frame,’ for youngsters who struggle to use taller frames, is now in use at other specialist children’s centres such as Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Great Ormond Street.
However, support functions will be spread across the QEF Group making the organisations more efficient and cost effective. Susan Brumpton will also continue as CEO. The merger will not result in any redundancies but some cost savings have already been made and further efficiencies will be realised as the charities move forward.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2012
Among its aims are consulting with prosthetic and orthotic service users and their families to identify development priorities.
Walker goes on sale
“It will also give us the resources to invest in new innovative products and services currently in development.”
MERU will continue to exist as a charity in its own right, designing, developing and manufacturing equipment for disabled children and young people at its site in Epsom.
The latest Lottery-funded project ‘Raising the Bar’ seeks to better understand the diverse needs of people needing prostheses and orthoses.
Created by therapy experts at the city’s Children’s Hospital, the frame has helped over 20 children. Liz Knowles, an occupational therapist at the hospital, said some children can have thighs as short as 14cm, meaning existing walking frames are unusable. She said the first little boy who used the walker had never walked independently. “Using the frame, he was able to walk down the ward with some support from the physio. Within the week he was running with it.”
Brittle bone disease, or Osteogenesis Imperfecta, causes frequent breaks and loose joints, as well as short stature, spine deformities and difficulties with walking. In many cases young children with the disease are confined to an electric wheelchair to prevent fractures. Children with OI are now treated with the drug Pamidronate from birth, and develop mobility more rapidly. This means they move on to walking faster – but until the walker was created there was no other frame to help them. The development of the frame was fully funded by the Children's Hospital Charity with a donation from Yorkshire and West Riding Freemasons. University of Sheffield engineering graduates Barry Tan and Lim Ji Hui developed the prototype, and the frame is made by Sheffieldbased company Kingkraft, advised by Devices for Dignity (D4D).
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sponsors sports rehab SPORTS REHABILITATION
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Paralympic gold the target for triathlon star Steve By Helen Williams A HEALTH, safety and environmental manager from Sheffield is aiming for a gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics in 2016. Steve Judge lost part of his leg and endured painful rehabilitation following a car accident in 2002. For three months, he had to lengthen his leg by turning bolts into the bone every day, then twist another set of bolts to stretch the tendons. He said: “The pain was excruciating. The biggest visible appearance of my disability is my right leg, as this was partially amputated. I lost my calf muscle and four inches of bone, with a noticeable leg length deficiency.” The accident also caused irreparable damage to the peroneal nerve in his left leg, which has left him unable to walk or run properly, due to the condition ‘drop foot’, which means he cannot lift up his left leg at the ankle. Steve had always enjoyed sport, but never expected to compete at an international level. Since the accident,
he set himself goals – learning to stand again, growing his leg to the correct length and walking without crutches. He started swimming, and after a couple of years managed to get on a bike again.
Oscar Pistorious at the Laureus Awards.
“Eventually, I set myself the task of taking part in one triathlon, even though I hadn’t been able to run for seven years. I was prepared to walk.”
Credit: Getty Images
Track star Oscar one step away
To his surprise, he won the race in his category and was persuaded into competing in the other three events of the year, including the World Championships. Steve now uses the Foot-Up, manufactured by Össur, and this has made a real difference to his success in the triathalon.
OSCAR Pistorius is just one step away from becoming an Olympic phenomenon.
“I was advised to wear a Foot-Up to lift my limb and improve my style and motion. Assessment has shown me how much more efficient I am running in the Foot-Up and being efficient will keep me faster for longer. “Attachment of the product is also easy – the time it takes is negligible.”
Oscar, who won the 200m at the recent BT Paralmpic World Cup, needs one more 400m run inside the 'A' standard qualifying time of 45.20sec to secure his place at London 2012. Steve Judge in action.
Swimmer launches new car service PARALYMPIC swimmer Matt Whorwood has helped launch a new service for disabled motorists and carers. Matt, who is competing for Great Britain at the Paralympic Games in August, teamed up with mobility specialist Adapted Vehicle Hire to launch I-drive. The service offers support helping people remain mobile and increase their independence.
Accessible via the Adapted Vehicle Hire website, it covers topics from transport and travel to mobility news. Originally from Newquay in Cornwall, Matt won two bronze medals at the Beijing Paralympics. He lives and trains in Swansea and driving to and from his training sessions is essential to his preparation for the 2012 Games. He was born with Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, and drives an adapted VW
Golf with a raised floor and pedals. At the launch at Naidex in Birmingham, he said: “My adapted car is essential to help me get around, especially in the run up to the Paralympics, and the knowledge that I can hire an adapted vehicle should my own car be out of action is enormously reassuring.” At the Games, Matt will compete in up to five events including his main event the 400m freestyle.
In June last year he clocked 45.07sec at Lignano in Italy, but only times in 2012 will be considered. In March he ran 45.20sec at a meeting in Pretoria but he was asked to produce a second sub-45.30sec performance in 2012 – and on the international circuit, closer to the games. Earlier this year, Oscar was also the winner of the 2012 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award. The awards ceremony, held at Central Hall, Westminster, was hosted by award winning actor Clive Owen.
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Company launches fourth orthotics catalogue CHRIS Hanley & Partners has launched issue four of its orthotics catalogue. The new issue showcases the comprehensive range of orthotics in a clearer style, with more images and customer information. Among new products are the Matrix Pro and Lite Medical Knee Braces, and a range of fully adjustable footwear to accommodate the oedematous foot.Some existing products have benefited from a wider size range – for example, the Spinal Orthosis system now goes up to an XXXXL Corpulent model. Stock products are still available for
next day delivery on all orders received before 3pm. The catalogue also highlights Chaneco’s custom orthotics, with a wide range of devices being manufactured in their Northampton factory. The range includes custom made insoles, which can be made with or without Chaneco Orthopaedic Footwear.
Russell is face of Games RUSSELL Young enjoyed being a poster boy for the 2012 Amputee Games – at the age of 42. A photo of Russell swimming butterfly style was chosen to promote the games, which took place from May 12-13 at Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire. Russell, who lost the toes on his left foot in a work accident in 1997, won three golds, two silvers and a bronze in rowing and swimming at the 2010 games. He did not compete this year but attended as a mentor for new
amputees. Last year, Russell, from Barnstaple, completed a 200-mile bike ride from London to Paris to raise money for games organisers Limbpower. The games, which are about getting amputees back into sport and the arts, offered the chance to compete in or just have a go at 14 Paralympic sports. Six previous competitors have represented Great Britain in sports including shooting, wheelchair fencing and sitting volleyball.
The catalogue launch follows the company’s recent award success. After winning the BHTA Excellence in Orthotics Award 2011, Chaneco were also named as Hope Orthopedic’s International Distributor of the Year 2011.
INTRODUCING THE DYNAPRO™ TWO SIMPLE MEASURES ARE ALL IT TORTICOLLIS ORTHOSIS TAKES THE DynaPro™ Torticollis Orthosis is the latest addition to the OCSI range of stock orthoses distributed by Trulife – available for next day delivery from their head office in Sheffield. Designed to treat lateral flexion of the head and neck, this new orthosis features a ‘Bend to Fit’ shoulder cuff which allows for quick and easy customisation to allow for restorative torticollis therapy. In addition, the semi-rigid heat moldable upright with ‘flex’ technology allows for a gentle stretch to reverse tissue shortening or manage lateral cervical flexion spasticity. Using the DynaPro™ Torticollis Orthosis can significantly improve functional alignment of the head and neck facilitating improved vision, swallowing and performance of ADL’s. Enquiries: For further information contact Trulife on 0114 261 8100 or email info@trulife.co.uk
TWO SIMPLE MEASURES ARE ALL IT TAKES BY simply providing us with TWO measurements (waist and sternal notch to navel) Beagle Orthopaedic will provide you with an easy to fit LSO/TLSO that is guaranteed to fit first time. Giving you superior motion restriction, the Contour range offers unlimited adjustability ensuring optimal performance for virtually any body size or shape. The Contour SPK (sternal pad kit) was designed specifically for ease of application and patient use. The under arm straps are easy to use yet extremely comfortable and stop the brace migrating up the body, minimising the need for excessive complicated straps. The Contour Brace system from Aspen is the latest concept in spinal bracing. It will arrive pre-assembled allowing you to apply it straight onto the patient giving you the time to make minimal yet critical adjustments for it to become a perfect fit for each individual patient. Enquiries: For further information or a product demonstration call Beagle Orthopaedic on 01254 268788
DeNovo agrees new US deal DENOVO Healthcare has just sealed a five-year deal with leading US spinal orthotic manufacturer Atlantic Rim Inc., following its recent five-year agreement with Nimco Made4You. DeNovo managing director Nick Talbot said: “This agreement will enable us to expand on the success we have achieved over the last few years. By working closer with Atlantic Rim we aim to make quality training and innovative concepts available to
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I JUNE/JULY 2012
For those who could not attend, the option to join in was made available through live online video streaming of the seminar on the DeNovo Healthcare website. Clinicians can also request free DVDs of the event.
Event attracts 20,000 visitors AROUND 20,000 visitors attended the seventh Orthopadie + RehaTechnik trade fair in Leipzig, Germany, with more than 37 per cent coming from abroad. Nearly half the 537 exhibitors were also from overseas. Visitors from 93 countries gathered information on innovations and new products in the prosthetics, orthotics and orthopaedics sectors. Show spokesman Martin BuhlWagner said the percentage of top
decision-makers attending increased by six per cent compared with the previous fair. He added: “Roughly 80 per cent of trade visitors were involved in purchasing and procurement decisions in their companies. They were particularly interested in information about innovations and trends and acquiring a market overview. Further training and expansion of knowledge was also highly rated.”
Beagle hosts spinal meeting BEAGLE delivered a successful spinal meeting in the unusual venue of Tamworth Snow Dome, Staffordshire. Thirty-seven delegates from surrounding hospitals attended to hear speakers discussing various topics about the spine and rehabilitation, and the day started with a presentation on general spinal injuries and surgery techniques from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. This was followed by spinal specialist
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orthotists. The benefit of this approach was illustrated by feedback from delegates who recently attended our fully subscribed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis seminar.”
nurse Diane Markillie who gave an interactive presentation on acute critical management of spinal cord injury. Senior physiotherapist Nathan Swingewood delivered a lecture on functional assessment, rehabilitation and the facilitation of discharge of a patient from hospital. Beagle is taking the event around the country over the next 12 months. The next session is at West Ham Football Club on June 30.
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