By Dominic Musgrave

THREE-quarters of employees who use assistivetechnology say it has improved theireffectiveness at work, although employerscould do more to promote its use, accordingto a survey of workers and employerscommissioned by the British AssistiveTechnology Association.78 per cent of those who took part in the‘Assistive Technology in the Workplace’ studysaid AT had improved their effectiveness atwork. Other benefits included improved jobsatisfaction (64 per cent), greater motivation(50 per cent), reduced sickness absence (30per cent) and a higher opinion of theiremployer (55 per cent). Although 91 per cent of AT users said thatthey knew who to ask for support, if theyneeded it, and 88 per cent were awaresupport is a legal obligation, less than 40 percent had a procedure in place known tomanagers for obtaining AT for staff. Although75 per cent of employers knew that provisionof AT in the workplace is a legal obligation, 28per cent either did not know or thought thatdid not apply to them.BATA executive director Barbara Phillips said,“Work needs to be done to educate and

inform employees about AT and about whatthey are entitled to expect from an employer. “But there is also more that needs to be doneby AT suppliers and advisers to equipemployers to play their part. Working withothers, we need to find better ways of makingobjective information and advice about ATmore readily available.”As well as that and other recommendationsrelating to the AT sector itself, the reportsuggests specific actions employers could take,such as doing more to identify employeeswhose performance could be enhanced byassistive technology, ensuring there is nodiscrimination against them and making surethat managers are aware of the legalrequirements around AT.“Despite the growing use of technology in oureveryday lives, the general level ofunderstanding of what AT is and how it canbe used is still patchy at best,” added BaronessWalmsley, patron of BATA. “As this reportshows, when the right AT is used, employeesreport high levels of satisfaction andimprovements in all those areas – such assickness absence, motivation – that employersknow are key indicators of effectiveorganisations.”

AT improveseffectiveness,reveals survey

Barclays Premier League footballer Rickie Lambert hasshown his support to a new centre which aims to developbetter injury treatments and screening tools to predict anindividual’s risk of developing osteoarthritis following sportsinjury. The Southampton striker has experienced hip pain buthas managed it successfully through exercise. To find outmore turn to page 8.

INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE ISSUE 92 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 £6.95

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www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk

By Dominic Musgrave

A CRICKET bat for disabled peoplehas been designed by a NorthumbriaUniversity student.

Leanne Cracknell, a final year Designfor Industry student, worked withdisabled cricketer Will Hardy whoplays for Newcastle cricket club, tocome up with the radical newdesign.

The bat has been designedspecifically for cricketers who havelost an upper limb and can beadapted to fit their needs dependingon the area and severity of their limbloss.

It features a removable armrest thatthe player can attach their prostheticto or rest their shorter arm on, ifthey have one.

They are able to change the size ofthis depending on the length of theirarm.

It also has a handle which can easilybe removed using one hand bypressing a spring button and pullingit. A wide variety of handle shapes,grips and sizes are available to tailorto each player’s specific needs andwants.

“The design allows disabledcricketers to use both arms, just likea non-disabled cricketer, so it allowsthem to have more momentum andpower when they strike the ball,”said Leanne, who took herinspiration from last year’sParalympics. “The concept could be

developed for a variety of othersports.”

The new design, which is mostlymade from willow just like atraditional bat, has been givenapproval from the English CricketBoard, which has set rules on thetypes of bat that can be used.

New bat pushes ‘boundary’for disabled cricketers

Will Hardy with the new cricket bat.

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By Dominic Musgrave

A TEENAGE girl has been able toattend her school’s prom wearing aglamourous dress, in high-heelsthanks to her new prosthesis.

Dorset Orthopaedic patient IsabellePapandroniciou, 15, suffered from arare congenital disease at only 18months old and endured variousoperations that left one leg shorterthan the other. Last year she madethe difficult decision to have her legamputated below the knee.

Isabelle visited prosthetist Paul Neveat the company’s Ringwood clinic,who worked closely with her tocreate a tailor-made prosthetic legwith a heeled foot that has allowedher to wear high heels to the keyevent.

The cosmetic appearance andpracticality was really important forIsabelle and Paul hand-cast her leftcalf in order to precisely match andmimic the shape on her right leg.

He said: “To make the prosthesis asaesthetically and cosmeticallypleasing as possible, we spent a lotof time moulding the sound foot inorder to make a match for Isabelleprosthesis.

“I also liaised closely with Isabelle tomake sure the prothesis suited herneeds and we discussed differentheel heights. We colour-matched thesilicone coating to her skin to makethe leg look unbelievably real.”

Isabelle now has the freedom towear skirts and dresses with heelsand was thrilled she was able todance at her leavers’ ball in NorthLondon, showing off her prosthesis inhigh heels and a flowing red dress.

She added: “Everyone was sosurprised at how real it looked.Going to the prom was brilliant, itfelt great to go all glammed up andlook girlie because at partieseveryone can normally wear heelsbut I have to wear flat shoes.”

Isabelle Papandroniciou gets ready for her school prom. Credit bnps.co.uk

New prosthesismeans Isabellecan wear heelsto school prom

PACE Rehabilitation has continued toprovide seven of its leg amputeepatients with clinical trials of theBiOM ankle system following thesuccessful first ever fitting of thesophisticated electronic device inEurope last year.

The BiOM offers unique function, byproviding the user with a poweredassistance as they walk and whennegotiating stairs.

Pace’s prosthetist/orthotist TobyCarlsson said: “Whilst our patientfeedback has been very positive, it issubjective. The function that theBiOM is claimed to restore comes ata significant financial cost. We areobtaining some objective data onhow it performs, before we committo prescribing and recommending it.”

So, in addition to recognised patientquestionnaires and walk tests, Pacehas arranged for its latest four BiOMtrial users to participate inindependent gait laboratory trials atthe University of Salford.

Later this month the quartet willreturn to the Salford laboratorywearing their ‘everyday’ prosthesis,to provide the comparative data foranalysis.

Prosthetist/orthotist Jamie Gillespiesaid:“It’s fair to say that in its current

guise, the BiOM is quite bulky, noisyand battery life necessitates changingit during the day. However, it willonly improve.

“Having tried the device brieflymyself, the improved function itprovides is significant compared toanything I’ve tried before and has thepotential to hugely benefit somelower limb amputees.”

Pace will analyse the gait lab reportsand continue to work with theAmerican team. Further trials areplanned later this year.

BiOM ankle system trialscontinue with amputees

The BiOM provides the user with apowered assistance as they walk andwhen negotiating stairs.

A TEAM of seven intrepid walkers,including five amputees hascompleted its challenge of walkingthe length of Hadrian’s Wall to raisemoney for charity.

Over the six days, the more than 90-mile route provided some seriouslytough terrain, which challengedeverybody, particularly those whohadn’t tackled hill walking before.

The team camaraderie thatdeveloped amongst the group,coupled with the practical help givenby a physiotherapist and a prosthetistwho were walking with them, helped

to ensure that spirits remained highthroughout.

The group was led by Mark O’Leary,an experienced walker who haspreviously climbed MountKilimanjaro.

He said: “Our achievement offollowing the entire Hadrian’s Wallpath across the country in a verycreditable six days makes me feelvery proud of us as a group.

“I don’t believe that many able-bodied observers or ‘ordinary’amputees believed that such anachievement would be possible.”

Walkers complete charityHadrian’s Wall challenge

The team that completed the Hadrian’s Wall trek.

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By Dominic Musgrave

RESEARCHERS in Birmingham arehoping to use the hi-tech world ofvirtual reality in a bid to relieve thepain of hospital patients.

Staff at Queen Elizabeth HospitalBirmingham and the University ofBirmingham are working on usingcomputer game technology toalleviate patients’ pain anddiscomfort through distractiontherapy.

Patients would be able to wanderaround a virtual world based on thenatural delights of Devon, withsimulated ‘walks’ along a coastalpath or through woodland.

Critical care registrar Dr CharlotteSmall, who is leading the clinical sideof the project, said: “The work weare looking at is the use of virtualreality in a number of ways, initiallyaround pain management.

“These mainly involve the changingof dressings of burns patients andcomplex trauma involving militarypatients, but we are also looking atthe issue of phantom limb pain.

“We are looking to design a purpose-built system so it can be used bypatients with even severe injuries.”

As part of the two-year project, a

study was carried out over severalweeks within the QEHB burns unitwhich looked at the effectiveness ofpain relief treatment ranging fromparacetamol to morphine.

It found that more than a third (37per cent) of burns patients stillexperienced moderate or severe painwhen their dressings were changedeven when given morphine or otherpain relief medication.

The project, which focuses on ‘virtualnature therapy’, will involve twovirtual worlds which have beendeveloped at the University ofBirmingham. They consist of VirtualWembury and Virtual Burrator, bothof which exist for real in Devon.

Virtual Wembury provides users witha mile-long coastal path, while VirtualBurrator is based around the actualreservoir in Dartmoor.

The Virtual Wembury game also hasa speedboat version which patientscan control, while further work couldinvolve patients sitting in a ‘virtualpedalo’ which they can power bymoving their legs in bed.

“Research says viewing nature isrelaxing and therapeutic,” addedCharlotte. “Using a screen, you candecide to walk up a hill, go over abridge, or sit on the beach and watch

a sunset or boats going by.

The virtual worlds were initiallydeveloped by postgraduate studentsat the university’s Human InterfaceTechnologies Team, led by professorBob Stone.

The initial motivation for the virtualreality project came as a result ofMinistry of Defence-funded researchaddressing the potential use ofsimulation technologies for future

physical and psychological therapies.

Initially, patients will be provided witha simple “ring mouse”, enablingthem to jump between selectedviewpoints, but still be free to lookaround at the changing scenery.

As they get better they will be ableto walk around their virtual worldusing a series of different controlsand with the benefit of naturalsounds through headphones.

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Virtual world to help relieve patients’ pain

Researchers are working on using computer game technology to alleviate patients’ painand discomfort through distraction therapy.

Workers fear for their futureUK workers facing later retirementages fear not being up to the jobphysically or mentally, research fromthe Chartered Society ofPhysiotherapy has shown.

Just over six in 10 (61 per cent) wereconcerned about being too tired tocontinue normal hours when askedto imagine that they had to workinto old age, while nearly two-thirds(65 per cent) feared developing aserious illness that could affect theirability to do their job.

But the CSP, which commissioned theresearch by YouGov, said the resultsalso showed people were not doingenough exercise classed as ‘moderateto vigorous physical activity’ to help

reduce the risk of ill-health as theyget older.

More than two-thirds (69 per cent) ofthose polled said that on averagethey were not getting two-and-a-halfhours of exercise a week, which isthe minimum amount recommendedby the UK’s four chief medicalofficers.

“We completely understand the fearspeople have about working longer,”said CSP chief executive Phil Gray.

“Physiotherapists treat people withillness and injuries that can be linkedto inactivity so they witness first-handthe consequences it has for healthand working life.”

ORACLE Precision was establishedupon a solid background within theprecision engineering industrysector, with a particular focus on themanufacture of quality criticalreconstructive medical devices,associated instrumentation andancillary components.

It is therefore well versed instringent compliance requirements,the necessity for adherence to closetolerance work and a strongunderstanding of end userrequirements, surgeons and patientsalike. As a consequence of this,Oracle Precision has invested instate-of-the-art manufacturingfacilities and capabilities and our

quality management system is fullycompliant with ISO13485 – thestandard for the manufacture andsupply of medical devices.

With expertise and experience in themachining of a variety of exotic andless exotic materials Oracle Precisionis well placed for the supply ofreconstructive medical devices (hipand knee implants for example),associated instrumentation and awhole range of ancillarycomponents and can also aid withthe initial design process to ensuremanufacturability and that allcomponents are fully compliant withboth design intent and theassociated regulatory requirements.

Firm has solid background

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By Dominic Musgrave

RESEARCHERS at the new ArthritisResearch UK Centre for Sport,Exercise and Osteoarthritis aim todevelop better injury treatments andscreening tools to predict anindividual’s risk of developingosteoarthritis following sports injury.

It will be led by NottinghamUniversity Hospitals and TheUniversities of Nottingham andOxford.

Centre director Professor Mark Batt,consultant in sport and exercisemedicine at Nottingham UniversityHospitals, said: “Regular exercise isvital to keep your joints healthy andthe long-term benefits of exercise faroutweigh the risk of injury.

“Our centre aims to keep people ofall sporting abilities active and injury-free by developing definitive,evidence-based advice andinformation to minimise theconsequence of injury andrecommend effective treatments toreduce long-term damage.

“This is the first time in Europe thatspecialists in sports medicine andosteoarthritis are combining their

expertise to understand why somesports injuries will go on to developinto osteoarthritis, and whether wecan prevent or slow downdegeneration of the joints.”

An injury to the joint is one of themain risk factors for osteoarthritis,along with ageing and obesity.

Approximately eight million people inthe UK are affected by osteoarthritis,which is the most common form ofjoint disease.

Young footballers are at particularrisk from a potentially career-endingform of groin injury calledfemoroacetabular impingement (FAI).The cause is not known but over-training as the bones are developingmay play a role.

In FAI the head of the thigh bonerubs against the socket, leading tointermittent groin or hip pain in theshort term, and potentiallyosteoarthritis of the hip in the longerterm.

Arthritis Research UK researchers willscan young footballers aged ninefrom a number of professionalfootball academies, using state-of-the-art MRI, every two years. Theywill be compared to two other same-

age groups – ordinary schoolboysand also young elite athletes fromother sports.

The sophisticated MRI scans will beable to pick up holes or cracks incartilage and metabolic changes tocartilage and bone, so trainingmovements could be modified oravoided to prevent injury occurring.The researchers will also design a

range of targeted trainingprogrammes aimed at reducing theincidence of injuries in professionalfootballers.

This will involve developing ways ofimproving training and warm-ups toreduce the incidence of injuries suchas pulled muscles and tendons, toensure that players use their musclescorrectly and don’t overload theirjoints during matches and in training.They hope their research will enhancecurrent FIFA (F-Marc: Football forhealth) and 11-plus guidelines onwarming-up.

Gary Lewin, the current permanentfirst-team physiotherapist for theEngland national football teamadded: “Physiotherapists recommendregular physical activity to maintaingood general health.

“It is therefore encouraging to seethis investment in research to betterunderstand the nature and impact ofcommon sporting injuries. Thelearning from this work will helppeople exercise safely and keepactive.”

Other activities being investigated inthe research include rugby, OlympicGames, horse racing and athletics.

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National research centre aims toreduce the risk of sports injuries

Mark Batt

Orthopaedic surgeon winsnational medical awardA MAIDSTONE orthopaedic surgeonhas been named ‘Best in Medical’ atthe inaugural British Indian Awards.

Bijayendra Singh received theaccolade at a prestigious eveningheld at St Johns Hotel in Birmingham.The selection process for the awardwas from across all specialitiesincluding hospital doctors, GPs anddentists. The nominations were madeby votes from the public as part of athree-month campaign. Around10,000 nominations were made forachievers around the country in 18different categories.

Bijayendra said: “I’m delighted tohave been recognised by the publicin this way, especially with suchstrong candidates in my category. Ireally enjoy working with my patientsand feel very fortunate that mypatients across Maidstone and thesurrounding area think highly of me.

“It was very special to see so manyBritish Indians being recognised forthe significant parts they play in theirfields of expertise. It is great to seeour community growing in strengthas we all strive to make Great Britaina better place.”

The British Indian Awards recogniseand celebrate the role that people ofIndian heritage groups and

businesses play in contributing toGreat Britain.

Bijayendra has been a consultantorthopaedic surgeon for over fiveyears and practices from BMISomerfield Hospital. He sub-specialises in problems of the upperlimb and provides a full range ofarthroscopic, sports injury and jointreplacement services.

He is the only surgeon providing fullrange of arthroscopic procedures forthe whole of the upper limb at thehospital and was also one of the firstsurgeons to pioneer the use ofknotless technology for tendon andcartilage repairs in the shoulder andhand.

Bijayendra Singh with his award.

A WORCESTERSHIRE firm istargeting growth after developing anew product designed to helppeople with disabilities live moreindependently.

Assistive Control, which employsfive people at its Malvernheadquarters, has successfullybrought to market ‘Typeassist’ – acomputer-based communication aidthat meets the needs of disabledpeople who are unable to use atraditional ‘qwerty’ keyboard.

The patented typing system replacesthe traditional keyboard with 16large touchscreen cells and state-of-the-art word prediction to ensurefast typing and speech output.

Kate Browne, director at AssistiveControl, said: “We have spent manyyears developing the software tomake ‘Typeassist’ possible and I amdelighted to now see it being usedto make a difference to so manylives.

“Our assistive technology is ready touse straight from the box as wecompletely hide the underlyingWindows software making itstraightforward to operate for theuser, their family and their carers.

“Access to the computer is so

important in this day and age thatwe have to make them accessible asit can have a major bearing onsomeone’s independence.”

The firm, a division of MalvernScientific, this year marks its 15thanniversary. It has been supportedboth technically and financially inthe development of its assistivetechnology product range by theManufacturing Advisory Service’sNew Product Gateway programme.

The company successfully secured aUK patent for Typeassist. Workingwith MAS advisors Alison Philipsand Peter Roach it then finalised thedevelopment and CE marking of itsnew ‘Switchcontrol’, which willopen up technology to people witha wider range of disabilities.

In addition to the one-on-onesupport, MAS has also put the firmin touch with Aston BusinessSchool, Growth Accelerator and theUniversity of Warwick.

“The package of support we’vereceived has been fantastic and ithas helped us build a business thathas the potential to make a realdifference to thousands of peopleacross the world,” added Dr MarcBeale, Assistive Control director.

Technology could helpAssistive Control grow

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European wheelchair basketball champion and team GB captain Abdi Jama was the firstto road test the RGK Vita prototype before its world launch at the recent MobilityRoadshow in Telford. The Vita, packed with advanced technologies including Kevlar andaerospace grade aluminium, will spearhead RGK’s model development and an ambitiousexpansion of markets at home and abroad. Abdi gave the Vita a spin before setting off toGermany to defend the GB European Wheelchair Basketball Championship title thismonth. The Vita launch coincided with RGK’s 25th anniversary.

BRITISH Cycling has announced anew initiative with Help for Heroes tohelp wounded, injured and sickservice personnel and veteransrebuild their lives.

Help for Heroes has longchampioned sport in recoverythrough initiatives such as BattleBack, an MOD initiative funded bythe charity which uses adaptive sportand adventurous training to helpseriously wounded service personnellead active, independent and fulfillinglives.

In support of the work done forwounded servicemen and women,British Cycling haa recently delivereda Level 2 Certificate in CoachingCycling and a Level 2 CoachingRiders with Disability Course formembers of staff from Help forHeroes who deliver the Battle Backprogramme.

John Mills, director of coaching,education and development at BritishCycling, said: “The aim of theinitiative is to support the instructorsat Help for Heroes and help them to

develop their ability to coach cyclingas part of the Recovery programmefor wounded service personnel.

“Sport can play a key role in aidingthe recovery of our heroes and weare proud to work with the BattleBack programme, which has made areal difference to the lives of somany.”

Since the Battle Back programme wasestablished in 2008, Help for Heroeshave been able to help over 1,500wounded, injured and sick individualshave been supported throughactivities such as cycling, sailing andswimming.

Jonpaul Nevin, lead strength andconditioning coach at Help forHeroes, added: “Cycling has a proventrack record as an excellent recoveryactivity for wounded, injured, andsick service personnel.

“Developing the cycling coachingskills of our staff will help in thedelivery of safe, effective andenjoyable cycling specific training forthose we support.”

British Cycling in linkwith Help for Heroes

Group gets backin the saddle forstroke research By Dominic Musgrave

A TEAM of high-profile figures fromThe University of Nottingham aretaking on the challenge to cyclebetween each of the capital cities ofthe UK and the Republic of Ireland inaid of stroke rehabilitation research.

The Life Cycle 3 route is more than1,100 miles and takes in Edinburgh,Belfast, Dublin, Cardiff and Londonbetween August 19 and September1. It starts at Nottingham’s JubileeCampus and finishes at UniversityPark.

The team aims to raise £300,000 tosupport stroke survivors after theyleave hospital in order to stop thembecoming isolated or housebound,and to help overcome both short andlong term problems associated withrecovery.

Professor David Greenaway, vice-chancellor of The University ofNottingham, is getting back in thesaddle for the third consecutive year.

He said: “Stroke rehabilitationresearch is not glamorous, laboratory-based research, but is patient based,

often qualitative, and can be morecomplex because of its reliance ontherapists.

“However, as a reason forundertaking Life Cycle 3 it is deeplymotivating – improving the wellbeingand quality of life of stroke survivorsthrough rehabilitation is a growingchallenge.

“This year our journey will take us tothe five capitals of the UnitedKingdom and Republic of Ireland,including some major cities along theway. We will face some demandingterrain over the 1,100 miles butstarting and ending in Nottinghamwill be a big thrill, especially finishingon the Community Day onSeptember 1.”

Last year’s Life Cycle raised over£258,000 for Nottingham Potential,which supports young people fromlower socio-economic backgrounds inreaching their academic potential.The first Life Cycle in 2011 raised£232,000 for the University’s SueRyder Care Centre for research intosupportive, palliative and end of lifecare.

Jeannette Griffin watches cricket on her iPad during her operation.

A POWYS woman was able to watchlive one-day cricket while undergoinghip replacement surgery at TheRobert Jones and Agnes HuntOrthopaedic Hospital.

Recent developments in anaestheticallow patients to choose to stayawake during such major operations,and with free WiFi throughout thehospital, can bring in their iPads towatch films or stream live TV.

Patients have their options explainedby their consultant. Even if thepatient decides initially to stay

awake, which has several benefits forquicker recovery, they can changetheir mind part way through theprocedure, if it does not suit themand have a general anaesthetic.

While Jeannette Griffin recentlyunderwent was slightly apprehensivebeforehand, she is glad she had heroperation this way, saying that theanaesthetist was close by at all timesmaking it very reassuring.

The procedure was over so quicklythat she missed the final two overs inthe Pakistan vs. South Africa match.

Jeannette’s hip surgery is allover before the final over

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Broadcaster and journalist Anne Diamond has extended her support to BLESMA– The Limbless Veterans, a national charity empowering limbless military per-sonnel since after the First World War. Anne first came into contact with BLES-MA when the charity was a beneficiary from the Soldiering On Through LifeTrust Awards – an evening she hosted earlier this year. She said: “Many of us inthe civilian world probably don’t think enough about the day to day work andeffort put in by our Armed Forces. I think they deserve every ounce of ourappreciation and support.”

National centresto offer state-of-the-art limbs tomilitary veteransBy Dominic Musgrave

A NEW national prosthetics servicehas been launched to meet the needsof Scotland’s military amputees.

The new service will provide veteransfrom the armed forces with advancedprosthetics that can anticipatemovements and adapt instantly inorder to function as close to a naturallimb as possible.

It will offer veterans improvedsupport and a dedicated point ofaccess to healthcare services throughthe limb fitting and rehabilitationcentres in Edinburgh and Glasgow,with telehealth links to Aberdeen,Inverness and Dundee centres.

The service was launched as theScottish Government promised tooffer a better deal for militaryamputees by accepting all of therecommendations from Dr AndrewMurrison’s report on NHS ProstheticsServices for veterans, particularlythose from recent conflicts in Iraqand Afghanistan.

Health secretary Alex Neil said: “It isonly right that our veterans, whohave risked their lives for this country,receive world-class services throughour NHS.

“Scotland is already leading the wayin prosthetic care and this newspecialist service is a fantasticexample of the NHS using innovativetechnologies to deliver twenty-firstcentury healthcare.

“Veteran amputees often havecomplex health needs so it is vitalthat they have continued access tothe modern technology nowavailable to enable them to have alifestyle that suits them.

“This new service is one of a range

of actions we are taking to deliver abetter deal for our militaryamputees.”

The SMART Centre in Edinburghprovides a wide range ofrehabilitation technology services forthe South East of Scotland, coveringLothian, Fife and the Borders. Theseinclude mobility and postural services(wheelchairs and special seating),prosthetics, orthotics andbioengineering services (artificiallimbs and special equipment), adisabled living centre, gait analysisand a national driving assessmentservice.

The WESTMARC centre in Glasgowoffers similar services. The services inInverness, Dundee and Aberdeen alsooffer services and work with theSMART and WESTMARC centres toensure the most appropriate servicepossible as close to home as possible.

Veterans minister Keith Brown added:“In Scotland we seek to ensure thatArmed Forces personnel and veteranswho unfortunately lose a limb whilston active service receive state-of-the-art prosthetics from NHS Scotlandthat match the standard of prostheticlimbs given by the Defence MedicalServices.

“The Scottish Government isabsolutely committed to ensuring theneeds and aspirations of Scotland’sveterans’ community is at the centreof our policy development anddelivery in Scotland.

“That is why in September last yearwe launched Our Commitments – apaper which sets out what theScottish Government is doing toaddress the health, housing,education and justice needs ofcurrent and former service men andwomen.”

Body confidence workshop heldEIGHT female amputees took partin a body confidence and beautyworkshop organised by LimbPowerin conjunction with Models ofDiversity to help build self-esteemand overcome any issues with theirself-image.

The workshop was promotedthrough the LimbPower WomenFacebook group.

It was organised by agency Models

of Diversity, who promote the useof disabled women in fashion.

The women were invited to havetheir make-up done and their hairstyled by professional make-upartists for a close up shot, followedby a full-length body shot.

Fashion photographer James Lyonsshared industry tips on how toprepare and pose for the mostflattering photograph.

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Lord Sebastian Coe officially opened a new sport institute which will be a lasting legacy from theLondon 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, treating elite athletes, ‘weekend warriors’ and NHSpatients under the same roof. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Institute aims to becomea world leader in its fieldTHE Institute of Sport, Exercise andHealth will provide a national andinternational hub for clinical andacademic work in sport, exercisemedicine and sports injuryrehabilitation with the objective ofbecoming a world leader in its field.

Its aim is to increase exercise in thecommunity, develop strategies toprevent diseases related to inactivityand prevent, diagnose and manageinjuries for both professional andamateur athletes.

Part of the National Centre for Sportand Exercise Medicine, the newInstitute is London’s long-term healthlegacy from the 2012 Olympic andParalympic Games.

The ISEH is a partnership betweenUniversity College London HospitalsNHS Foundation Trust, HCAHospitals, UCL, the English Instituteof Sport and the British OlympicAssociation.

Seb Coe, chairman of the BritishOlympic Association, said: “Thisinstitute is a great example of thekind of thing we had in mind whenwe spoke about creating a lastinglegacy from the London 2012Games.

“Not only will it deliver excellence ininjury prevention and managementfor elite athletes, it will offer thesame level of care to amateursportsmen and women who wereinspired by what they saw last

summer. “This fabulous facility willalso have a role in introducingexercise into the treatment regimesof NHS patients, spreading the wordabout the powerful impact sport andexercise can have on your quality oflife.”

It will have a key role in promotingexercise to NHS patients andintroducing exercise into thetreatment plans of those patientswho would benefit. The Instituteplans to continue research into theseareas and to offer expert teachingand training in sport and exercisemedicine and other related fields.

Based at 170 Tottenham Court Roadin the heart of London, facilities atthe ISEH include a suite of consultingfacilities, ultrasound, X-ray and MRIscanning equipment, an outpatientarea and research and educationfacilities.

Professor Fares Haddad, director ofthe Institute of Sport, Exercise andHealth, added: “Our new Institutebrings together clinical, scientific andresearch experts in a state-of-the-artfacility. By working closely togetherwe will be able to create aninternational centre of excellence forsport and exercise medicine andsurgery. The Institute will be the mostimpressive and sustained healthlegacy from the London 2012Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

“Our clinical and academic expertisewill not only help our athletes win

medals but help treat ‘weekendwarriors’ who pick up sportinginjuries.

“We will also have a role inpromoting the benefits of exercise toour patients. So regardless ofwhether you are a cancer patient, arespiratory patient, a cardiac patientor a diabetic patient, if we canintroduce exercise into yourtreatment programme, you willbenefit. People talk a great dealabout obesity as a great problemaffecting society but it’s actually

inactivity that is the biggest threat toour well-being.”

The ISEH has developed strongrelationships with leading sportingstakeholders including the EuropeanGolf Tour, Rugby FootballUnion,Football Association andNational Football League.

It will focus on building affiliationswith other international sports clubsand organisations with the ambitionof the Institute becoming the premierworldwide destination for sportsinjury treatment.

Sir Robert Naylor (CEO, UCLH), Lord Sebastian Coe (chairman, BOA), professor FaresHaddad director of ISEH), Dame Tessa Jowell MP and Richard Murley (chair, UCLH) at theofficial opening.

Older people keen to use technology, study findsOLDER adults want to adopt moderntechnology to help improve theirquality of life, despite a huge‘technology gap’, new research hasfound.

A study conducted by theChallenging Obstacles and BarriersAssisted Living Technology teamdiscovered that despite beingbranded a generation oftechnophobes older people areactually happy and eager to embracenew devices and equipment.

The research group, led by academicsfrom the University of Sheffield, havebeen working closely with a widerange of older adults and health andsocial care professionals across theUK to identify why there is currently ahuge gap between developments intechnology and the low uptake of

people using it in their daily lives.

Extensive research has found thatwhen asked to describe technologythey love – older adults frequentlymentioned mobile phones,computers and digital cameras.Reasons included that the technologyis easy or convenient to use, itenables them to keep doing thingsthat are important to them andmeets their needs.

When asked about the equipmentthey had abandoned, reasonsincluded that the device wascumbersome or did not meet theirneeds and that the technology wasdifficult to use.

COBALT research suggests a lack ofawareness of what is available andthe knowledge of how to access itare two of the main obstacles

preventing people using technology.The study also highlighted a gapbetween mainstream technologywhich is used by everyone, such asiPads and smart phones, andtechnology provided by statutoryservices.

Project leader, professor Arlene Astellfrom the University of Sheffield'sSchool of Health and RelatedResearch, said: “Technology can playa big part in helping people stay athome and keep doing the things thatare important for them to have agood life. If older people can liveindependently as long as possible thisis good for them, their families andsociety.

“With our ageing population it isincreasingly important to keep peopleas well and independent as possible,

which includes their mental health.Keeping them in their own homesand out of hospital is a priority forhealth and social care providers andtechnology has a vital role to play."

The COBALT research shows thatolder adults have a thirst fortechnology that can make their lifebetter. As part of understanding thebarriers of getting technology out topeople, COBALT has also workedwith health and social care staff,service commissioners and providers.

By gathering knowledge andexperiences from all these groupsCOBALT aims to help the AssistiveLiving Technology industry takeadvantage of the current gap in themarket and place the UK at theforefront of developing technologyfor older adults.

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BHTA backs new measuresto protect consumersBy Dominic Musgrave

THE British Healthcare TradesAssociation is one of the firstassociations supporting a new UK-wide scheme to strengthen industryself-regulation.

The organisation is an inauguralmember of the Trading StandardsInstitute’s new Consumer CodesApproval Scheme to give customersgreater confidence in tradeassociations and businessorganisations that operate codes ofpractice.

BHTA director general RayHodgkinson MBE added: “We wantconsumers to be able to buy withconfidence by going to BHTAmember companies. We have powersto investigate and report on anycomplaints involving our members.

“The Code of Practice sets out thestandards that they must meet todemonstrate best practice in theirbusiness dealings.

“We are delighted that our code hasalready achieved approval under the

new Trading Standards Institute'sConsumer Codes Approval Scheme.This means that our membercompanies must trade ethically andprofessionally.”

More than 15,000 traders havealready signed up to one of nineapproved codes of practice.Consumers will be able to look forthe TSI Approved Code logo, orsearch a dedicated database on thewebsite for a member of anapproved code in their area.

Under the scheme, which replacesthe Office of Fair Trading scheme,businesses will also be required tooffer enhanced consumer protection,including offering ombudsman orarbitration to resolve disputes,protecting customer deposits andrespecting consumers in their ownhome.

It has been given the Government’sofficial backing by consumer ministerJo Swinson, who said it will boostconsumer confidence and encourageeconomic growth.

TSI chief executive Leon Livermore

added: “We will be reinforcing thefact that failure for any trader tocomply with an industry code, whoselogo they display, is a criminaloffence for which they could facefines or imprisonment.

“We're not going to be shy intackling some of the biggestindustries that cause the greatestproblems to consumers. We alreadyhave members of the scheme

covering the motor industry, solarpower, mobility aids and debt – butwe expect to include double glazing,furniture and travel in the nearfuture.

“We are confident more memberswill come on board as they recognisethe power of the TSI ConsumerCodes Approval Scheme logo inattracting consumers to theirbusiness."

BHTA director general Ray Hodgkinson with consumer minister Jo Swinson.

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PLANS for a dedicated zone foroccupational therapists at next year’sNaidex National have been unveiledby the College of OccupationalTherapists and organisers i2i EventsGroup.

This new space will be part ofNaidex’s flagship event taking placefrom April 29 to May 1 at the NEC,Birmingham.

For the first time at the event a fullCollege-led programme will takeplace in one location, including ‘meetthe expert’ sessions, student-focusedseminars and workshops withCollege staff.

Experts from the UK’s professionalbody for occupational therapists willdevelop the content in collaborationwith i2i Events Group to ensure itmeets their professional standards.

Julia Scott, chief executive of theCollege of Occupational Therapists,said: “We are always seeking ways toimprove our services for membersand we are delighted to be doingthis through our partnership with i2iEvents Group, the organisers ofNaidex National with whom we havea longstanding relationship.

“Together, we will provide excellentCPD opportunities for our members

at Naidex in 2014. We have workedwith i2i and Naidex for many yearsand so this is a natural progressionfor our two organisations.

“We decided to have a strongerpresence at Naidex National next yearbecause of their track record inattracting occupational therapists toan annual event that iscomplementary to our own.”

Liz Logan, event director for NaidexNational, added: “This extendedstrategic alliance with the College isfantastic news for occupationaltherapists visiting Naidex Nationaland will build on the 30 per centincrease in occupational therapistswho attended the event in 2013, tomake 2014 the best year yet.”

New occupational therapyzone revealed for Naidex

Julia Scott

THE College of Podiatry is hosting itsannual conference in Liverpool forthe first time at the Arena andConference Centre.

This year’s conference programmeoffers an unprecedented line-up ofrenowned keynote speakers,specialist concurrent sessions andhands-on workshops designed tomeet the training and learning needsof anyone and everyone working inpodiatry.

Some of the highlights include‘bionic vet’ Dr Noel Fitzpatrick, whowill give a fascinating and uniquepresentation giving insights onprosthetic limb surgery for animals inthe opening plenary.

Alon Wolf, professor of mechanicalengineering and director of theBiorobotics and Biomechanics LabTechnion at the University andInstitute of Technology in Israel willdiscuss the use of robotic systems inthe clinic, while Simon Bartold istravelling from South Australia to talkto delegates about plantar heel painand gait. In addition, many otherleading experts in all specialisms ofpodiatry will give delegates essentialclinical skills, learning updates, newideas and issues for discussion and

debate that can be taken back intothe workplace and shared withcolleagues and other like-mindedpodiatry professionals.

With the largest podiatry exhibitionin Europe, featuring over 80exhibitors, the annual conferencecontinues to offer the best means ofobtaining valuable CPD credits,learning updates and excellentnetworking opportunities all in oneplace.

Annual conferenceheads to Liverpool

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Prosthetic centre donates legto South American womanBy Dominic Musgrave

A SOUTH American woman has beengiven a “new beginning” in life afterThe London Prosthetic Centreconstructed a new leg for her.

Pearly Isaacs lost her right leg at theage of 11 after she was attacked bya rattlesnake when working on herfamily’s farm land.

Her grandfather saved Pearly’s life byusing traditional bush medicine andtying a tourniquet around her leg tostop the poison spreading, but thisresulted in the amputation of her leg.

At the age of 16 Pearly, who comesfrom the North Rupununi District, inSouth West Guyana, South America,was fitted with an aluminium limb,but she soon outgrew this and itbecame painful for her to walk on it.

At the beginning of this year Pearly,who is now aged 24, lost her firstborn child four weeks after givingbirth, she was left devastated. Soonafter this tragedy Pearly met forestryworker John Home, who was movedby Pearly’s bravery and offered tohelp her obtain a new leg.

He wrote to the London ProstheticCentre and leading consultantprosthetist Abdo Haidar agreed tohelp Pearly. Abdo constructed a leg

from titanium, which would havecost £8,000 to buy. Pearly has sincebeen fitted with the leg and says ithas transformed her life.

She explained: “Sometimes I can stillhardly believe what has happened tome. For years I have struggled with ametal leg.

“It became painful as I grew olderbut I had no way of changing mysituation. My heart was broken whenI lost my child and I found it hard toface life.

“When I met John and he offered tohelp me I did not see how he could.But he did more than I could everbelieve. When I was fitted with mynew leg it took me a while to getused to it. I feel as if my life has beenrestored. What makes my heartgladdest of all is that people whohad no reason to help me havechanged my life forever.”

Pearly says that she thanks God everyday for the two men that havechanged her life. She has written tothe clinic to express the depth of hergratitude.

John said: “I find it hard to put intowords what I felt when I saw Pearlywalk on her new leg for the firsttime, her smile was brilliant to see it

was incredibly moving. It was aprivilege to help her.”

Abdo added: “I was given a little bitof information about Pearly and thestruggles she faces in life. I felt that itwas our duty to do what we could.Making a limb for someone I havenever met presented us with aninteresting challenge, which I am

glad to say we met.

“No compromise was made on thequality of the prosthesis that wemade for her. It is very strong andwill last for around ten years. It has atitanium structure which supportsPearly as she walks. To receive Pearly’sletter is very touching and a reminderof the necessary work we do.”

John Home presents Pearly Isaacs with her new prosthetic leg.

THE Royal Bournemouth andChristchurch Hospitals NHSFoundation Trust has launched itsnew Ortho App about orthopaedicprocedures.

The Ortho App is an interactive toolwhich covers the whole patientjourney, from preparing to come intohospital to what should be done toaid recovery at home. It is nowavailable to download from theApple App Store.

Features include information on theRBCH Orthopaedics Department, atick list of what items a patientshould bring to hospital and films ofpost-operative physiotherapyexercises with an option to set areminder on when to do them.

It also contains generic informationabout the hospital, including traveldetails and maps. The firstprocedures to feature on the App areshoulder arthroscopic subacromialdecompressions and kneearthroscopies. More procedures willbe added over the coming months.

Lucy Hart, orthopaedic pathway andinnovation manager at RBCH, came

up with the idea for the App.

She said: “I’d sat in on pre-assessments with patients and seenthe vast amount of information thatwas given out. Often writteninformation can be easily forgottenso we wanted something that wasinteractive, with more videos ratherthan static drawings.

“I really believe the App will improvea patient’s access to information in aformat where they will be able toeasily select the information theywant. It will also encourage familyand friends to get involved with apatient’s journey as they candownload the App themselves andhelp their relative or friend to preparefor hospital and encourage themwith their recovery at home.”

Current and former patients arebeing encouraged to download andtest the App and provide furtherfeedback as improvements willcontinue to be made over thecoming months. After a period oftesting and feedback from the public,further upgrades will be made andan android version will also bereleased.

Hospitals Trust launchesinteractive Ortho App

Digital assistant mayrevolutionise careTHE University of Reading is playinga leading role in a pioneeringcollaboration which couldrevolutionise the country's healthcare provision.

The £12million project, funded bythe Engineering and PhysicalSciences Research Council, aims todevelop a 24/7 digital home healthassistant. New home sensor systemswill monitor the health andwellbeing of people living at home,potentially detecting overnight ormini-strokes on waking, bymonitoring small changes inbehaviour, expression and gait.

SPHERE (Sensor Platform forHEalthcare in a ResidentialEnvironment), is a response to theunprecedented challenges the UK'shealthcare system faces. Isolation,depression, strokes and fracturescaused by falls in the home.

The system will be general-purpose,low-cost and accessible withUniversity of Reading expertisecentral to two of the project'sprimary goals. The first is toproduce ‘passive sensors’ inassociation with the Universities of

Bristol and Southampton that canbe worn and forgotten.

Professor William Harwin, from theUniversity's School of SystemsEngineering, said: "The productionof ubiquitous and unobtrusive'passive sensors' is a key constituentpart of this project. These sensorscould be embedded in clothing orjewellery, or more ambitiouslyimplanted, possibly in associationwith remedial surgery.

“Information from these sensorswill monitor and track the signaturemovements of people in theirhomes and trigger a response inaccordance with health needs. Forexample there are signaturemovements that are an indicationthat a person may have anincreased risk of falling.

“The concept is to allow the healthcare experts, residents and carers tohave information that is appropriateto their needs, which could rangefrom identifying activities that couldcause concern, through to directfeedback to the individual tosuggest alternative behaviours thatwould reduce risk.”

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Are athletes with limb absencehelping to champion the cause?By Sarah Deans

THE UK successfully hosted theLondon Paralympics in 2012showcasing the talents of incredibleParalympians.

Glasgow aims to repeat this triumphwith the 2014 CommonwealthGames featuring a fully inclusivesports programme. Countless peoplewho lead a sedentary lifestyle areencouraged to view and celebrateathletes as role-models who willinspire them to become physicallyactive.

However, this must surely betempered with the fact that lowlevels of physical activity areprevalent? Only 40 per cent of menand 28 per cent of women meet theminimum UK adult physical activityfor health recommendations of 30minutes of moderate intensityactivity on five or more days a week.

The UK government hasresponsibility for maximising anincrease in participation atcommunity and grassroots level in

all sport. A second ambition of bothevents is to increase the capacity ofthe sports infrastructure throughclub formation and development,improved facilities, and coaching,training and education.

However, a recent review on theimpact of the 2012 Olympics hasseen the Government accused offailing to hit its sporting goal withfewer people playing sport than ayear ago.

Is it reasonable to expectquadrennial events like theParalympic Games and forthcomingCommonwealth Games to promotelegacies of a forever active andhealthier UK population? As aprosthetist, I believe our professionand others are in the uniqueposition of being able to continuallypromote and encourage physicalactivity for health during lifelongcare of those with limb absence.

It is heartening to learn of agrowing body of evidence focussingon physical activity, exercise and

sport in people with limb absence.Research shows there is littleinvolvement in physical activityconducive to health benefits, andonly a minority participate in sports.

Uptake following amputation doesnot mirror that of pre-amputationlevels, and more barriers thanmotivations exist to adopting ormaintaining a physically activelifestyle. Studies exploring masteryof physical activity and sports skills,

and body image perception and self-esteem concepts could informfuture research on improving healthoutcomes in limb absent people andtheir healthcare professionals.

In essence, I would like to seeresearch which capitalises onextensive physical activity for healthresearch in general adultpopulations and use these findingsto investigate similar notions inthose with limb absence.

I believe that participation in eventssuch as the Paralympics andCommonwealth Games may be aninspirational reality for a few, butachieving a level of weekly physicalactivity conducive to healthimprovement should be a lifelongreality for all.

� Sarah Deans is a prosthetist,orthotist and teaching fellow at theDepartment of BiomedicalEngineering incorporating theNational Centre for Prosthetics andOrthotics at University of Strathclydein Glasgow.

Sarah Deans

Amputee Adrian aims tocompete with new bladeA LEEDS-based amputee athlete is setto compete at the 2013 DuathlonWorld Championships on advancednew running blades.

Prior to losing his right leg after aroad traffic accident in 2006, AdrianHowden was an internationaldistance runner. Following theamputation, the NHS prescribedAdrian with a carbon fibre runningblade, which was fitted by RSLSteeper at the Leeds TeachingHospital in Seacroft, and he has beencompeting in disabled triathlons andduathlons ever since.

Now, RSL Steeper has fitted Adrianwith an advanced new ‘Catapult’running foot from FreedomInnovations, which features a carbonfibre support and is designed to helphim run faster and further.

After finishing fifth in the DuathlonWorld Championships in 2011 and2012, Adrian hopes to do evenbetter in 2013 with the help of hisnew blade, and is currently raisingfunds for this year’s event in Ottawa,Canada.

He said: “Triathlon and duathlon arebecoming increasingly popular thanksto the inclusion of triathlon in the2016 Rio Olympics.

“The standard is getting better andbetter, and my new running bladefrom RSL Steeper will help me to

improve my times and continue tocompete at the highest level.

“The World Championships inOttawa are a great opportunity forme to fly the flag for GB, but the tripto Canada is very expensive. I’m nowlooking to raise £1,700 to pay for theflights and accommodation so I cancompete.”

Adrian posted a personal best atboth the 2012 Duathlon WorldChampionships in Nancy and at theClumber Park Duathlon in May on hisnew running blade.

Adrian Howden

Richard aims to raise£1m with challengeRICHARD Whitehead is embarkingon an ambitious journey of over900 miles running from JohnO’Groats to Land’s End.

He will be running the equivalent of40 marathons in 40 days and isaiming to raise £1million for theSarcoma UK and Scope charities.

Richard said: “The reason I’m doingthe run from John O’Groats toLand’s End is simple – to prove thatany barrier can be overcome.

“I’m living proof that having adisability shouldn’t stop you fromachieving your goals. I’m a strongbeliever in living a life withoutlimits, what my life has been aboutis accepting who you are andmaking the most of it.

“Once you've done that, you canpush the barriers as far as they’llgo.”

Össur has been named as ‘technicalpartner’ for the run, having workedwith Richard for many years withrunning prosthesis used to setmultiple world records and claimParalympic gold medals.

Richard Hirons, Össur clinicalspecialist, added “Having workedwith Rich on a large number ofevents we are proud to helpsupport him on this project.

“We will be ensuring that his

prosthetic needs are taken care ofand be on hand during the event tosort out any issues that may arise.”

Richard competes on Össur Flex-Run® carbon fibre feet, specificallydesigned for longer distancerunning.

Richard Whitehead in training for his900-mile run from John O’Groats toLands End.

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Tyke Racing, Beevor Street, Hoyle Mill, Barnsley, S711HN Twitter: @tykeracing Facebook: facebook.com/tykeracing

For enquiries contact us on:

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CORPORATE EVENTS, HOSPITALITY & TEAM BUILDING

Exercise bike is a breathof fresh air for patientsBy Dominic Musgrave

PATIENTS who often feel short ofbreath can make use of a specialistexercise bike at Christchurch Hospital.

The £1,300 bike, bought with fundsraised by the hospital trust’s Leagueof Friends, operates at a lowintensity, meaning little pressureneeds to be applied to get it moving,making it ideal for a wide range ofpatients. It will be used in pulmonaryrehabilitation classes which takeplace at the hospital, benefitingaround 40 patients every week.

The specially designed classescombine physical exercise with adviceon lung health and coping withbreathlessness.

Charlotte Church, physiotherapist atthe hospital, said: “We are extremelygrateful to the League of Friends forthis bike.

“Cycling and walking are welladvocated in pulmonary rehabilitationand as the bike is static, it means ourpatients don’t need to worry abouttheir balance or any physicallimitations that would normallyprevent them from using a bicycle.

“One lady was actually brought totears when she used the bike as shedidn’t think she’d ever be able to usea bicycle again.”

As well as operating at low intensity,the bike monitors speed, distancetravelled, heart rate and caloriesburned.

Janella Banks, secretary of the Leagueof Friends, added: “One of the keyaims of the League of Friends is tomake a big difference to patients andstaff.

“It’s nice to see where the moneygoes and the difference somethinglike this bike makes.”

Rehabilitation assistant Rob Flux, Gill Kennett and her husband Ted who attends thesessions, physiotherapist Charlotte Church and secretary of the League of FriendsJanella Banks.

Firm opens first officein GermanyTOUCH Bionics has opened itsfirst office in Germany.

The new facility in Heidelberg-Walldorf will provide the firm witha sales and support centre for itskey German market.

“Germany has always been a veryimportant market for TouchBionics and with this dedicatedoffice we are demonstrating ourcommitment to supporting ourGerman customers andcontinuing to grow our businessin the country,” said Ian Stevens,CEO of Touch Bionics. “We haveseen a lot of interest in the new i-limb ultra revolution in Germany,and look forward to working withprosthetics centres throughout thecountry to provide this remarkableproduct.”

Touch Bionics is the companybehind world-leading prostheticinnovations including the i-limbultra and i-limb digits. Mostrecently, the company launchedthe i-limb ultra revolution, whichintroduced powered thumbrotation and can be configured bya mobile app.

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RHYS Davies is a rugby union referee,working with the RFU National Panel,with experience of running touch atgrounds such as Northampton Saints,Leicester Tigers, Wasps andHarlequins and officiating atHeineken and Amlin Cup matches.

Rhys’ Plantar Fasciitis began with atight Achilles feeling at the back ofhis heel after a long run or afterofficiating a match.

Despite trying various insoles andstrapping techniques, the pain beganto mean that Rhys needed more andmore recovery time after activity.Sports massage and stretching wereno longer providing any relief.

“I confess to being sceptical when Isaw the support,” added Rhys.“However, I've used it for running,refereeing and running the line at amatch, and have been able to walkthe next day, and even been able toreferee another game the day afterrunning the line in one.”

The case study can be downloaded fromwww.chaneco.co.uk

PFS strap dramatically reducesRhys’ Plantar Fasciitis pain

THE Medalin Fuller Fitting Long Sockhas been developed for peoplewhere size is an issue.

In conditions such as Lymphedema orwater retention the sock will fit limbswith a circumference ofapproximately 85cm.

It is manufactured from the finestquality soft cotton combined withLycra to give a gentle yet firm controlthroughout the leg and foot.

In the leg the stitch construction hasbeen designed to stretch to themaximum while remaining a pliableand breathable fabric.

It is produced in three foot sizes –small, medium and large – and arange of five colours – black, white,beige, mid-grey and navy.

Enquiries: Further information on theproduct is available on 0116 2766948

or at www.medalin.com

Sock overcomes size problems

MADE to measure foot orthoses aremore accessible than ever thanks toPro-Fit Technologies Ltd’s use oftechnology to produce advancedproducts quickly and at much lowercosts than bespoke orthoses havehistorically been.

With the new OCCO range you canoffer your patient a moreindividualised experience resultingwith better fitting and performingorthotics without the need to heatmould or add bits here and there tooff-the-shelf devices.

You will provide your patient with amade to measure prescriptive pair oforthoses that are guaranteed for fiveyears. They will have their name

engraved on the base along with aserial number to make repeatsstraightforward. Each pair of footorthoses are individually designedand manufactured in the UK.

No need to take casts or impressions,just measure each foot and select theamount of control, left and right feetand forefoot and rearfoot can bespecified separately.

Go online to your account or simplyemail the details to us; you’ll haveyour custom foot orthoses withinthree days, all for just £35+vat+p&pper pair.

Enquiries: Visit pro-fit-tech.co.uk

or email info@pro-fit-tech.co.uk

Affordable bespoke foot orthoses

Half of women suffer footproblems after wearing heelsHALF of women have experiencedsome form of foot problems afterwearing a pair of uncomfortableshoes, new research has revealed.

A study by The College of Podiatryfound that 43 per cent of femalesstill suffer in the name of fashion,and consultant podiatrist Mike O'Neillwarned that people who persist withthese heels could have long-termdamage. This could range fromarthritis, stress fractures, trappednerves and even surgery.

The team of researchers also foundthat the average time it takes for a

pair of heels to start hurting is onehour, six minutes and 48 seconds,although 20 per cent of respondentsexplained that this sensation kickedin after just 10 minutes. Manywomen have looked to combat thisproblem by taking a pair of 'flat'shoes to relieve the strain their feetare under while on a night out.

The study also revealed that one infour females have even resorted todancing barefoot in a nightclub,which in turn can add even morehealth risks with the potential tostand on broken glass or forsomeone to stand on their foot.

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A DOUBLE amputee runner hascompleted the world’s toughest raceusing a revolutionary running blade.

Blatchford’s new Blade XT was givenits toughest test by Chris Moon whenhe competed in the ultimatechallenge through Badwater, DeathValley.

The event pitted approximately 90 ofthe world's top ultra-athletes –runners, tri-athletes, adventureracers, and mountaineers – againstone another and the elements.

Covering 135 miles non-stop fromDeath Valley to Mt. Whitney,California in temperatures up to 55degrees, it is the most demandingand extreme running race offeredanywhere on the planet.

Chris, who now works as amotivational speaker after losing hislower right arm and leg afterstepping on a landmine in 1995 andsurviving against the odds, completedthe course in 45 hours, four minutesand 40 seconds to finish 68th overall.

The endolite Blade XT, with its ECarbon technology, incorporates auniquely designed heel segment thatenables the user to achieve top levelsprint speeds but also reduce thedamage to other joints which areunder huge loading from the impactof competitive sport.

Chris, who has been involved intesting and developing artificial limbsfor many years, said: “Endolite has

produced what I think is a significantadvance in prosthetics.

“People are aware of the Paralympicsand blades that enable sprinters toperform at the highest level. Whatendolite has produced is a blade withan ankle and heel function thatenhances the performance of thelong distance athlete.”

He was raising money for TheCambodia Trust. The charity wasinitially established in response to thelegacy of landmines in Cambodia,and is now the world leader in thetraining of prosthetists and orthotists.

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Double amputeerunner takes ontoughest raceusing Blade XT

Chris Moon competing using the Blade XT.

MORE than 65 delegates from multi-disciplines across Wales cametogether at the Millennium Stadiumfor the fourth Beagle Orthopaedicspinal seminar day.

It started with a thought-provokingpresentation from Sreedhar Kolli fromthe Welsh Spinal Cord InjuryRehabilitation Centre on the'Physiological instability after spinalcord injury'.

This was followed by an insightfullecture from Dave Gamble, clinicallead orthotist for the Aneurin BevanHealth Board on the Principles of

spinal immobilisation’.

Paul Harrison, clinical developmentofficer at the Princess Royal SpinalInjuries Centre concluded themorning with a lecture about 'Spinalcord injury pathway' and howimperative the care of the spinal cordinjured patient is from moment ofinjury, and how the critical andrehabilitative care should becombined to prevent seriousconsequences. Four interactiveworkshops from fitting of products tothe manual handling of a spinalinjured patients rounded off the day.

OTTOBOCK has launched a new rigidframe knee orthosis, the Xeleton, aswell as announcing a new look forthe international award-winningGenu Arexa.

Both orthoses offer specialised designto stabilise the knee joint followingcruciate ligament injuries and ensuresuccessful treatment outcomesthrough early mobilisation.

“Wearing knee orthoses in the earlypost-operative phase allows patientsto be mobilised sooner because theyperceive greater stability,” said DrSven Scheffler, a specialist inorthopaedics and traumatology. “Asa result, patients start trusting theirjoints sooner, which is critical for an

early return to work and everydayactivities.”

The Xeleton and Genu Arexa framesare made from a robust aluminiumalloy for a firm and slip-free fitaffording the user secure stabilityduring everyday activities.

The orthoses feature anatomicallyshaped tibia pads to prevent pressuremarks on the shin when under stressas well as preventing undesiredrotation of the device.

The Xeleton is available in bothstandard and long versions; the GenuArexa is equipped with auto-adaptiveplastic shells that conform to thecontours of the leg for wearercomfort.

Ottobock launches Xeletonand updates Genu Arexa

Footlabs defeated Algeos 1-0 to win the annual orthotics technicians five-a-side footballcompetition. Matthew Jordan, an orthotic technician from Footlabs, also grabbed himselfthe prize for player of the tournament. Footlabs beat Head 2 Toe 3-0 in their all-Sheffieldsemi-final, with Algeos booking their final spot with a 4-2 win against Aortha in a matchplayed by two Merseyside-based companies. The 12th annual tournament raised £130 forMeningitis UK.

Pictured is the winning Footlabs team.

Beagle hosts spinal event

Bronia Thomas, Karen Hunter and Deborah Porter, of South Tyneside NHS FoundationTrust’s falls prevention team.

Best foot forward to avoid fallsFALLS prevention specialists fromSouth Tyneside NHS Foundation Trustencouraged older people and theirrelatives and carers in South Tyneside,Gateshead and Sunderland to puttheir best foot forward during therecent Falls Awareness Week.

The focus for the week was onkeeping feet healthy to maintainmobility and independence.

Bronia Thomas, falls nurse specialist

for South Tyneside, said: “Around athird of over 65s and half of thoseover 80 fall every year and falls canhave potentially devastatingconsequences, which can beanything from fractures and headinjuries to loss of confidence andindependence.

“Our aim was to raise awareness ofthe many simple things that olderpeople can do to prevent falls.”

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