assistive technologies dec09/jan10

By Dominic Musgrave

SCIENTISTS in America have developed arobotic arm to help wheelchair users opendoors.The permanently mounted door-openingrobotic arm (Dora) was brainchild of ErinRapacki, and has the potential to increase apower wheelchair user’s accessibility to in-door spaces. In tests the gripper openeddoors with 14 different handles in 85 percent of tests involving pushing the door, and65 per cent of pulling.Erin told Assistive Technologies that whilecreating the arm, which cost 2000 dollars,she kept in mind that wheelchair users areoften unable to reach and turn handles.She added: “Wheelchair-mounted robotarms are typically designed with manydegrees of freedom to provide users with ageneral-purpose device for manipulatingmany of the objects necessary for activitiesof daily living. I considered a variety ofdesigns of door knobs and handles that adoor-opening robot must be able to grasp,and calculated how much force is needed toopen the door, the twisting angles tounlatch the door, and how much force isneeded to unlatch it.

“Commercially available systems are quiteexpensive and are usually not covered byinsurance. What we have designed is anarm specifically to unlatch door knobs anddoor handles while being permanentlymounted to a power wheelchair.”The idea for the arm began as a projectwhile she was studying at the University ofMassachusetts, and she has continued todevelop it while working at Anybots.The system works by using a single motor,with a slip clutch allowing the arm to twistand push (or pull) at the same time.Erin said the key to its success was findingthe right material for the fingers, somethinghard enough to grasp the handle, butsupple enough to fit a range of shapes. She added: “I first tried flexible neoprenefingers, thinking that they could bend tograsp the knob, but these proved too thickand soft. Stiff plastic fingers with plates toconstrain their sideways motion provedmuch more effective.”Although Dora is able to unlatch a numberof door knobs and handles with similarcharacteristics, Erin said there are severallimitations to the design that need to beaddressed prior to using the robot in arehabilitation environment.

Dora opensdoors forchair users

Former Paralympic basketball player Ade Adepitan was the specialguest at the annual British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA)awards held at Hotel Russell in London. The television presenterwas on hand to help present numerous awards on the evening,including the excellence awards sponsored by AssistiveTechnologies magazine.

INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE ISSUE 70 December 09/January 10 £6.95

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ContactsEditorialAndrew Harrod Group [email protected]

Dominic Musgrave Healthcare EditorEmail: [email protected] Tel: 01226 734407

Sales Ellen Sharp Sales representativeEmail: [email protected] Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478

Sales and Marketing DirectorTony Barry Email: [email protected]

[email protected] hour hotline: 01226 734695

Design/Production Judith Halkerston Group Deputy EditorEmail: [email protected]

Stewart Holt Studio ManagerEmail: [email protected]

Whilst every effort ismade to ensure the accuracy of all contents,the publishers do notaccept liability for anyerror, printed or otherwise, that mayoccur.

www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk

Olympic athlete Jade Johnson and new boxing worldchampion David Haye are using healing technology usuallyreserved for people recovering from plastic surgery to helpwith their recovery.Long jumper Jade is using the Hilotherapy system, whichreduces post-trauma swelling and pain by circulating coolwater through adaptable cuffs, on the knee she injured intraining for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.And David also used the system to help both prepare andrecuperate from his encounter with the seven-foot RussianNikolai Valuev.Picture: BBC images from Strictly Come Dancing

By Dominic Musgrave

THE team behind a robotic handthat can automatically change itsgrasping force using compressed airhas won a top award.

The undergraduate students fromVirginia Tech College ofEngineering’s robotics andmechanisms laboratory (RoMeLa)won first place in the AmericanSociety of Mechanical Engineers’Student Mechanism and RobotDesign competition at theInternational Design EngineeringTechnical Conference.

Their winning entry was RAPHaEL 2(Robotic Air Powered Hand withElastic Ligaments), a second-generation version of the hand that

previously won an award from theCompressed Air and Gas Institute.

Dennis Hong, director of RoMeLa,told Assistive Technologies thatbecause the hand's grasping forceand compliance is adjusted bychanging the air pressure, it doesnot require the use of motors.

He added: “The most significantchange for RAPHaEL 2 is the closedloop control mechanism andsensors for automatic position andforce feedback of the fingers usingLabVIEW and data acquisitionhardware.

“The material that comprises thehand were also changed to adurable polycarbonate material,replacing a fragile acrylic-based

material that was prone tobreakage.

"This gives us a lot more controlover the kinds of things we can dowith the hand and eventually wehope to be able to tell how soft anobject you're grabbing is just bytouching it."

Additional tweaks planned includethe ability to grasp small movingobjects as well as the use ofsilicone, carbon fibre and othermaterials to make the hand lighter,simpler in structure, and alsoappear more human.

RAPHaEL 2 is part of a largerRoMeLa project called thehumanoid robot CHARLI (CognitiveHumanoid Robot with Learning

Intelligence).

Once the hand is connected to thebody, it will be able to pick up –not just grasp and hold – objects aswould a person. It is hoped thatCHARLI will one day be able towalk around campus, giving toursof Virginia Tech to visitors andpotential students.

Top award for robotic hand

Research claims people wouldrather rely on gadgets than familyPEOPLE would rather rely ongadgets than family in oldage, new research hasclaimed.

Almost half the peopleasked by Which? magazinesaid that ideally they wouldrely on equipment to helpthem with day-to-daypracticalities at home, whileonly a third said help fromrelatives and friends wastheir first choice.

Around eight in 10 of the1,105 people aged 45 orover questioned thoughtassistive technology had thepotential to improve qualityof life in later years, and saidthey would use productsthat help prevent accidents ifthey enabled them to stayindependent.

Claire Lilley, senior policyadviser at Which? said:“People are clearly open tothe idea of using assistivetechnology.

“They want to remain

independent for as long aspossible into old age, andfeel these products have thepotential to help them.

“What we need to look atnow is how we can breakdown the barriers stoppingpeople from using andbuying assistive technology,and whether the market isready to handle increaseddemand.”

However, affordabilityemerged as the biggestpotential barrier for peoplebuying products in future,with more than a third ofpeople are more inclined toconsider buying assistivetechnology if they thoughtthe products representedvalue for money, or theycould access financial help topay for them.

Other barriers included alack of information aboutthe technology available andhow to access it.

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ASSISTIVE Technologies magazinewas again the sponsor of theexcellence accolades at the annualBritish Healthcare Trades Association(BHTA) awards.The awards were again presented byAngela Rippon for the fifth year,while special guests includedtelevision presenter and formerParalympic basketball player AdeAdepitan who, after being diagnosedwith polio as a child, won a bronzemedal in Athens in 2004 and gold atthe World Cup in Manchester thefollowing year. The evening’s speaker was BaronessSue Campbell of Loughborough,who is one of the most influentialpeople in British sport as the chair ofUK Sport and of the Youth SportTrust. Instrumental in preparing thesuccessful British Olympic andParalympic teams in Beijing, she isnow heavily involved in ensuring theybuild on this for London 2012. The excellence awards recognisethose companies that have gone theextra mile in providing excellentservice and innovation over the lastyear.There are four categories: Mobility,Rehabilitation, Prosthetics andOrthotics, with the first three placesin each receiving an award.Wharncliffe Publishing managingdirector Michael Hewitt said:“Assistive Technologies magazinewas delighted to sponsor theseawards that recognise thoseorganisations that have made anexception contribution to theindustry.“It was very encouraging to see thatwe had a record number ofcompanies nominated and more thandouble the number of votes wereceived last year.“Our congratulations go to all thosecompanies put forward, but inparticular the category winners.”

The BHTA excellence awardssponsored by Assistive Technologiesmagazine:MobilityWinner – Albion Mobility Runner-up – Remploy Healthcare Highly commended – Invacare ProstheticsWinner – RSL Steeper Runner-up – Touch Bionics Highly commended – Otto Bock RehabilitationWinner – CareFlexRunner-up – Nottingham RehabSupplies Highly commended – Minivator OrthoticsWinner – Trulife Runner-up – Remploy Healthcare Highly commended – RSscan Lab Ltd

Record number of entriesfor AT-sponsored awards

Ade Adepitan with the winners above: Albion Mobility, RSL Steeper, Careflex and Trulife

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CHAS A Blatchford and Sons wonthe Independent Living Design awardat the annual British HealthcareTrades Association (BHTA) ceremony.

Salts Healthcare was second andEquip-able third in the awards whichwere sponsored by the association’sinsurance services.

They are judged from the point ofview primarily of innovation, but alsoexamine aesthetics; usability andpracticality; enhancement of qualityof life; and finally clarity of userinstructions and literature.

BHTA director general RayHodgkinson said: “This year’s awardshave continued to reflect excellenceand high standards being achieved inthe assistive technology sector.

“With people living longer and theGovernment’s aim to encourage

them to stay in their own homes,such products are more importantthan ever.”

Other awards presented on theevening saw Malcolm Lattimer fromBrookwood Mobility in Chesterfieldnamed employee of the year andThe Lifecare Centre in Dartford, Kentteam of the year. Both weresponsored by Naidex.

Bromakin Ltd took the DonaldBlatchford retailer of the yearsponsored by Thiis magazine prize,while Mike Sawers (Hollister) wonthe lifetime service award.

The ceremony was again held at theHotel Russell in London, and thisyear’s charity was When You WishUpon a Star, which makes dreamscome true for children with lifethreatening illnesses. The Chas A Blatchford and Sons team which won the independent living design award

Awards ‘continueto reflectexcellence andhigh standards’

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By Dominic Musgrave

ADULTS requiring physiotherapy willsoon be able to receive treatmentquicker and closer to their homesthanks to NHS Sheffield’s plannedchanges to the city’s musculoskeletalcommunity physiotherapy services.A number of Sheffield’s familydoctors, who are part of practice-based commissioning consortia,identified to NHS Sheffield that theyfelt the service was not givingpatients timely enough access tophysiotherapy. Patients thenconfirmed they felt the speed andflexibility of appointments needs toimprove, and that they would benefitfrom being treated closer to home.Lead for improving physiotherapyservices at NHS Sheffield, AlastairMew, said: “It is estimated that up to30 per cent of all GP consultationsare about musculoskeletal conditionsand that up to 60 per cent of peoplewho are on long term sick leave citemusculoskeletal problems as thereason.“This change will offer theimprovements to the servicerequested by patients and GPs alike,

including making them closer towhere people work and live, andspeeding up access to treatment.“We’re confident that we’ll receivebids from a number of organisations,expressing a wish to deliver thiscommunity based service, enabling usto pick the providers that will offerthe best possible communityphysiotherapy for people in the city.”NHS and private providers can bid todeliver the re-designed service, oncondition that they prove that theycan meet the requirements of thepeople of the city.The successful applicants will have tomeet a number of criteria, includingoffering pain managementprogrammes, acupuncture,ultrasound, exercise treatment,manipulation, and access to a gymand swimming pool if appropriate toa patient’s treatment needs.Members of the public also identifiedthat the new services should offerconvenient and easy access, withadequate parking facilities and publictransport stops within a five minutewalk. It is anticipated that the re-designed services will be offered from1st of April 2010.

Quicker andcloser physiofor Sheffield

TRIALS of a personal companionrobot have begun in homes in theUS.GeckoSystems say their CareBotaims to combat the feeling ofloneliness and loss of independencethat many elderly people living intheir own homes feel.It is made up of an aluminum frame,plastic shroud, two independentlydriven wheels, multiple sensorsystems, microprocessors and severalonboard computers connected in alocal area network. The micro-processors directly interact with thesensor systems and transmit data tothe onboard computers.GeckoSystems president and CEOMartin Spencer said: “Practical, costeffective mobile robot solutions areour primary goal, and we now aimto prove our long held belief thatpersonal companion mobile robots,like the CareBot, can help tens ofthousands of families take bettercare of their loved ones while savinga significant amount of money. Withthese trials we expect to learn agreat deal as to the reality of socialinteraction between human androbot in-home settings. In the nearfuture we will be reporting on thesocial interaction responses of thecare receiver – and the care giver –to this new type of in-home medicalmonitoring system.”The onboard computers each runindependent artificial intelligencesoftware programs. GeckoSavantscompletes tasks, while GeckoNav isresponsible for manoeuvering,avoiding dynamic and/or staticobstacles, seeking points andpatrolling. GeckoChat is responsiblefor interaction with the care receiversuch as answering questions,assisting with daily routines andreminders, and responding to otherverbal commands.

The CareBot is undergoing trialsin the US.

Personal companionrobot aiming to combatloneliness in elderly

Academy to host annual teachingseminar at LoughboroughTHE Össur Academy will host itsfourth annual teaching seminar nextSpring at Loughborough University.

More than 150 delegates areexpected to attend the meeting,which will be held at the Imagoconference facility in the town.

The programme will focus on lower

limb joints and common injuries, withspeakers presenting papers on topicssuch as hip replacement, kneeligament injuries and tendoncomplaints.

The course has been approved by theRoyal College of Physicians andawarded eight CPD hours.

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Beagle actingas sole UKdistributorBEAGLE Orthopaedic are acting forSaebo UK as sole distributors of theSaeboStretch® to the NHS.

Saebo Inc. is a leading globalprovider of innovative rehabilitationproducts for stroke survivors andother neurologically impairedindividuals. The leading cause oflong-term disability in the UK, strokeaffects over 150,000 people everyyear, leaving many with degeneratingside effects including the loss ofhand function.

The company’s treatment protocolsare based on new researchdocumenting the brain’s ability to ‘re-programme’ itself following injury.

The SaeboStretch® uses arevolutionary stretch technology,which allows the fingers to movethrough flexion caused by associatedreactions and tone.

In addition, it utilises a low-load,long-duration stretch to return thefingers to the desired position.

The SaeboStretch® overcomes issueswhich can result from traditionalsplints, including deformity, jointdamage, hypermobility, andcontractures.

It also includes threeinterchangeable hand pieces, eachwith a different grade of resistance.

PROMEDICS launched a new range ofproducts when they exhibited at theirfirst Medica conference inDusseldorf.The trade fair attracts more than138,000 visitors from more than 100countries, and more than 4,300exhibitors from 60 nations.Managing director David Baxendalesaid the company was keen topromote the benefits of havingproducts manufactured in Europe atthe event.He added: “We pride ourselves on the

high quality of our productsmanufactured in our purpose-builtsite in Port Glasgow.“We also recognise the need forexcellent service and meeting specificcustomer needs which we feel canonly be met being based in the UK.“We were inundated with visitorsfrom the first minute to the last. Theresponse to our manufacturingcapability was incredible, particularlyfrom the European companies, andwe obtained many sizeable ordersand requests to visit our facility.” The Promedics stand at Medica

A CHANGING consumer profile andrecent improvements in material andmodeling technologies have easedthe task of standardisingspecifications of orthotic devices. Within this climate Talar Made Ltdhas elected to focus its future effortson the pre-fabricated aspect of itsbusiness having sold its custommanufacturing division to the LangerUK Group earlier this year. However,clinical research and technicalinnovations will remain at the centreof its new operations.CEO Bernie Crewdson said: “Strongprofessional support and educationhas always been the hallmark of TalarMade’s reputation. Our appreciationof the resource issues that confrontour customers has allowed us toposition our company carefully togreatest effect. “A greater understanding of whatorthoses do is triggering a higher useof support devices.” The company has added a websitefor the general public to theirmarketing profile. It can be viewedby visiting www.paincontrol.co.uk

New range of products launched by Promedics

FLEXYFOOT is a new ferrule thatuses the same shock absorbencydevices as leading 4x4 vehicles.It hugely improves the grip of aids,leaving users feeling significantlymore stable, reducing falls markedly.Users on an independent trial praisedthe grip, comfort, safety andreduction in arm and shoulder pain.Flexyfoot uses a patented sealedplastic bellows: the air inside ispressurised during each step. Shockis progressively absorbed as thebellows is squeezed. The bellowssimultaneously flexes so that thetread is always in full contact withthe ground to maximise. In tests,Flexyfoot had 50 per cent more gripthan a standard ferrule and lasted 50per cent longer.

Product reducesfalls markedly

Firm changesproduct focus

A CUSTOM made lightweight devicewhich provides postural support fordisabled children has scooped anational award.Specialised Orthotic Services’ ‘P pod’ product won the bestbedroom/sitting product category at the enABLE09 Innovation Awards.The awards aim to demonstrate and

promote the products and servicesavailable to disabled consumers andtheir carers to meet theirindependent living needs.The ‘P’ pod is a simple, effectivesupport for use by disabled clients,and its unique design combines acustom moulded support within thesimplicity of a conventional bean bagbase.

National award for ‘P pod’ product

When did you become interested in theindustry and why?

Back in 1975 I spotted anadvertisement for a qualifiedengineer at the Orthotic andDisability Research Centre thatwas opening at Derby RoyalInfirmary. Shortly after applying forthe post I went to look around thecentre and was instantly attractedto the work that was to be donethere. How did your career in the industrybegin? One of the projects I was involvedwith was researching theapplication of supportive seatingfor disabled wheelchair users. Thisresulted in the development of theDerby moulded seat.How have you ended up where you aretoday?I set up Specialised OrthoticServices as a business to provide aservice for the assessment

manufactureand supply ofspecialseating.At first thiswas a oneman showworking fromhome andmanufacturingequipment from a workshop. What’s the biggest change you haveseen in the industry?

Without doubt the biggest changehas been the growth in theindustry and the increased rangeof services now offered by thehealthcare commercial sector. If you could make one recommendationto take the industry forward whatwould it be?

I would like to see the industryreally capitalise on its wealth ofexpertise.

Five minutes with Gordon McQuilton, MD of Specialised Orthotic Services Ltd

‘Growth in industry the biggest change’

Gordon McQuilton

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By Dominic Musgrave

METHODS to help older people whoare prone to suffering falls are beinginvestigated by researchers at aNorth East university.

Injuries caused by falls can lead toserious health problems, especially inolder people.

Now a team of researchers atTeesside are looking at possiblemethods of intervention which couldhelp to prevent falls in those whomay be most susceptible.

Anna Hatton, a qualifiedphysiotherapist and researchassistant in the university’s healthand social care institute, toldAssistive Technologies that one areathey are investigating is whetherwearing special textured insolescould help improve balance.

She added: “Falls can lead to othermajor health issues. We’re looking atwhether balance could be improvedthough textured insoles. It’ssomething which could be usedalongside current interventions tohelp prevent falls.”

The team, which includes academics

from New Zealand and a consultantfrom Newcastle’s Royal VictoriaInfirmary, has worked with around20 volunteers, and aims to seearound another 30 volunteers in thecoming months. The research isfocused on people aged over 65who are otherwise in good healthbut have fallen at least twice in thepast year.

Volunteers are invited to a speciallaboratory at The James CookUniversity Hospital, where theyundergo a few simple tests involvingtheir eyesight, balance, muscleactivation and sense of feeling onthe bottom of their feet.

Anna added: “Each volunteer visitsthe laboratory just once for a fewhours, although we may ask a fewpeople to come back again as theresearch continues. It’s simple andnon-invasive.

“Those who have taken part havesaid it has been an enjoyableexperience in that although it maynot make a difference to them, theyare pleased to think that theirinvolvement in the research couldhelp older people in the future withbalance problems.” Anna Hatton

Insole solution for fallsby elderly investigated

Technologyquestionsfor patientsCARERS and patients withdisabilities or mentalimpairments are being asked ifnewly-introduced technology isbenefiting them.

NHS Somerset is aiming toexpand its use of a range ofdevices and services helpingpeople live more independentlives.

The Assistive Technologyproducts being tested include asimple alert system and a bloodpressure monitor.

Deputy director of strategicdevelopment for NHS Somerset,Ann Anderson, said: “We haveidentified five priority areaswhere we think we should startto expand the use of assistivetechnology.

“For vulnerable people assistivetechnology could be used toincrease independence andconfidence and we areconsidering introducing a rangeof equipment to help them livesafely and independently in thecommunity.”

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By Dominic Musgrave

SCIENTISTS at a North Westuniversity are looking for malevolunteers to help them with a newstudy they are conducting.

Those who take part in theManchester Metropolitan Universitystudy will be asked to use crutchesfor three weeks while having one oftheir legs suspended in a sling andwearing an adapted trainer with a10cm sole on the other foot.

It is part of a £650,000 EU-fundedproject into disease and ageingsecured by professors Marco Nariciand David Jones, which forms part ofa £12m integrated project takingplace at universities across Europe.

Research fellow Dr Olivier Seynnes,who is overseeing the study, toldAssistive Technologies that theinformation gathered will be used ina variety of further research intoageing.

He added: “Our muscle mass andstrength naturally begin to decreasefrom the age of 30 but musclewastage can be a real problem after65.

“It is especially bad during times ofbed-rest or hospitalisation whenmuscles aren’t being used andrecovery from surgery and illness can

be much more complicated.”

“Our research aims to developmethods to both stop musclewastage happening before peoplego into hospital and to speed uptheir recovery.”

After three weeks on crutchesvolunteers will have their leg musclesexamined using ultrasound andmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)techniques, which are both free fromionizing radiation and not harmful tohealth, and their strength will betested by performing leg extensionson a dynamometer.

Three weeks of recovery usingresistance training with weights willfollow, and all effects from legsuspension are completely reversible.

Student Emma-Louise Campbell,who is exploring the role of exerciseand diet in preventing musclewasting in old age for her PhD,added: "Half of our volunteers willalso drink an amino acid solution toassess the impact of a proteinsupplement on muscle wasting."

Volunteers must be male, agedbetween 18-35 years and in goodhealth. During the three-week legsuspension period , which is due tostart in January, volunteers will notbe allowed to drive.

Men sought for crutch studyBAPO keynotespeaker isannouncedSENIOR lecturer and consultant inpaediatric neurology at Newcastleuniversity Dr Rob Forsyth will deliverthe OETT keynote speech at nextyear’s BAPO conference.He will speak about paediatric neuro-rehabilitation after acquired braininjury at the annual event, which willonce again be held at the ReebokStadium, Bolton on March 5 and 6.Peter Harsch, director of prostheticsat the Naval Medical Center in SandDiego, will deliver the Ossur keynotespeech on challenges and solutionsfor blast wound injuries.Lined up as part of the orthoticprogramme are paediatric consultantRachael Hutchinson, who will speakon prescribing insoles/heel cups forchildren with asymptomatic flat feet,and Mike Grice, who will be hostinga practical session on biomechanicalscreening.Bilateral amputee film and TV extraand action performer Darren Swiftwill also talk about his current projectto develop a snowboard bindingssystem that will enable double lowerlimb amputations to participateefficiently and effectively insnowboarding as part of theprosthetics programme.

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By Dominic Musgrave

COMBINING a common antidepressantmedication with intensive walking trainingcould help people recovering from a spinalcord injury, a study has claimed.

Researchers at the Rehabilitation Instituteof Chicago found that patients with partialrecovery of voluntary strength after a spinalcord injury who received commonantidepressant medication whileundergoing intensive walking trainingshowed greater recovery of their walkingability.

Dr. T. George Hornby, director of theNeurolocomotion Lab at the institute, said:“These results show a stark contrast to thetypical school of thought regarding the useof a prescription medication for improvingmotor function.

“They suggest that people with spinal cordinjury and some residual motor functionmay benefit from administration of SSRIswhen performing intensive walkingtraining.

“We are working to apply the promise ofthis new approach to current patients, andwill soon begin clinical trials to determine ifintervention earlier in the recovery processmay also provide benefits and help patientsregain walking ability.”

The research included 50 patients withsome residual motor function one yearremoved from their initial spinal cord injury.

Patients received up to 24 sessions ofintensive walking on a motorised treadmillover the course of eight weeks, in additionto 10 mg of common antidepressantmedication.

Patients also received up to 40 per centbody weight support and therapist orrobotic-assistance as needed to facilitatecontinuous walking.

Results were measured by the fastestpossible walking velocity performed, withsecondary measures including balance,strength, spastic reflexes, measures ofdepression and lower limb coordination andmuscle activation patterns during treadmillwalking. A patient being treated as part of the trial

Drug and trainingcombination boost forspinal injury patients

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By Louise Cordell

AN innovative walking aid hashelped a product designer win atelevision competition. Ilsa Parry beat off 11 rivals withher Flo design to win BBC2’sDesign for Life programme,winning a six-month placementwith award-winning designerPhilippe Starck’s agency in Paris. The Liverpool-based 27-year-olddeveloped her walking aid afterexploring lifecycles and theconcept of perpetual motionduring assignments, and becamefascinated by improving theefficiency of lifecycles. Applyingthe concepts to humans, shecreated the Flo, with the intentionof helping the less mobile retain asense of dignity and self worth.Ilsa added: “I like to look at all myproducts as companions to theirowners, to be used in conjunctionwith their daily lives, being usedwherever they may go andenabling them.“The idea behind Flo was to letthose who are less physically ablecontinue their lives in a way thatreflects the inner person andovercomes the outward physicalitybarriers.”Made from a carbon fibre

composite, the twisted aid isdesigned to lock the lower leg inplace, while the longer retainedupper body strength is usedintuitively to pull the body up.It has been granted design rightsin the UK, and currently haspatents pending in both the UKand USA. Ilsa is currently alsoseeking investment andcommercial manufacturingpartnerships to extend production.She added: “I was so thrilled whenI won Design for Life. It was agreat learning experience for me,especially as I was given thechance to work with Philippe. “As a designer my focus hasalways been on innovation andexperimentation, getting people toquestion things and recogniseproducts for what they are andassisting people to buildrelationships with more valuableproducts in order to encourage amore discerning consumersociety.”The product has also beenendorsed by Age Concern andHelp the Aged, and head of policyAndrew Harrop added: “Thechallenge older people face instaying as active and independentas possible is an often overlooked

issue, which is why it’s been greatto watch Ilsa address this withsuch passion and creativity and seeit take her so far within the show. “Lack of appropriate support canhave a devastating impact on an

older person’s long-term mobility,leaving them at risk of becominghousebound, isolated anddepressed. Hopefully Ilsa’sambitious design will go some wayto rectifying this.”

Ilsa Parry and, inset, the walking aid Picture: BBC/TWO FOUR

Walking aid brings success for Ilsa

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By Dominic Musgrave

A SENSATION test to help cliniciansdecide whether to reconstruct oramputate the lower limbs of patientswith severe injuries is being trialledat Charing Cross Hospital.

The Semmes Weinsteinmonofilament test (SWMT) iscommonly used to assess sensationin hands, but this is the first time it isbeing used on the feet of traumapatients.

Participants in the study are patientswho have suffered from leg-threatening injuries – many of whichhave been caused by motorcycle orpushbike accidents.

Donna Kennedy, clinical specialist inhand therapy, who is leading thestudy, told Assistive Technologiesthat sensation in patients’ feet iscurrently tested by touch or pinprick.

She added: “We see many patientswho have had horrific lower limbinjuries. If we can prove that theSWMT is a reliable and responsivetest for sensation in the foot, it couldreally assist with the clinical decision-making process.

“The new test works by pressingstrands of fibre with differentthickness against the patient’s foot inseven different areas.

“Clinicians test the finest or softestfibre first, progressing to the thickestuntil the patient says they can feel it.The test is repeated twice at four-hour intervals and the patient'suninjured foot is used as the study’scontrol.”

The study, which is painless andtakes half-an-hour to complete, istaking place at the bedsides of 30patients who have suffered injury toone leg in the acute trauma andorthopaedic wards at Charing CrossHospital.

Donna added: “The test haspreviously been used globally to testthe protective sensation thresholdsof patients with diabetes and leprosy

“Participants involved in our studywill typically have suffered a severelower limb trauma like acute footand ankle injuries, knee dislocations,tibia fractures and major soft-tissueissue.”

Joining Donna on the team areKatharine Carlisle, clinical lead for

trauma at orthopaedics foroccupational therapy and JagdeepNanchahal, professor of handsurgery.

It is being funded by theHammersmith Hospitals CharityTrustees and is organised by ImperialCollege Healthcare NHS Trust.

Sensation test under trialon trauma patients

Naidex opts for children’scharity in 2010WHEN You Wish upon a Star isthe chosen charity for nextyear’s Naidex exhibition.The charity grants the wishes ofchildren suffering from life-threatening illnesses from theages of two to 16.The event returns to theBirmingham NEC from April 20-22 and, as well as the seminars,will also feature thousands ofproducts being exhibited bymore than 360 companies.Visitors will be able to see thelatest innovations in assistivetechnology and communicationaids in the new CommunicationVillage, while another launch for2010 is the sensory garden – aninteractive area which allowsvisitors to stroll through, sit andenjoy a functioning garden thatappeals to all the senses. Event director Liz Virgo said:“We are very excited about theplans for 2010. Following onfrom this year’s event, whichwas the largest Naidex ever, nextyear’s show will be the first tocover three halls. With the newzones announced we trulybelieve there will be somethingfor everyone.”

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fingertips as sensitive as those ofpeople, thanks to research into theway our brains interpret our senses.Researchers at the universities ofEdinburgh and Sheffield connectedartificial mouse whiskers to a roboticbrain to better understand how thebrain processes information relayedby our sense of touch.The study could help develop robotswith touch sensors as sensitive asfingertips – which could be usefulfor prosthetic limbs or for carryingout intricate work in dangerousenvironments, such as bombdisposal.The scientists found that whenobjects were brushed against thewhiskers, the robot brain learnedhow to interpret the whiskermovement according to its direction,mimicking the function of how a realbrain understands the sensations oftouch.Dr James Bednar, of the University ofEdinburgh’s School of Informatics,who took part in the research, said:“Our findings increase our

understanding of how the brainlearns how to process tactileinformation. We hope these resultswill help the design of robots withsenses even more finely tuned thanour own.“The next generation of robots willlearn from experience just as we do.This study is helping us tounderstand how the brain learns,without a teacher, to extract usefulinformation from sensory signals.”Researchers were able to buildprofiles of whisker movements andtheir corresponding brain functionsto build a clearer picture of how thebrain learns about touch, which willbe helpful for robot design.The study, funded by the EuropeanUnion, adds evidence to support thetheory that the brain learns tounderstand signals from the sensesthrough experience, and suggeststhat interpreting touch is not simplyinstinctive.Scientists hope to expand on thefindings by investigating how thebrain interprets the shapes of objectswith which it comes into contact.

Future robots could have touchsensors as sensitive as fingertips

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Tissue engineering could‘restore sense of touch’By Dominic Musgrave

MODERN tissue engineering couldimprove the function of prosthetichands and restore the sense of touchfor injured patients, a study inAmerica has claimed.

Researchers from the University ofMichigan unveiled their findings atthe 95th annual Clinical Congress ofthe American College of Surgeons.

Paul Cederna, a plastic andreconstructive surgeon at theuniversity’s health system, toldAssistive Technologies that theproject arose from a need for betterprosthetic devices for troopswounded in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He added: “Most of these individualsare typically using a prosthesis designthat was developed decades ago.

“This effort is to make a prosthesisthat moves like a normal hand. Thereis a huge need for a better nerveinterface to control the upperextremity prostheses.”

The researchers hope to overcomesome of the shortcomings of existingrobotic prostheses, which they sayhave limited motor control, provide

no sensory feedback and can beuncomfortable and cumbersome towear. They have created an “artificialneuromuscular junction” composedof muscle cells and a nano-sizedpolymer placed on a biologicalscaffold.

The bioengineered scaffold was

placed over the severed nerveendings like a sleeve. The musclecells on the scaffold and in the bodybonded and the body’s native nervesprouts fed electrical impulses intothe tissue, creating a stable nerve-muscle connection.

Paul added: “In laboratory rats, theinterface relayed both motor andsensory electrical impulses andcreated a target for the nerveendings to grow properly.

“The polymer has the ability to pickup signals coming out of the nerve,and the nerve does not grow anabnormal mass of nerve fibres.

“The animal studies indicated theinterface may not only improve finemotor control of prostheses, but canalso relay sensory perceptions suchas touch and temperature back tothe brain.”

The Department of Defence and theArmy have provided $4.5million ingrants to support the study, whilethe research team has submitted aproposal to the Defense AdvanceResearch Project Agency to begintesting the bioengineered interfacein humans in three years.

Paul Cederna

Wiltshire first for clinic coupleA CHIROPODIST and podiatristclinic in Salisbury has becomethe first in Wiltshire to beaccredited by the profession’sgoverning body.

The Society of Chiropodists andPodiatrists has awarded theaccreditation to Total FootHealth of Brown Street after areview of its standards.

A review ensures a cliniccomplies with national standardsset by the Health ProfessionsCouncil and professionalstandards outlined by theSociety of Chiropodists andPodiatrists. Accreditation meanspatients are assured of receivingadvanced, evidence-basedtreatment within a safe andlawful environment and anaccredited practice is subject tounannounced inspection byindependent inspectors.

Total Foot Health was foundedin 1998 by husband and wifeteam Lyndon Jones, a consultantpodiatric surgeon, and ElizabethGreen, a registered chiropodistand podiatrist.

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More than 1,300 delegates attended the annualSociety of Chiropodists and Podiatrists’ annualconference in Harrogate.

The focus of the event was on development, bothpersonal and professional, with skill basedsessions that looked at basic, general skills andclinical updates, as well as new medicamentsand prescription only medicines.

Keynote speeches were made by some of theprofession’s foremost experts includingprofessor William Jeffcoate, Dr HowardDananberg, professor Benjamin Lipsky, professorKeith Rome and Trevor Prior.

The conference also attracted more than 80exhibitors, showing a wide range of podiatryproducts and services.

ALGEOS has launched a new podiatryreward scheme for private podiatristcustomers.

The company has developed this newto the UK in-house loyalty scheme –Arthurs Club – as a way to reward

loyalty.

Customers will be rewarded eachtime they spend over £100 exclusiveof VAT by accruing Arthurs Clubpoints that they can redeem forrecognised high street and online

vouchers.

The scheme coincides with the launchof the new complete andcomprehensive Algeos podiatrycatalogue, features new additions torange such as premium consumables,

diagnostic devices and clinicequipment.

Products are listed and categorisedinto colour coded sections, with eachlisted against its price to provide costclarity for customers.

Why record keeping mustembrace technologyBy Jennifer Grundy

PODIATRISTS are fast becomingessential members of the healthcareteam, yet the structure used formanaging and communicatingpatient records is still predominantlypaper-based.

We all recognise that themanagement of foot care is essentialto the well being of the patient, andwe know we can attain bettertreatment results by using thetechnology available to us.

However, the challenge we have toconsider is; how do we as aprofession create transparent,auditable patient records thatminimise the risk of successfullitigation.

Primarily, we all have the foundingprinciples in our subjective, objective,assessment and plan techniques(SOAP) that provide a baseline for usto ensure we have considered all

facets of a patient’s symptoms andconditions.

The evaluation we complete needsto be evidence-based, offeringmeasurements where appropriate.

Our patients must be informed,aware and subsequently give consent(our principle concerns), and thismust be duly reflected in theirrecords.

These allow us to form a consideredassessment and subsequentdiagnosis, the keystone of asuccessful treatment.

Within engineering environments itis essential for process drivenactivities to create “repeatability”through the establishment ofstandardised approaches that drive“best practice”.

Similarly, utilising this approach andlearning from it within ourprofession, we can establish our ownformat using our SOAP.

Maintaining records in this way will create the opportunity forinformed improvements within theprofession.

It is our duty to maintain and storeall records in a secure environmentfor extensive periods of time.

This in itself exposes paper records todegradation, loss or even theft, notaccounting for time spent searchingfor relevant patient detail.

Moving with technology, these issuescan be embraced and not feared.

By storing and backing upcomputerised records of the patientthat reflect the assessments,diagnoses and treatments using astandardised format, allows us toaccess and review records with easeand reliability.

We also have the obligation toensure our CPD is contemporary andrelevant for re-registering with theHealth Professions Council.

Using a standard format forcapturing and reporting this willallow us to ensure we are compliantwith all published standards.

New digital concepts are allowingthe profession to strive for betteraccuracy encompassing the use ofdifferent technologies, such as thoseavailable for gait analysis. Thesebring with them new challenges andenhanced pressure on podiatrists inmaintaining consistent, detailedrecords.

A standardised approach to recordkeeping which utilises technology, isimperative in ensuring we have theconfidence in our principles toengage with other health careprofessions and we as podiatrists canminimise the risk of a successfullitigation against us.

� Jennifer Grundy is the creator ofPodi, a complete practicemanagement system.

New podiatry reward scheme is launched for customers

Pupils introduced to health career opportunitiesA NEW scheme is being started inBradford to show school pupils therange of career opportunities in thehealth sector other than training tobe a doctor or nurse.Tomorrow’s Health ProfessionalsToday has been developed byAimhigher Bradford, the schemethat encourages young people totake what they love doing and buildit into a great future through higher

education.

Director Richard Wilkinson said:“Students tend to have a verynarrow view of health-relatedcareers with many aiming formedicine, with pharmacy as analternative.

“We want them to look at the fullrange of degree courses that canlead to great careers in, for

example, podiatry and occupationaltherapy and specialist nursingareas.”

Tomorrow’s Health ProfessionalsToday is funded by Aimhigher, whowill be working closely with WestYorkshire NHS Trusts and collegesand universities across the region.

Richard added: “The NHS is thebiggest employer in Europe and

there are many new opportunities inpara-medical services, such astheatre technicians, assistantphysiotherapists and radiographytechnicians.

“Tomorrow’s Health ProfessionalsToday will encourage young peopleto think about what kind of careersthey could have and understandwhat they need to do to get there.”

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A NEWLY-launched companywhich aims to change the waypeople think of wheelchairs andmobility has become the first inthe UK to win a prestigiousaward.Nomad Wheelchairs, which wasset up six months ago in Wales bybrothers Mark and Jon Owen,won the excellence in a first-timedesign project award at theDesign Management Europeawards in Eindhoven, Holland.The pair set up the companybecause Mark, a wheelchair userfor more than a decade, wasgrowing increasingly frustrated bythe choice of wheelchairsavailable on the market.Jon told Assistive Technologiesthat the awards attracted entriesfrom companies across Europefrom a wide range of industriesincluding architecture and softdrinks.He added: “To win the award wasjust mind-blowing, and it is proofthat it is possible to make thebest of any situation, no matterhow bad it seems at first.“To be judged against suchstrong mainstream and lifestylecompanies is a huge complimentto Nomad. “It is exactly the goal we had

when we started – to movewheelchairs towards a moreaspirational lifestyle sector.”The awards recognise and rewardcompanies for management ofthe complete design process,from product design to branding,marketing and literature. It covershow a company pulls all theseelements together in order tolead through design and includesplanning, communication,delivery and results.The company’s Mrk1 frame was

designed by Studio SDA, whileAngela Gidden MBE from Attic 2developed the upholstery. The award-winning poster plottedthe company’s journey throughthe design process, and wasproduced by Nomad and Elfen,who were responsible for all thebranding and marketingmaterials. The Nomad journey started whenMark had a road traffic accidentin 1996, which left him paralysedfrom the chest down.

Nomad directors Mark and Jon Owen receive their award from Kathryn Best, aleading figure in the design management field.

THE University of Salford hasrevamped its prosthetics andorthotics degree in time for nextyear's intake of students, introducingan intensive three-year course withwork placements throughout theprogramme.Current students spend a fourth yearon work placement, but the newprogramme will give new oneshands-on experience throughouttheir three years, and studying forone year less will reduce debt.The degree trains prosthetists whoprovide artificial replacements forpeople without a limb, and orthotistsare trained to provide a range ofbraces, splints and special footwearto assist people's movement andrelieve discomfort.Senior lecturer Dr Martin Twiste said:“The Salford prosthetics andorthotics degree is unique inEngland, and one of only twoprogrammes of its type in the UK. Itwill help to address the world-wideshortage of prosthetists andorthotists while ensuring wemaintain our leading edge.”The programme changes wereapproved by the Health ProfessionsCouncil.

Revamp forprostheticsdegree

‘Mind-blowing’ win for brothers

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RDK MOBILITY has been operatingfor 30 years as a family business,with David at the helm and his sonNigel taking the role of salesdirector.

The company started off providingdisability kitchens then got intomobility products and seven yearsago, began supplying sportswheelchairs.

Their range includes sports-specificchairs for archery, badminton,tennis, fencing, rugby, dancing,shooting and table tennis.

David said the basketball chairs aremost popular as they can be usedfor other sports too, due to theguard that sits around the bottom,protecting the wheels.

“People play internationally and inclub competitions in our chairs –they are substantial and because ofthat they stand up to use. We havehad really good feedback and we

are prepared to trial our chairsagainst any others on the market,particularly for club use.”

David admitted that his productsmay be a few ounces heavier thansome of the more expensive chairs,but claims his are half the price.

“People should be spending theirmoney more wisely and I thinkclubs that have been given a grantor have a budget for some newchairs, should be putting it out totender. It’s something I feel reallystrongly about.”

David said the quality of sportswheelchairs has improved greatly inrecent years, becoming morestreamlined with greaterprotection. The seat designs haveevolved too, enhancing people’ssports performance.

“There is an increase in peoplewanting to play wheelchair sports,especially because of the number

of casualties from Iraq and thebuzz around 2012. The mostimportant aspect of the chair isthat it can stand up to usage.Some sports are more demandingon the chair than others but in tagrugby, they are colliding all thetime. The chairs also have to bevery manoeuvrable and well-balanced.”

David predicted that the next fewyears will see the production ofmore specialist chairs, suitable for awider variety of sports that requiretheir own needs. Products forbowling and golf, for example,require bigger tyres.

David added: “I get a real buzz outof helping disabled people enjoysports – I’m 71 now and I couldhave retired years ago but I lovewhat I do. And that’s why it nigglesme so much that people wastemoney by paying too much forsports wheelchairs.”

David Leinweber is passionate about sports wheelchairs, helping disabled people by distributingchairs from showrooms throughout the UK. Mary Ferguson met him.

Why David, 71, still gets a buzz out ofhelping disabled people enjoy sport

David Leinweber

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THE pioneering robotic system hasbeen developed and tested by ateam from the Institute ofPsychological Sciences at theUniversity of Leeds, working incollaboration with colleagues at theuniversities of Aberdeen and Indiana.

It allows children with coordinationproblems to practice therapist-prescribed exercises at home usingan interactive desk-top system,which can also monitor how theymove, measuring things likesmoothness and speed ofmovement.

Early tests suggest that children'swriting skills improve after they haveused the robot arm.

Professor Mark Mon-Williams, who isleading the research team, toldAssistive Technologies that at least

five per cent of children – roughlyone child in every classroom – isaffected by dyspraxia

He added: “We know that childrenwith dyspraxia can overcome manyof their difficulties if they are givenintensive therapy. The harsh reality isthat there are not enough qualifiedtherapists available to give everychild the regular one-to-one helpthey require.

“This project offers the first objectiveevidence that following therapistprescribed home-exercises usingassistive technology has the potentialto help improve children’s movementand writing skills. This opens a win-dow of hope for the many childrenwho experience the profoundproblems associated with dyspraxia.

“The children we’ve worked with

have really driven a lot of thedevelopment, so we now have asystem we know they like and willwant to use.”

The fun exercises involve childrenusing a pen, guided by the roboticarm, to push objects along a 3Dtrack shown on a computer screen.

The system applies guiding forces tothe child’s arm and hand to helpthem to control their movementsand discourage inappropriate ones.

The strength of the forces can bealtered to shape appropriatemovements and vary the difficulty ofthe exercises.

The work has been funded bychildren’s health charity ActionMedical Research, and deputydirector of research Yolande Harley

added: “We are very proud to havesupported such a cutting-edge pieceof work, which could make a bigdifference to supporting childrenwith dyspraxia and widen access tointensive therapy.

“Providing therapy for children’scoordination problems will bring all-round benefits, helping them to dobetter at school, make friends andenjoy physical activities andhobbies.”

Further tests are now planned toinvestigate how long the robotshould be used to get the bestoutcome and which children couldbenefit the most. The research teamanticipates that the basic system, ora form of it, could be widelyavailable by 2012.

A high-tech robotic arm that can be used at home bychildren with dyspraxia to improve hand coordination isbeing developed. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Professor Mark Mon-Williams demonstrates the system to Matthew Alton

Pioneering roboticarm system canbe used at home

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REED EXTEND GAITOR INSOLERANGEREED Medical has extended its range of Gaitors to include the full length Roadrunnerversion, due to popular demand.

Both insoles are ideal forthe relief of heel spurs,plantar fasciitis andmoderate arch support.The combination ofmodern materials allowsthese insoles to provide alightweight, yet highlyeffective shock absorber.Revolutionary technologyoffers an ultra thin carbonfibre arch support whichwill provide long lastingrelief and comfort.

This advanced carbonmaterial may be adjustedwhen necessary, offering adegree of customisation.Both insoles will provideimmediate and maximum relief.

Enquiries: Telephone 01254 503333 or visit www.reedmedical.co.uk

NEW WRAP-AROUND FUNCTIONALHINGED KNEE BRACE LAUNCHEDACTIMOVE® GenuFlex is the new wrap-around functional hinged knee brace fromBSN medical and the latest addition to the Actimove® range of orthopaedic supportsand braces.

It is constructed from advanced breathable, neoprene-free fabric which provides effec-tive compression and pain relief.

Stabilisation

Neoprene-free AirFlow™ material pro-vides good compression

Advanced polycentric hinges guideknee movements anatomically, allow-ing full flexion while preventing hyper-extension

Advanced counter-strap systemreduces brace migration and rotation

Comfort

Breathable, moisture transmittingAirFlow™ fabric

Snug, non-slip fit for enduring comfort and strong support

Open popliteal area prevents wrinkling and skin maceration

Molded hinges prevent pressure points

Latex free

Enquiries: Telephone 0845 1223 600 or email [email protected]

OTTO BOCK UNVEIL E-MAG CONTROL OTTO Bock’s E-Mag is an innovative electromagnetic orthotic knee joint designedwith safety, reliability and easeof handling in mind.

With a conventional kneeorthosis the two occasionswhen the user is most at risk offalling are when the joint ismanually released or when thelock in the knee does notengage during standing.

Since the E-Mag gives clearacoustic or vibration feedback,the user is informed of its statusat all times and allows a balanced position when the joint is operated, assisting inovercoming all sense of insecurity during the stance and engage phases.

A remote control is used to lock and unlock the E-Mag and can be used either as ahand held device or can be integrated into an Otto Bock forearm crutch, allowing theuser to fully support him or herself with both arms at all times.

The E-Mag recently won the Limbless Association’s orthotic product innovationaward.

Enquiries: Telephone 0845 430 1231.

DENOVO Healthcare Ltd has introduced its new Nimco catalogue to take its rangeof footwear to the next level. Since the introduction of Nimco’s innovative approachto footwear manufacture, the company hasbeen able to supply thousands of shoesreliably and with the highest level ofcustomisation

The 2010 catalogue has been created tosimplify all aspects of the ordering process,so creating the perfect pair has never beenso easy.

All 18 boot styles are now available in allsizes (18-45), with a choice of lace orvelcro fastening, different colours, fourdifferent stiffener types and various soles.

In addition to the new and exciting range,the company has also introduced a newselection of children’s shoes.

For use when a boot may not be suitable ornecessary, the new styles combine the samebuild quality with a design thatcomplements the range.

Enquiries: Telephone 01934 808416 oremail [email protected]

DENOVO HEALTHCARE INTRODUCESNEW CATALOGUE

KIDDIEGAIT™ offers innovative options that have never been available for AFOmanagement of paediatric gait by creating functional environments, supplementinggait instead of immobilising or inhibiting function.

It is suitable for patients withmild to severe footdrop, gaitdeviations secondary toproprioceptive deficit,idiopathic toe walkers, lowtone crouch gait, spinabifida, spastic diplegia,muscular dystrophy, cerebralpalsy and myelomeningocele.

Available in left and rightmodels in three sizes, small,medium and large,accessories include thepopular ComfortKIT andSoftKIT padding sets.

All sizes are in stock andavailable from Gilbert andMellish.

Enquiries: For more information or a product demonstration telephone 0121 4751101.

KIDDIEGAIT™ THE SMALLESTTOEOFF® EVER

22

GLASSES REVOLUTIONISE MIRROR THERAPYFOR PHANTOM LIMB PAIN TREATMENT

PRISM Glasses are a new innovation torevolutionise mirror therapy for treatment ofphantom limb pain and rehabilitation of patientssuffering from limb paralysis following a stroke.

The patient looks at the healthy limb throughthe glasses and sees a reflection of the healthylimb. The patient is ‘tricked’ into believing theyare seeing an intact amputated limb.

For example, a right leg amputee would see areflection of their left leg at the position of theright leg, thus creating the illusion of thepresence of the right leg even though that leghas been amputated.

Similarly, stroke patients suffering limb paralysisplace a functional limb in front of a mirror,tricking the brain in to seeing the paralysed limbas a functional one.

The mirror image is thought to provide visualfeedback that influences sensory and kinaesthetic stimulation, aiding recovery ofmovement in the patient’s paretic arm.

Enquiries: Telephone 0141 248 7334 or visit www.prismglasses.co.uk

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assistive technologies dec09/jan10

Documents

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numberof door knobs

door knobs anddoor

wheelchair users opendoors

arobotic arm

different handles

wheelchairmounted robotarms

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