INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 111 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 £6.95
Researchers seek older people to test new frame By Dominic Musgrave RESEARCHERS who have developed a special walking frame fitted with sensors as part of a project aimed at reducing the number of falls are looking for a group of older people so they can study their movement in detail.
University’s Schools of Health Sciences and Computing, Science and Engineering, said despite the widespread use of walking aids there is very little published research on how effective they are and what factors might play a role in their use.
The University of Salford team has developed the ‘Smart Walker’ walking frame, which is fitted with motion and force sensors and is used in combination with pressure-sensing insoles in the user’s shoes, to improve understanding of how older people use walking aids.
Their effectiveness may depend on how appropriately they have been prescribed by medical staff, how the individual was trained in their use and how and where they are being used in everyday life.
It monitors how the user transfers their body weight onto the frame as well as the movement of the frame in relation to the user’s foot movements. The team, which has tested the device in the University’s Activities of Daily Living Suite, a facility designed to look like a real-world flat, has also used the Smart Walker in combination with motion analysis cameras to determine the stability of people using their frames. This approach is the first time researchers have considered the user and their four legged walking frame as a combined system for which overall stability is calculated. Dr Sibylle Thies, who leads the team from the
She added: “Until now, there has been no robust method to assess the stability of walking frame users, and no studies have looked closely at the stability of people when using walking frames in their own home or in the street.” Now, the team wants to use the Smart Walker to develop a better understanding of the effectiveness of walking aids and they plan to look in detail at a group of older people who use four-legged ‘pick up frames’ – Zimmer frames without wheels. Over the next year they hope to recruit up to 40 pick-up frame users from Greater Manchester to study them using the device at the University or in their own homes. They will arrange all transport to and from the University – as well as providing lunch, tea and biscuits.
Alan Denver, of Glenavy has become the first patient to be fitted in Ireland with the world’s most technologically advanced microprocessor knee (MPK) – the Genium X3 – created by Ottobock. Due to NHS funding limitations, Alan was not able to be fitted with the prosthesis in his local area and consequently travelled to the Ottobock | IDS clinic in Dublin, a specialist prosthetic and orthotic clinical service, who provide a service to all over Ireland from Cappagh Hospital.
Robotic arm that could give amputees the sensation of touch being tested A ROBOTIC arm that could result in amputees regaining their sense of touch and increased movement is the latest breakthrough for Melbourne researchers trying to develop prosthetic limbs that work “like normal”.
Dominic Musgrave Group Production Editor Email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734407 Olivia Taylor Reporter Email: ot@scriptmedia.co.uk
Professor Peter Choong from St Vincent’s Hospital said these new developments brought hope to amputees. He added: “It’s really very exciting. If you’re a patient who has lost a limb or part of a limb, something like this holds out hope for perhaps rebuilding them, allowing them to function much more normally than they do today.” The research has been ongoing for
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Editorial Judith Halkerston Group Editor Email: jh@scriptmedia.co.uk
The joint-project between St Vincent’s Hospital’s Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery and Melbourne University is looking at the way the arm and brain signals communicate. They have been able to send brain signals to the robotic arm, but now are looking at how to return those signals to give the sensation of touch.
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The robotic arm being tested as part of a joint project between St Vincent’s Hospital’s Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discover and Melbourne University.
a number of years, but scientists believe they are now even closer to simulating a “normal” arm. “We already have amazing developments in prosthetic limbs, and this research is more about allowing a person to have feel control on that limb, just like it were a normal human limb,” Professor Choong said. They hope to have the next breakthrough in the next couple of years as they understand how the
brain reads and interprets signals. Professor Choong said this latest step was a perfect example of the need for more scientific funding. He added: “There is a lot to be gained from science, the chief scientific officer’s report shows that we contribute considerably to Australia’s intellectual and economical wealth, and I think this is an area desperately in need for support from both federal and state governments.”
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016
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NEWS
Cardiff academic is appointed to prestigious role Ian Leddy, Jennifer Thoma (nora Systems), Francis Barrett and Peter Muller (nora systems)
New UK partnership for nora Systems GERMAN EVA Manufacturer nora systems GmbH has entered into an agreement with TalarMade to provide nora premium products for the UK market with immediate effect. Ian Leddy, TalarMade managing director, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer the nora range of premium EVA to the UK market. “These high-quality products are a perfect complement to our existing product range and our strategy as a business. “New Materials such as Lunatec Motion, which are exclusively
available from Talarmade, will provide practicing clinicians with options not seen before from a material such as this, and will be supporting clinical and technician teams around the UK with training and education events.” Peter Mueller and Jennifer Thoma of nora systems GmbH, look forward to working with a new partner that will provide the complete orthopaedic product range to UK practitioners, exclusively from January 1st 2017. Enquiries: For more information contact TalarMade Ltd on 01246 268456 or email info@talarmade.com
PROFESSOR Nicola Phillips from the School of Healthcare Sciences at Cardiff University has been appointed as the next chef de mission for Commonwealth Games Wales. Professor Phillips will be tasked with leading the Welsh team of athletes, coaches, managers and support staff to the 21st Games in Gold Coast 2018. An exceptional leader and an international specialist in the field of sports injury management, Professor Phillips brings a wealth of experience of supporting athletes at national and international events. During her highly successful career, she has worked with the Welsh and British weightlifting teams, professional rugby union, Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games. She is also president of the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy. Nicola said: “For me, this feels a natural step and a culmination of decades of involvement with the Commonwealth Games. I’ve been involved with Commonwealth Games
Wales for the past 30 years, and have travelled with the team to several Games in various different roles. “All of my professional life has been about supporting athletes in some way or other, so to be awarded the top leadership role for Team Wales is absolutely amazing. “It’s a fantastic feeling to be part of Team Wales – helping athletes do their best and seeing young athletes grow from the Youth Games to the main Games fills me with great pride.” Before taking up the role, Professor Phillips will be accompanying Richard Parks on his latest expedition. She is part of the support team helping him in his attempt to become the first person in history to collect a blood sample and muscle biopsy from the summit of Mount Everest – which he will climb without using supplementary oxygen. Professor Phillips is a Professor in physiotherapy, programme manager for the MSc in Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy and academic lead for the University’s Inspire Performance Physiotherapy clinic.
Is pressure really the problem? By Simon Dickinson IN the last 20 years our understanding of biomechanics has grown exponentially. Through theoretical and practical research we now have a far more scientific and evidence based approach to managing foot and ankle conditions conservatively which ultimately deliver better clinical outcomes. This evolutionary process of improved biomechanical understanding can be traced as far back as Aristotle in 350BC whose treatise “De Moto Animalium” (about the movement of animals) stated that “for just as the pusher pushes, so the pusher is pushed”. Essentially Aristotle’s observations in 350BC evolved into Isaac Newton’s third law (for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction) in 1686. Physics has evolved significantly since the time of Newton but his three laws of motion remain robust. Forces and the way they are applied determine motion. Significant research has been conducted over many years looking 4
at the impact forces and particularly pressure have on painful and ulcerated feet.
“Computer modelling and simulations for understanding chronic wounds and wound healing”.
I have lost count of how many time I have told patients “in order to reduce your pain we need to reduce the pressure through “X” part of your foot” but over the last 10 years I have increasingly begun to question whether pressure really is the biggest problem when managing many foot conditions.
Professor Gefen has developed finite analysis computational modelling to calculate internal
Pressure describes the forces being transferred between one object and another. But it does not explain the way those opposing surfaces are affected by those forces. Pressure is the not the only impact of forces being applied to the body and I increasingly believe that it is not the most destructive. Friction, shear, compression and soft tissue displacement are all potentially more destructive mechanisms than pressure in causing pain and ulceration in feet. Pressure is the easiest effect of force to measure and many studies have used these pressure assessment technologies to demonstrate orthoses reduce plantar foot pressures and also
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Mechanical loads (eg deformations and stresses) in structures with complex shapes and multiple materials such as the human heel. Through his investigations he has been able to demonstrate that soft tissue compression, friction and shear are more destructive to soft tissue than pressure. Simon Dickinson
reduce pain. Shear, compression and soft tissue displacement are far more difficult to measure and the impact orthoses and orthotic materials have on these factors is still unclear. On June 27 the first International Skin Integrity & Infection Prevention conference was held at the University of Huddersfield. Professor Amit Gefen from Tel Aviv University and former EPUAP (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel) presented his work on
He summarised by stating “internal tissue loads and way soft tissues are stressed and react as a result of those loads is a primary factor in soft tissue injury process”. As a result of this research and our growing understanding regarding soft tissue stress and shear, should orthotic treatment continue to focus on reducing pressure, or should we focus more of our attention on designing orthoses and materials to reduce the devastating effects of shear, friction and compression? n Simon Dickinson is clinical director at TalarMade.
New physiotherapist to help improve clients’ personal wellness NEWS
PHYSIO Med has expanded its awardwinning team with the addition of a new physiotherapist. Danielle Stones has joined the company’s experienced clinical team, where she will be responsible for helping to enable clients to return to work and maintain their wellbeing.
Johns Hopkins students design prosthetics that are fit for high heels A GROUP of researchers from John Hopkins University have developed a new device that not only helps women adjust to life without a limb, but also accommodates fashion footwear. Called the “Prominence,” it would be the first prosthetic foot on the market that is not custom made that adapts to popular fashion for heels up to four inches high. “High heels have become an integral part of the female lifestyle in modern society, permeating through all aspects of life – professional and social,” the five students who graduated from the university’s Whiting School of Engineering wrote in their final project report. “For female veterans of the U.S. armed services with lower limb amputations, that seemingly innocuous, but so pervasive, and decidedly feminine part of their lives is gone.” Scores of prosthetic feet are available on the market, but most are built to fit men’s shoes, and none can adjust to a heel more than two inches high. That’s less than the average women’s heel height in the United States. With some 2,100 American women who lost a leg or foot in military service, and more women entering combat assignments, the demand for a prosthesis that accommodates women’s fashion footwear is sure to grow. The students – who created the Prominence as their final senior project in mechanical engineering — hope their work can help. The challenge was daunting: create a foot that adjusts without a separate tool to a range of heel heights, holds position without slipping, supports up to 250 pounds, weighs less than three pounds and, of course, is slender enough to accommodate a woman’s shoe. The human foot “took thousands of years of evolution to get this way, we have one year to match it,” said team member Luke Brown. 6
The students’ two semesters of work on the problem unfolded as a mix of mathematical calculations on paper and trial and error involving tests by machines and people. The students struggled to balance the foot’s strength and flexibility, reliability and convenience, sturdiness and lightness. They tried a balloon in the heel to give it spring, or “energy return,” as engineers say. That didn’t work. They tried a mousetrap spring, but that didn’t work, either. They tried a sideways sandwich of 23 slender titanium plates to form the foot itself, but that was too heavy and not springy. A 20-layer carbon fibre footplate failed a stress test, but a 28-layer version worked, forming the base of the foot. They built a heel-adjustment mechanism with two interlocking aluminum disks that opens and closes with an attached lever at the ankle. For the ankle, they used an off-the-shelf hydraulic unit that enables a smooth gait and flexing at the sole. Using four types of women’s shoes – including a gold five-and-a-half inch stiletto — the team had the foot tested by seven people. Three were amputees; four were non-amputees who attached the foot to the bottom of a bulky boot, a bit like walking on stilts.
After graduating from Leeds Metropolitan University with a first class degree in physiotherapy in 2014, Danielle spent two years working at the prestigious Yorkshire Clinic in Bingley, before joining Physio Med earlier this year. An experienced professional in the field of hand therapy – a discipline which combines physiotherapy with occupational therapy techniques such as scar management, joint mobilisation and splinting – Danielle is able to treat and manage a range of upper limb and hand conditions. She is also fully competent at using manual therapy techniques, electrotherapy, isokinetics and massage in order to treat individuals suffering from musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Phil Clayton, managing director of Physio Med, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Danielle to our team. With
BAPO is pleased to announce their return to the Ricoh Arena, Coventry for the National Clinical Conference on March 17-19.
The Friday programme will focus on health and participation in sport, with Linda Hindle from Public Health England discussing “the healthy conversations” that we as clinicians should be having with patients. Invictus and para-athletes will share their experiences and provide insight into what sport means to those with a disability. Friday evening will see the return of the open forum. Held prior to the AGM this will provide non BAPO members with the opportunity to have their opinions heard.
She said: “I had a good time walking” with it. It felt stable. An adjustable ankle is useful in contexts even beyond high heels. Ballet flats, sneakers, boots, and high heels especially, all vary in height, so an adjustable ankle opens up opportunities to wear a variety of shoes.”
Of course Friday evening will see the opening of the Exhibition hall, a perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and colleagues and experience the variety of industry stands.
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her outstanding qualifications, we believe that she will help us to keep growing as a business, enabling us to go on offering our innovative brand of physiotherapy to more people than ever before. “We’re confident she will be a valuable asset to us, as well as the patients who need her most.” Meanwhile, Physio Med has recently been shortlisted for two acclaimed industry awards for its work with both the John Lewis Partnership and the Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT).
BAPO returns to Coventry for its annual conference
Alexandra Capellini, a Johns Hopkins University junior who lost her right leg to bone cancer as a child, tried the foot with a flat shoe and liked it.
One tester recommended a stiffer, longer toe. Another suggested moving the adjustment lever.
Danielle Stones
The Prosthetic programme will look at advances in technology with Keynote speaker Professor Al Muderis, discussing Skeletal Fixation and Ms Alex Crick speaking on Residual Limb revision surgery.
A variety of professionals from BLESMA, ex service men and clinicians will discuss the transition from Headley Court back to the NHS. For both patient and Clinician this can be a challenging time. The Orthotic programme will look at pushing the boundaries as clinicians and what we can do to improve our skills and knowledge as part of the multidisciplinary team and a valued Allied Health Professional. Laura Barr will share her experiences in becoming an extended scope practitioner. Jonathan McConnell will discuss x-ray interpretation and using this in our day-to-day practise. This will lead into the Orthotic Sunday Workshop where a more in- depth practical session will be available to full weekend delegates. The Saturday evening will bring the social programme to a close with the BAPO Benefit Ball. Posh frocks and Evening suits are a must!! A charity auction will be held part way through the evening, auctioning off donated prizes from various exhibitors with proceeds being donated to charities of BAPO’s choosing. So wallets and paddles at the ready!
NEWS
Daniel Gelbart, commercial manager for orthotics and neurostimulation at Ottobock explains how Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is being used to address dorsiflexor weakness and help those suffering with drop foot back on their feet.
Neurorehabilitation: How technology is helping drop foot sufferers ... triggered with a wireless Bluetooth heel switch and adjusted through a wireless remote control, making it suitable for independent use by patients.
AROUND 152,000 strokes occur in the UK each year. Today, no fewer than 1.2 million stroke survivors are living with the impact of stroke, a leading cause of adult disability. More than half of all stroke survivors are left dependent on others for everyday activities1.
The MyGait system has also enabled clinicians to use FES during the rehabilitation phase and gait retraining. With its unique design and the possibility of stimulating additional muscles through a second stimulation channel, it provides unique benefits for versatile application and additional therapy options (e.g. support at the hip and knee).
It is estimated that many thousands suffer with drop foot which is the result of missing signals from the brain to the leg muscles responsible for lifting the foot. This is a frequent result of damage to the central nervous system that affects the ability to walk, and consequently, the survivor’s confidence and independence. Current treatment options are primarily physiotherapy and the use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). Additionally, medical therapy (e.g baclofen and botulinum toxin) and surgery are sometimes used. People with drop foot tend to scuff their toes along the ground. To prevent this they may lift their foot higher than usual using their pelvis or trunk or swing the leg from the hip when walking. Such compensations can have a negative impact on walking speed, efficiency, balance and the spine. Walking with drop foot therefore requires full concentration and any small obstacle could mean a stumble: a frustrating reminder of an illness in every step. Ottobock, a world-leading supplier of innovative solutions for people with limited mobility, offers a full range of solutions for clinicians treating patients with drop foot – including recent advances in Functional
Daniel Gelbart
Electrical Stimulation (FES) device technology. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
FES is a treatment that uses the application of small electrical charges to improve mobility in a number of conditions, particularly for the treatment of drop foot. FES systems activate the nervous system using electric impulses to stimulate the muscles. It has been used in medicine for decades and it can improve mobility on an ongoing basis. FES is suitable for patients with drop foot caused by central neurological injury (e.g. stroke, MS, TBI, and in some incomplete SCI cases) and is backed by interventional procedural guidance from NICE (IPG278). For cases caused by peripheral nerve injury, other treatment and management options are necessary. How FES works
FES can either work indirectly, with electrodes placed on the surface the skin, or directly on the nerves using implanted electrodes. When the foot is lifted, a switch under the wearer’s heel transmits a wireless signal to a stimulator, which in turn activates nerve pathways controlling the muscles of the lower leg. This provides controlled lifting of the foot and toes at the right moment. The result is a smoother, safer and faster gait – and a reduced risk of falling. External FES
The MyGait® is a cuff-based system, 8
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Last year Ottobock launched the MyGait Cuff Soft: the slimmest FES cuff on the market, it makes the device so discreet that when worn to aid walking, it is barely noticeable under slim-fitting trousers. It is also comfortable, breathable and washable. Case Study – Justin Ashton
Justin was driving to work when his speech started to slur and his sight became impaired before losing his vision. He was told he had suffered a stroke and rushed to Kettering General Hospital. After six months of rehabilitation, Justin still struggled with walking, tripping and falling often due to drop foot. “Following my stroke, I thought my life was over. I was unable to even sit up by myself and had to re-learn all the simple tasks you take for granted,” states Justin. “It would be fair to say I was a fit and active 33 year old when I suffered the stroke; I loved my job as an electrician, I was a keen golfer and would also coach my son’s football team… “When I was unable to get out of bed it was devastating to not be able to do my daily activities and only be able to see my children when they visited me in rehab.” Justin was the first person in the world to be fitted with the MyGait and its Cuff Soft: “I’ve tried all sorts of treatments for drop foot – from orthoses right through to other FES devices – and can honestly say the new MyGait Cuff Soft is worlds apart. “It’s more comfortable than anything I’ve tried and is slim enough to wear under any of my jeans and trousers, even the narrow ones… “It fits really nicely, is easy to put on and off and has allowed me to go
Justin Ashton
out and do so much more. I have my confidence back and have lost the fear that comes when you’re unstable and immobile.” Internal FES
The partly implantable ActiGait® system operates through a number of components: an implanted stimulator and cuff electrode, an external control unit, antenna and wireless heel switch. With the surgically implanted electrode, an optimal electrode position is achieved, eliminating the need for daily placement of external electrodes, yet maintaining consistent foot and ankle movement. This also eliminates the small risk of skin and soft tissue irritation that surface electrodes may cause. Additional benefits are better sensation and comfort, improved ease-of-use and cosmetic appearance. With the first evidence from patients continuing to successfully use the system over 10 years postimplantation, ActiGait has proved a durable, effective long term solution to drop foot. 1. https://www.stroke.org.uk/ resources/state-nation-stroke-statistics n For more information on Ottobock’s range of innovative solutions that restore mobility please visit www.ottobock.co.uk or follow @ ottobockuk.
NEWS
Orthotix expands ‘Paedatrix’ portfolio with inclusion of a Puffin, Penguin and Pelican OVER the last couple of years Orthotix in collaboration with their manufacturing partner Orliman have developed an exclusive collection of stock orthopaedic bracing specifically designed for children.
accommodating a patient’s foot and ankle. Thus offering ease of access and increased comfort whilst consistently providing the desired structural integrity for coronal and sagittal plane control.
Each product within the range aptly branded ‘Paediatrix’, has been created for common childhood injuries and conditions with functionality, comfort and aesthetics in mind.
Each variant comes in left or right with eight sizes, all available next working day, with the convenient possibility of consignment stock allocation dependant upon volumes.
Through continued product development, their team of experienced Orthotists, Podiatrists and Physiotherapists have helped to introduce innovative new products to the market.
The products have been styled using unisex coloured straps and incorporate child friendly branding with each version styled around a cartoon bird, namely the “Puffin, Penguin and Pelican”.
Their range now includes the vibrantly coloured soft shell protective helmets, the ever popular Feet In Motion corrective insoles and the simple but effective tibiofemoral de-rotational straps.
Every product issued also includes a smile-inducing sticker with the respective cartoon bird for the child to use as they see fit.
After a delayed launch for some necessary design improvements, their most anticipated product line to date is now available. It is a prefabricated collection of flexible ankle foot orthoses which have been 18 months in the making. The collaborative project between
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Dacey Ltd and Orliman has resulted in a paediatric range of stock thermoplastic ankle foot orthoses, including; a supra malleolar variant, standard or high top plantarflexion control variants and also a unique adjustable hinged model.
hyperextension of the knee.
These exciting new products provide dynamic foot and ankle control for children with conditions such as: excessive pronation, ankle instability, low tone, high tone, toe walking and
Orthotix have ensured that their range comes in a variety of sizes to ensure accuracy of fit with all variants constructed from materials which offer greater flexibility when
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016
The range has been specifically designed to overcome the issues that are often experienced with their custom alternatives; such as plaster casting, repeated appointments, high costs and Orthotist adjustment.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this delightful new range is the price, with all variants being favourably priced compared to market leading equivalents. SEE OUR PRODUCT ADVERT ON THE BACK PAGE or for a product brochure on the new range contact the Customer Service team at Orthotix on 02920 370 696 or email enquiries@orthotix.co.uk
NEWS
The para athlete’s bestkept secret is revealed Two-time paracanoe world champion and new Paralympic gold medallist Anne Dickins (left) and double gold medallist Kadeena Cox both used DM Orthotics’ orthoses.
THE new buzzword in elite para sport this year is DM Orthotics. The Cornish pioneer in dynamic fabric orthoses, which helps manage symptoms for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions in children and adults, saw a remarkable eight para athletes it works closely with head to Rio this summer. Five returned with a gold medal around their neck. Among them is new sports superstar and double gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who is the first GB Paralympian to medal in two different sports – sprinting and cycling – in nearly 30 years. Fast becoming a trademark of the 25-year-old, is her full arm-length DM Orthotics glove, which helps contain spasms in her right arm. It’s part of an essential range of kit in her armoury, including a DMO vest, shorts and socks. “The reinforced glove and vest allow me to keep running towards the tail end of my race, which has had a great impact on my timings,” said Kadeena, who has multiple sclerosis. “In cycling they mean I can lock onto the handlebars more easily and have more control when I cross the finish line. I wear the socks to help keep my feet straight and the shorts
Boccia champion David Smith is one of four GB squad members who regularly wear DMO products, and Kadeena Cox.
to prevent my hips rotating inwards.”
A big fan of the products and the results they produce, the physiotherapy student added: “It’s a very exciting area of development that has proven wonderfully beneficial for the mobility of children with cerebral palsy, which is something I’d like to specialise in when I graduate.” Clinically proven to provide help with a wide range of conditions, including cerebral palsy, stroke and scoliosis, as well as multiple sclerosis, the orthoses aren’t only used to enhance sporting performance. Thousands of people around the world wear them every day to improve strength, stability, movement and function. Crucial to DMOs’ effectiveness is its emphasis on bespoke design. “I turned to DMO when I developed a rib strain in my first season,” added two-time paracanoe world champion and new Paralympic gold medallist Anne Dickins. “DMO took a series of measurements and assessed how I moved on land and in my kayak to create compression shorts to use in training that specifically address my needs. I have not had any rib pain since and have been able to train more consistently.”
World record-breaking archer Jessica Stretton.
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Other DMO devotees who returned home
champions are world record-breaking archer Jessica Stretton, whose “shots are a lot more accurate” since wearing her DMO glove, and boccia star David Smith, whose DMO scoliosis suit is an essential part of his gym wear. “I’ve noticed a marked difference in my performance since wearing my DMO scoliosis suit,” said boccia champion David Smith, who has cerebral palsy. “After only a few months of wearing it I’d say my power had gone up 10 per cent, which is a huge advantage in my sport. Now I can activate my muscles my movements are more stable.” David is one of four GB squad members who regularly wear DMO products. “The results are phenomenal and we’re extremely proud to play a part in helping such an exceptional group of athletes reach their full potential,” added DM Orthotics managing director Martin Matthews, whose ground-breaking orthoses are supplied in more than 20 countries around the world. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with Team DMO to push boundaries and surpass new limits.” For more details on DM Orthotics visit www.dmorthotics.com
NEW PRODUCTS
An eight-year-old boy with a passion for the Paralympics is the first and youngest person in the UK and Ireland to be fitted by Dorset Orthopaedic with the 1E93 Runner junior; a new junior running blade made by Ottobock. New Ottobock and Dorset Orthopaedic ambassador Rio Woolf, who is also known as Blade Boy Rio, is keen to follow in the footsteps of his heroes like Jonnie Peacock, Richard Whitehead and Alan Fonteles Oliveira and hopes to one day take part in the Paralympics. With his new Runner Junior blade Rio will be able to perfect his running technique and work towards his dream. He said: “I’m so excited to get my new running blade – it’s going to be super-amazing and it will help me to run even faster on the track and in the playground, and I’ll be even quicker on the tennis court and on the football pitch so I’ll be able to score more goals!” It’s super-cool to have a bendy blade for the first time which means I will be able to run better than I ever have before.”
Jobskin catalogue launch WE are very excited to announce our new catalogue and if you have not already seen we would be excited to share it with you! With stunning photos of our beautiful garment styles, personlisation options, new products and more... If you are interested in ordering a copy please email us with your name and address details so we can add you to our database. Enquiries: UK Office: Tel: 0115 973 3902 or email: orders@jobskin.co.uk Ireland Office: Tel: +353 (0) 504 90100 or email: ireorders@jobksin.ie
www.jobskin.co.uk
Go with the flow ... INTRODUCING YPSILON® flow, the newest addition to Allard carbon composite AFO Technology. Our products are recognized worldwide for providing dynamic response without limiting function. YPSILON® flow is designed for active patients who require less stability or more flexibility and serves to further expand and enhance the already comprehensive ToeOFF® Family product range. Features and benefits: n Optimum range-of-motion in sagittal plane Easily accommodates uneven and sloping terrain as well as longer stride length, which is often a more functional and “normal” gait pattern for active patients. n New geometric design for footplate Provides dynamic response for foot lift without restricting or immobilizing normal activity. n Lower heel height
Increases the area of ground contact at stance phase to optimize dynamic response with less effort. Easier for wearer with sagittal plane weakness to “load” the brace. n Low-Profile strut connection under footplate Interfaces smoothly with the shoe platform. n Gentle forefoot rise The decreased rise in the footplate provides more space in the toe box, reducing the potential for upper toe box pressure. n Anatomically-designed tibia interface pads Evenly disbursed pressure accommodates tibia protuberances. Smooth and thin, this interface pad and strap fits close to the leg, ensuring the brace glides smoothly and is barely noticeable under jeans or trousers. May be applied to accommodate left or right hand pull. Visit www.allarduk.co.uk email customerservice@allarduk.co.uk or Free Phone 0800 051 7061.
Step-On – unique off-theshelf articulated AFOs BRACE Orthopaedic is exclusively supplying the Step-On range of innovative AFOs for the treatment of foot drop. These AFOs are unique because they are articulated offering adjustable dorsiflexion assistance, while being off-the-shelf products. In this way they allow essential functional movements during the gait cycle, while at the same time providing the exact amount of control required by each patient, at every stage of their rehabilitation programme. The Step-On AFOs are extremely lightweight and incorporate unilateral or bilateral springloaded hinges. These allow a ROM between 22° dorsiflexion and 11° plantarflexion. Step-On provides both dorsiflexion for foot clearance 14
during swing phase and controlled plantarflexion for stability during loading response. The adjustable dorsiflexion assistance allows precise adjustment according to the patient’s body weight, muscle tone of the plantarflexor muscles, active control of the dorsiflexors and usual walking speed, ensuring optimal gait biomechanics. Enquiries: Visit www.braceorthopaedic.co.uk or call 0191 2588944
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016
What makes us different? WE believe that a products provenance is of the utmost importance. Producing quality orthopaedic goods made by skilled machinists, using premium materials and keeping skills alive in the UK is what makes us different to our competition. Because all our orthopaedic soft good products are produced on site, we can tailor goods to suit individual hospital and patient needs. Not all
patients are the same, custom and stock products can be made to your specific measurements. So, if you need your product bigger, longer, shorter, wider, additional straps, a different material, sky blue and pink with yellow dots then we are the company to come to! If you have any unusual needs or would like something specific then contact customer service 01254 268788.
medi UK launches new drugfree treatment for RLS
RESTIFFIC is an innovative breakthrough drug-free treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Restiffic offers revolutionary, drugfree therapy for RLS by applying pressure to targeted muscles in the foot, which in turn relaxes the muscles to lessen the symptoms of RLS. This allows the wearer to relax and enjoy uninterrupted sleep. A clinical trial was carried out at the Lake Erie Research Institute (USA), highlights of which include: Over 95 per cent of patients had significant reduction in RLS symptoms. Shown to be 40 per cent more effective than the leading pharmaceutical treatment for RLS. Patients experienced a 69 per cent reduction in RLS symptoms after six weeks of device usage Restiffic will be available to purchase
via the medi website from midOctober or for further information please refer to our contact details below: Enquiries: medi UK Ltd., Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0EL, Herefordshire. Call 01432 373500, email restiffic@mediuk.co.uk Alternatively visit www.restiffic.co.uk or www.mediuk.co.uk or shop.mediuk.co.uk