assistive technologies april/may 2016

INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE

By Olivia TaylorPODIATRISTS are calling for a national cam-paign to help build awareness of the work they do for patients.

Research revealed that 90 per cent of prac-titioners questioned across the private and NHS sectors wanted to see more done to promote their profession.

Key findings from the survey included:

n 90 per cent say podiatry has a “poor” or “average” level of awareness among the public.

n 94 per cent want more training and education.

n 81 per cent would like to be able to offer a wider range of services.

n Three per cent want to employ more people.

n 68 per cent would like business men-toring and support to grow their practices.

n 85 per cent say work/life balance is their most important work consideration.

The research was carried out by global medical products distributor Algeos. It forms part of Algeos’s Aspire-Achieve-Ad-vance campaign which was launched at the College of Podiatry conference in November at which Algeos was principal sponsor.

More than 100 podiatrists were questioned, predominantly working in private practice

but including some in the NHS.

Half of those who took part work as part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside the likes of physiotherapists and orthotists.

A large number have been in the profession for over 20 years and, in some cases, more than 30 years. 47 per cent of podiatrists see between 11 and 15 patients a day and 27 per cent are seeing between 16 and 20.

Nail conditions such as fungal nail were the most common complaint followed by corns and calluses. Other regular conditions include MSK-related problems, wound care, heel pain and verrucae.

Hugh Sheridan, CEO of ALG, which includes Algeos among its brands, said: “There are some extremely important findings to come out of our extensive survey. Most important of all is the overwhelming belief that the lack of awareness and understanding of the work of the podiatrist is holding back the development of their practices.

“90 per cent of podiatrists would love to see a UK-wide campaign to promote the profession to members of the public to help give them the same visibility that opticians have on the high street.”

“There is now a need for our industry as a whole to mobilise to create the national mainstream awareness that the profession is crying out for.”

Podiatrists demand national campaign to raise awareness

A former winner of the London Marathon and an ex-serviceman injured while on active service are teaming up with Plymouth University for a world record attempt. Women’s wheelchair marathon champion Sarah Piercy and Chris Jones, a former Army Air Corps trooper and Help for Heroes ambassador, will aim to set land speed records at the World Human Powered Speed Challenge in Battle Mountain, Nevada, in September. Sarah will be aiming to break the current women’s handcycle record of 24.76mph, while Chris will need to travel in excess of 45.68mph on the 200-metre course to set a new men’s benchmark.

ISSUE 108 APRIL/MAY 2016 £6.95

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ContactsEditorialJudith Halkerston Group EditorEmail: [email protected]

Dominic Musgrave Group Production EditorEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 01226 734407Olivia Taylor ReporterEmail: [email protected] Sales Carole Rice Product Manager Email: [email protected] Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478

Tony Barry Sales and Marketing Director Email: [email protected]

Circulation [email protected] hour hotline: 01226 734695

Design/Production Stewart Holt Studio ManagerEmail: [email protected] Firth Graphic DesignerEmail: [email protected]

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all contents, the publishers do not accept liability for any error, printed

or otherwise, that may occur.

www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk

Wearable robot turns musicians into three-armed drummersRESEARCHERS at Georgia Institute of Technology have built a wearable robotic limb that allows drummers to play with three arms.

The two-foot long “smart arm” can be attached to a musician’s shoulder. It responds to human gestures and the music it hears.

When the drummer moves to play the high hat cymbal, for example, the robotic arm manoeuvres to play the ride cymbal. When the drummer switches to the snare, the mechanical arm shifts to the tom.

The wearable smart arm moves from drum to cymbal based on the drummer’s movements. It also auto-matically adjusts to varying heights and the angle of playing surfaces. Then it plays based on what it ‘hears’ in the room.

Professor Gil Weinberg oversaw the project, which is funded by the National Science Foundation.

He said:“If you augment humans with smart, wearable robotics, they could interact with their environ-ment in a much more sophisticated

manner,” he said. “The third arm provides a much richer and more cre-ative experience, allowing the human to play many drums simultaneously with virtuosity and sophistication that are not otherwise possible.”

The robotic arm is smart for a few reasons. First, it knows what to play by listening to the music in the room. It improvises based on the beat and rhythm. For instance, if the musi-

cian plays slowly, the arm slows the tempo. If the drummer speeds up, it plays faster.

Another aspect of its intelligence is knowing where it’s located at all times, where the drums are, and the direction and proximity of the human arms. When the robot approaches an instrument, it uses built-in acceler-ometers to sense the distance and proximity.

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: [email protected] We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

Masters student Tyler White and College of Architecture Professor Gil Weinberg.

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By Simon Dickinson

I was incredibly honoured to chair the final orthotic clinical session at BAPO’s 2016 Annual Conference last weekend.

The event, held in Coventry, had a significant increase in attendance compared to the previous two years due to the excellent work of BAPO’s conference committee in organising the event and creating a fantastic academic programme.

In my 20 or so years of being a BAPO member I personally believe this was the best organised and most academic conference BAPO have held.

The final session of Saturdays academic programme was one of the significant triggers for the conferences success as two of the world’s leading researchers presented evidence relating to the theory and reality of the effects of foot orthosis (insole) interventions.

Biomechanics of the foot and ankle has been considered a “dark art” by some medical professionals. Indeed, most of the universities teaching foot

and ankle biomechanics throughout the world is based on a theory created in the 1970’s by Merton Root and his colleagues.

This theory, commonly known as “SubTalar Neutral” has been embraced the world over as the foundation of understanding of how feet and foot orthosis work.

The first speaker was Professor Chris Nester. His lecture entitled “Effect of orthotic geometry and materials on foot tissues and function” was superbly delivered and referenced.

Professor Nester presented evidence that clearly showed foot orthoses do not significantly change the alignment of feet (contradicting SubTalar Neutral theory) but do significantly change the load through the structures of the foot and ankle.

He also demonstrated that changes in orthosis geometry (shape) and material selection were the only parameters that are relevant to effective foot orthosis prescription in order to change the load through the structures of the foot.

Dr Kevin Kirby then described “Tissue Stress Theory” via video from his

home in California. He also discussed how foot orthoses work and stated that there was no evidence that SubTalar Neutral theory was correct and clinical application of this theory was unreliable.

Research over the last 30 years was presented to support this statement with evidence complimenting professor Nester’s talk that foot

orthoses work by reducing the stress in foot structures rather than magically realigning feet.

With this huge body of evidence proving a SubTalar Neutral approach is unwise and disproven, why are most universities in the world still teaching this? Indeed, why are qualified clinicians ever utilising a SubTalar Neutral approach to orthotic management when research tells us it is not reliable or correct?

All AHP’s have must maintain an update a CPD portfolio and keep up to date as part of their HCPC registration. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary treatment.

This is a legal requirement we AHP’s must adhere to in order to protect patients safety and ensure the treatments we give are appropriate.

According to the evidence presented at BAPO and in numerous published studies, utilising a SubTalar Neutral approach clinically could now be constituted as clinical malpractice or negligence.

n Simon Dickinson is a clinical director at TalarMade.

Does a lack of knowledge constitute clinical malpractice/negligence?

Simon Dickinson


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ROBERT Gordon University has launched an innovative Doctorate of Physiotherapy course which meets professional development needs and is the first of its kind in the UK.

Devised by RGU’s physiotherapy team, the new three-and-a-half year course will produce physiotherapists with clinically applied doctoral research skills and workplace experience.

The university’s MSc physiotherapy course has a well established reputation for employable, experienced graduates both in the UK and internationally. DPT graduates will have all of these attributes in addition to highly sought-after doctoral level research skills.

The DPT course is based on the university’s existing pre-registration Physiotherapy MSc which has a long association with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education in the US.

Delivered at RGU’s School of Health Sciences, the programme builds on prior learning and experience and is the only physical therapy programme outside North America which the

organisation has accredited.

The first two years of the DPT, which includes six placements, are run in parallel with the MSc course with integrated research degree training that leads to working on a Doctoral Thesis in the final 18 months of the course.

After two years successful candidates will be awarded the PgDip and are then eligible to apply for Health and Care Professions Council registration which gives eligibility to practice in the UK.

From a UK perspective the DPT course is an innovative and unique pathway to increase research capacity and capability within the physiotherapy profession to help improve the quality of care and productivity of health services.

Internationally, CAPTE have from 2016 onwards changed the minimum level of qualifying programmes to doctoral level which means the qualification will be in high demand by those wishing to pursue a career in the US and beyond.

Donna Wynne, RGU’s course

leader for the new Doctorate of Physiotherapy course, said: “Doctorate level physiotherapy is becoming increasingly common internationally and has proved popular in both North America and Australia where we have strong market links.

“The doctorate course follows a model similar to an integrated PhD where students undertake the majority of the modules on the MSc Physiotherapy course to become qualified Physiotherapists with a Postgraduate Diploma Physiotherapy

(pre-registration) at the end of their second year.

“They are then eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and can continue with completion of the research degree in their third year as HCPC registered physiotherapists.”

The ability for students to practice as registered physiotherapists during their final 18 months on the course will help students gain as much experience as possible in the field to be attractive to future employers as they look to build their careers.

UK Doctorate of Physiotherapy course launched at University

Professor Valerie Maehle, Dean of RGU’s Faculty of Health and Social Care (centre right) and Elizabeth Hancock, head of the university’s School of Health sciences (centre left) with the RGU physiotherapy team.

THE TVS Knee Brace is designed to hold a medially or laterally unstable knee from moving into a painful position of deformity while the knee is in extension and weight bearing.

While the patient is wearing the TVS Brace the knee will be re-aligned to its original gait and long term use will stop the knee from sagging to a more extreme position preventing the need for a surgical solution.

The TVS has helping relieve arthritic knee pain to over 25,000 patients in the UK alone for over 38 years.

n Varus (bow-legged) and Valgus (knock-kneed) deformation support.

n Helps relieve arthritic knee pain.

n NHS approved and clinically proven for over 35 years.

n Easily attached and removed in seconds.

n Ultra lightweight (200grams/8oz).

n Greatly increase stability and security for the wearer.

n Comfortable to wear and unobtrusive (can be worn under clothes).

n Suitable for both legs.

Enquiries: For more information call 02380 643402, email sales@stclare-engineering.

co.uk or visit www.tvskneebrace.co.uk

TVS Brace helps knee to be re-aligned to original gait


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REHABILITATION International World Congress 2016 heads to Edinburgh – advancing a global mission to transform the lives of disabled people

The United Kingdom will be leading the debate this year on how assistive technology can help eradicate the social exclusion of disabled people.

Across the world great progress has been made to tackle barriers and pockets of exclusion faced by disabled people, but we can never be complacent about the challenge. Assistive technology is essential to the lives of many disabled people, but there are disparities in usage.

The World Health Organisation and Unicef claim that in many low-income countries, only five to 15 per cent of those who need assistive technology are able to obtain it1.

Held every four years, the Rehabilitation International (RI) World Congress is being hosted by Shaw Trust, a disability, employment, learning and skills charity, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre between October 25 and 27.

Shaw Trust is also delighted to confirm that Princess Anne will be

the World Congress’ Patron and the First Minister of Scotland will deliver a keynote address during the three-day event.

Shaw Trust’s partners, the Disabled Living Foundation, who provide impartial advice, information and training on independent living, will be supporting the event too.

They believe assistive technology has an important economic benefit. The London School of Economics identified in 2012 that adaptive technologies deliver a net saving to public purse in the United Kingdom2.

RI is a highly respected global institution with strong links to the United Nations.

It created the International Symbol of Access in 1969 and led the campaign to get the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted.

The key themes under discussion directly relate to the importance of assisted technology. Inclusion, accessibility, independent living and rehabilitation are four of the seven key themes that will be discussed.

This means that the industry will

be able to influence more than 1,000 of the world’s leading disability researchers, advocates, government agencies, politicians and practitioners, who are attending, on the importance of assistive technology.

There will also be a chance for exhibitors to showcase new innovative products. Over the last decade there has been a rapid growth in the number of new devices aimed at helping disabled people to live an independent life.

Technology that enables people to control a computer using their eyes, smart glasses that help interpret objects and hand-held technology

that uses tactical alphabets to improve the speed of communication are just a few exciting developments.

These developments are a huge leap forward, but the World Congress will also be an opportunity to discuss how to make these devices more available across the world.

This will give the industry a platform to find new markets within developing nations and help increase international cooperation to improve access to assistive technology.

RI believes it is important that no matter what your ability or background is, there should be no barrier to an individual achieving their life ambitions.

Be part of the conversation on assistive technology at the RI World Congress in Edinburgh – places are now available to book. For further details, visit www.riworldcongress.com

1. http://www.unicef.org/disabilities/files/Assistive-Tech-Web.pdf

2. Snell, Tom et al, (2012) Building a business case for investing in adaptive technologies in England, PSSRU, http://bit.ly/1nSXLi9

Edinburgh to host Rehabilitation International World Congress

Edinburgh International Conference Centre.


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There is currently hot debate about prototype orthoses and prostheses being made on the 3D printer.

The new additive manufacturing processes do indeed enable complex three dimensional shapes to be creat-ed – but to what extent can this print-ing technology replace the individual fitting of a device and, consequently, the patient’s treatment in the hands of the orthopaedic technologist?

Here, even modern manufacturing techniques soon hit obstacles. OT-World 2016 will be considering the potential and the limitations of this 3D technology.

The potential of the new printing technology in terms of surfaces for prostheses is, for example, one of the topics in the symposium on “Innova-tive Design Variations in Lower Limb Prosthetics”.

The Steering Committee have invited two designers from Canada: Mc-Cauley Wanner and Ryan Palibroda from the Allele Design Studio, whose protectors transform prosthetic legs into fashion statements and who have approached the design of prostheses from the exciting point of view of the

fashion designer.

At the world’s leading trade fair of its kind, you can experience additive manufacturing live: the FabBus from the Goethe Lab project for additive manufacturing at the University of Applied Sciences in Aachen has dem-onstrations of modern 3D printing technology on two floors.

Amongst the variety of printing tech-nologies, they will present a 3D-print-ed prosthetic hand. It is a prototype of a body-powered prosthesis, which might, for instance, be used as a form of treatment for instance, in the third world.

International Meeting Point: In addition to the well-known German suppliers, there are many outstanding international exhibitors who will be meeting up at OTWorld 2016 in order to maintain their stake in the rapid technical developments in the field.

They include for example Basko Healthcare from the Netherlands, Freedom Innovations and Fillauer from the USA, the French companies Proteor and Rodin4D, as well as Endo-lite Chas. Blatchford & Sons Ltd. and Ortho Europe from Great Britain.

Over and above these, there are planned presentations by numerous companies from all over the world at joint stands, including those of France, Spain and the USA.

Distinguished international keynote speakers will talk, at OTWorld, on their specialist work in the

Congress’s core disciplines. In the topics selected, such as phantom pain, the biomechanics of diabetic foot, cosmetic socket technology and obesity, the ground will be laid for the artificial aids of tomorrow.

The specialists will show, in memor-able and practically based presenta-tions, how given illnesses are treated and what kinds of treatment are possible.

Specialist knowledge and know-how will be provided by, amongst others, Marlo Ortiz from the Ortiz International S.A. de C.V., Professor Christopher Nester from the Uni-versity of Salford or Dr. Max J. Ortiz Catalan from Chalmers University of Technology.

www.ot-world.com

OTWorld 2016: Focus 3D printing

Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Every two years, the global O&P sector meets up at OTWorld, International Trade Show and World Congress (May 3-6). This year the sector discusses, amongst others, the opportunities afforded by additive manufacture in orthopaedic technology.


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BEAGLE Orthopeadic’s Custom Fabrication department has added the ‘Torticollis Orthosis’ to its ever-growing product portfolio.

Designed to offer patients needing such a brace a long-term a comfortable solution to integrate into their daily life.

The orthosis is constructed from thermoformable plastics dependent on expected function the shoulder and head components are linked using a innovative hinge comprising multi-directional adjustment in the flexion / extension plane, rotational adjustment to ensure optimal stabilisation when correction is applied to the joint also allowing the head component to be raised.

The orthosis is secured with a

circumferential strap with ultra low profile buckle, optional fastenings can be applied at supply to control the head.

Please contact: 01254 268788 for further information.

Beagle adds ‘Torticollis Orthosis’ to its range

Wireless sleeve to help people recover arm use after suffering a strokeSCIENTISTS at the University of Southampton are to develop and trial a new wearable technology to help people who have had a stroke recover use of their arm and hand.

Led by professor Jane Burridge, the team will create a wireless sleeve, which will provide automatic, intelli-gent information about muscle move-ment and strength while patients practice every-day tasks at home.

Data will be available on a tablet to enable patients to review their prog-ress as well as to allow therapists to tailor their rehabilitation programme.

The two-year project has been funded with a grant of just under £1mil-lion from the National Institute for Health Research through its Invention for Innovation programme and is a collaboration between the University of Southampton and Imperial College London, two medical technology con-sultancies; Maddison and Tactiq and

NHS Trusts in Bristol and Portsmouth.

Jane said: “About 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke each year and, despite improvements in acute care that results in better survival rates, 60 per cent of people with moderate to severe strokes fail to recover useful function of their arm and hand.

“Rehabilitation is increasingly home-based, as patients are often discharged from hospital after a few days. This encourages independence and avoids problems associated with prolonged hospital stays.

“However, some patients struggle to carry out the exercises and they may question whether what they are doing is correct. Similarly therapists don’t have objective measurements about their patients’ muscle activity or ability to move. Rehabilitation tech-nologies like our sleeve will address problems faced by both patients and therapists.”

A graphic of how the sleeve will look. Photo credit: University of Southampton


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HaplaBase Orthoticmedi to present UCS at Foot Health in Kettering

The perfect fit for wider feet C & P Medical Trading Ltd

UCS is a Unique, Convenient and Safe method for cleaning the peri�lesional area and preparing the wound for healing – effectively debriding the wound.

It is a sterile, pre�moistened cloth which is easy to use in the interdigital spaces, as well as gently cleaning and debriding foot ulcers and the surrounding skin. It can also be used for treating dry skin associated with heel fissures.

For your free sample, whilst stock last, visit us at the stand in Kettering and register for your free place at the UCS training sessions.

AH from Hereford said: “So easy to use. No need to worry about lotions, straight forward, saved

time and reduced manual handling, plus it is the least expensive physical debridement product available on drug tariff.”

UCS is available on FP10/GP10 prescription for £32.50 for a box of 10.

Enquiries: If you require any further information on this product or any

of the medi range, please do not hesitate to contact your local medi

representative or head office on 01432 373500.

DB Shoes Ltd is a long established UK manufacturer of wide fitting footwear, specialising in shoes, house shoes and sandals for the wider foot.

They feature the most comprehensive range of wide fitting footwear in the UK, and in 2009 became the first recipients of the Healthy Footwear symbol.

DB Shoes offer a complete range of stylish, wide-fitting footwear for men and women, in width fittings from E-8E. Their shoes are perfect for people with swollen feet, corns, bunion, hammer toes, diabetes, arthritis and extra wide feet.

All of their ‘easy b’ shoes and sandals are available in a huge variety of width and depth fittings and include removable leather

socks for insertion of orthotics. Several styles are ideal for diabetes sufferers, due to their seam free toe box and side panels.

Enquiries: You can request copies of their new catalogues free of charge online at www.widerfitshoes.co.uk

or by calling their knowledgeable customer service team on

01933 311077.

C & P Medical Trading Ltd. was set up in September 1998 and is based in Melksham Wiltshire.

It is owned and run by Peter Shaw and his wife, Julia.

They have 32 employees.

C & P Medical Trading Ltd. is a wholesaler – it buys in bulk branded disposable medical products and sells them to smaller wholesalers and also directly into the footcare market.

This keeps our prices very competitive.

Products include: antiseptics, consumables, dressings, gloves, instruments, paper products, sterilisation products, creams, blades, burs, abrasives, Gehwol products, anaesthetics, verucca and wart

treatments.

We give free delivery on orders over £85 and deliver next day on all orders placed before 3pm.

If there is a product you want that you don’t see in our catalogue – then we will see if we can get it for you – our aim is to make your job easier!

Call us for a catalogue or download one at; www.myfootcaresupplies.com

Enquiries: Call us on 01225 707188, fax us on 01225 707199, order online

at www.myfootcaresupplies.com or email [email protected]

CUXSON Gerrard’s Haplabase Orthotic fulfils the role of a high quality but cost effective, prefabricated, chairside adaptable orthosis.

While Haplabase orthoses can be modified, they can also be placed directly into the patient’s shoes as they incorporate a number of generic features to facilitate efficient foot function.

Haplabase orthoses are manufactured from two Shore Durometer values of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), the harder value (in dark brown) constituting the external shell and the softer value the body of the orthotic (in white). They are covered with a synthetic, low slip and highly durable top cover.

At the rearfoot the stiffer external heel cup offers positional rearfoot control with a 15mm heel cup depth. The base of the heel cup is wider;

a) internally, to allow heel fat pad compliance during the stance phase of gait permitting efficient shock absorption and therefore comfort and b) externally, to offer a larger surface to attach EVA posting/ heel raises.

Haplabase orthoses are available (also through NHS Supply Chain) in UK adult sizes 3 – 13.

Enquiries: Email [email protected] for further

information or call Michael Ratcliffe, sales training manager/ podiatrist on 0121 544 7117. Cuxson Gerrard & Co Ltd will be exhibitintg at Foot Health

on stand 5.

Foot Health returns to KetteringFOOT Health 2016 is the largest UK independent educational event for health care professionals involved in treating lower limb conditions.

Delegates can follow a varied pro-gramme of workshops and presenta-tions delivered by experts in their chosen field. This year we are run-ning an Infection Control module, an LA update, a practical biomechanics and MSK programme as well as the varied programme on Foot Health.

This year it will take place on June 21 and 22 at the Kettering Conference Centre.

The full programme for each day and the educational updates on offer can be seen on our website www.profes-sionalevents.co.uk.

To support the educational pro-gramme there is a large trade exhib-

ition where delegates can look at the latest product innovations.

The event provides a wonderful opportunity for health care profes-sionals and suppliers to network and update their knowledge and skills.

June 21 – Main Lecture Programme

8.45am – Registration and Trade Exhibition.9.30am – Introduction and Welcome,Chair Dr Mike Curran9.35am –The Clinical Use of Micro-waves in The treatment of Plantar Warts, Dr Ivan Bristow10.15am – Hyperhidrosis, Julie Hal-ford – Specialist Nurse theHyperhidrosis Group11am – Break & Trade Exhibition11.40am – Innovations in Podiatry12.30pm – Lunch and Trade Exhib-ition

1.55pm – Chair Damian Murray – Murray MedicalPelvic Adaptation to Leg-LengthInequality – A New Paradigm, Clifton Bradeley2.25pm – Healthy Foot Wear Scheme,Dr Mike Curran2.55pm – Break3.15pm – Foot orthotic Prescription – Methods to improve our prescription and functional outcome measures,Paul Harradine4.10pm – Collection of CPD certifi-cates

June 22 – Main Lecture Programme

8.45am – Registration and Trade Exhibition.9.30am – Introduction and Welcome,Chair Dr Jean Mooney9.35am – Injection Therapy of the foot & ankle, Dr Paul Beeson

10.10am – Health Coaching for Be-haviour Change, Sara Hill – Podiatry Business Manager and Clinical Lead,Cambridgeshire Community ServicesNHS Trust10.40am – Break & Trade Exhibition11.25am – Verrucae Needling, Ian Reilly and Belinda Longhurst12.10pm – Foot diseases in rheuma-tology in the biologic era – is it inflammatory or mechanical? Heidi Siddle12.50pm – Lunch and Trade Exhib-ition2.15pm – High Resolution ultrasound to support rheumatology clinicalpractice and research, Heidi Siddle2.55pm – Foot problems that increasethe risk of ulceration in patientswith diabetes, Jean Mooney3.40pm – Collection of CPD certifi-cates


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DMO Glove assists future England CP football starBAILEY Fleming was born with Hemi-plegia on his right side.

Like most boys, Bailey enjoyed playing football from a young age and has grown to become a very accomplished player, establishing his place in the England CP Football squad for the past three years.

This achievement has seen Bailey acquire four official England caps and has taken him to hallowed soccer locations such as Rio in Brazil.

Below Bailey tells us how he became involved in CP Football, his achievements and aspirations for the future.

“I started playing football with my friends at about five or six years old and then started playing for a local team when I was ten. I was playing in mainstream teams until I was 16. I’ve loved football since I was young and it was also great to train with my mates from school.”

He moved into CP Football when he started college at Otley after talking to Steve Bartlett, one of the CP

England football coaches. . He started going to disability training days in Ipswich at Inspire Suffolk and played his first regional match in October 2012.

“After making it into the regional squad, I was put forward for the England development squad which was brilliant! I played in the development squad for two years and have recently joined the England senior squad, where I was selected to play for the England U19s in Sãn Paulo, Brazil.”

Bailey uses a special glove made from dynamic elastomeric fabric designed and created specifically for him by DM Orthotics, to help manage the cerebral palsy in his right arm and hand. He has used them for 10 years after his parents discovered the company’s products at Moulsham Grange Children’s Centre.

“I’ve been using DMO’s for about 10 years and have had seven gloves through the years. My mum still has them all!”

Bailey’s latest glove was prescribed by

DM Orthotics clinician, Anna Cartwright. Anna comments on why the glove was prescribed for Bailey,

“Bailey’s hemiplegia results in high tone in his right forearm and hand. This leads to a flexed wrist position and difficulty extending his fingers. He also experiences reduced ability to externally rotate his shoulder and achieve a functional rotation of his forearm externally (supination).

“We addressed these difficulties by incorporating reinforcements to facilitate thumb abduction and wrist extension. We were also able to incorporate rotation panels to facilitate supination. For his latest glove, Bailey specified that he would

like additional length on the fingers, to improve his ability to achieve greater finger extension”

Bailey comments on the results stating it greatly improves his overall confidence on and off the pitch.

“The use of my DMO Glove has really helped me with my football. It really improves my balance and allows me more movement and to be more mobile. It gives me a lot of support when I’m running.

“It also gives me a lot of confidence on the pitch. In day to day use, the glove helps by supporting my hand – it makes simple tasks like picking things up a lot easier. I can be a lot more independent, it gives me a lot more confidence.”

Bailey now works at Inspire Suffolk as a sports coach for schools and as the football PDC for Inspire. He includes England CP football captain, Jack Rutter as one of his sporting heroes and is focussed on keeping his place in the England senior squad, with ambitions of making the GB Paralympic team.

Bailey Fleming


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Child support from Clos-o-MatDANIEL Tennant, aged five, has upper limb deficiency; he has a Palma Vita with a Rifton paediatric system at home, with the same now installed at his school. Clos-o-Mat’s paediatric range is complimented by accessories for bariatric and adult users, which mean almost 150,000 permutations exist to enable precise tailoring to individual needs, at initial purchase, and as their needs change over time. The Palma Vita is the only wash/dry toilet that can evolve so diversely and throughout its life.Clos-o-Mat (www.clos-o-mat.com)

is now Britain’s biggest supplier of toilet solutions to maximise people’s independence and dignity, be it at home or ‘away’. Enquiries: Call 0161 969 1199 or email [email protected]

Modular Paediatric OrthosesModular Paediatric Orthoses (MPOs) from Salts Techstep are a range of three highly modifiable, one piece corrective orthoses. These products have been carefully designed to encompass many of the benefits of a bespoke device in the most cost effective way possible.The colour and position of the MPO straps can be personalised to enable the clinician to tailor function as well as appearance. Padding and transfers can also be added to suit the patient and practitioners specification, resulting in a truly individual device and making them more appealing to wear.

This product range is manufactured from polypropylene co-polymer, a stronger material than previously utilised, to ensure durability. The one piece construction results in a lightweight and manageable orthotic, making it easier to fit into footwear whilst contributing to the affordable price. No casting is required.

Enquiries: Call 0121 333 2099, email [email protected]

or visit www.saltstechstep.co.uk

CHILDREN are constantly on the move; playing, running, climbing and keeping up with their friends.

Being an amputee should not stop them doing any of this.

Össur offers a comprehensive and popular range of Junior Solutions which include two walking feet, Flex-Foot® Junior and Vari-Flex® Junior, two running feet, Cheetah® Junior and Flex-Run™ Junior and Cheetah® Xplore Junior, a hybrid walking/run-ning foot.

Flex-Foot® Junior is a low profile, energy storing foot module for longer

residual limbs.

Vari-Flex® Junior is lightweight and easy to assemble and mirrors the popular adult version Vari-Flex®. It has a slender profile which makes it easy to cosmetically cover.

The Cheetah® Junior is the optimal run and play foot for both trans-femoral and transtibial users. It is a high-performance carbon fibre foot and a proven performer for children who want to practice sports.

The Flex-Run™ Junior is another custom-designed solution based on the adult Flex-Run™. Designed to be

the most flexible of the running feet, the Flex-Run™ Junior offers superior cushioning. It is also fitted with a Nike Sole offering increased stability and smooth natural rollover.

The Cheetah® Xplore Junior mirrors its adult counterpart. It is a cus-tom-built, hybrid carbon fibre foot with a full length sole and foot shell over which regular shoes can be used.

This unique feature means the Cheetah® Xplore Junior offers kids the flexibility of an everyday walking foot and a running foot in a single prosthesis.

Comprehensive range keeps children on the move

assistive technologies april/may 2016

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