assistive technologies december/january 2015/2016

INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE

By Dominic MusgraveSTROKE sufferers could learn to walk againwith a ground-breaking robot developed, inpart, by scientists from the University ofHertfordshire.

At the moment, if a stroke patient isstruggling to walk, multiplephysiotherapists are needed to help supportthem and manually correct their gait on atreadmill.

But this process could become a thing ofthe past with the development of theCORBYs gait rehabilitation system.

The state-of-the-art exoskeleton works andadapts with the patient to provideindividualised therapy overseen by oneprofessional.

Several modes are available on the CORBYSsystem – which has 16 degrees of freedom– and therapists can use them to tailortreatment.

It also provides a full range of movementand adapts to users’ disabilities andconstraints.

The machine- which is roughly the size of aforklift truck – could also be used to helppeople who have suffered serious headinjuries walk again.

Therapy sessions could also be extended asa patient working with the robot would

only be restrained by their own limitations,instead of the fatigue of their therapists.

Six of the University’s scientists wereinstrumental in the project and were themain authors of a paper, which waspresented at the prestigious InternationalConference on Intelligent Robots andSystems in Hamburg.

Dr Christoph Salge worked alongside hisHatfield-based colleagues CorneliusGlackin, Martin Greaves, Nicola CatenacciVolpi, Dari Trendafilov and Daniel Polani onthe gait robot.

“This could help reducing pressure onrepetitive tasks of the therapist duringrehabilitation of stroke and other patientsand improve the general availability of thetherapist for required interventions," saidDr Polani.

The robot works by measuring patients’gaits in one setting where no restrictionsare imposed, therapists can then study howthey walk and manipulate the movement.

In the Corrective Operating Mode thepatient can walk on the treadmillconstrained by the robotic system, whichcan be tweaked and modified by thetherapist. The publication of the paper isthe culmination of a four year researcheffort within the European Union-funded6.1 million Euro project CORBYS.

Rehabilitation robotcould help suffererslearn to walk again

Former Welsh Guardsman Allan Roberts is pictured standing on the topof the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. His achievementwas even more remarkable as Allan is a double leg amputee. In March2010 Allan, from Corwen in Wales, was travelling in a convoy in Iraqwhen an explosive device ripped through the cab of his vehicle,severing both of his legs below the knee. Despite his life threateninginjuries and challenging subsequent rehabilitation, Allan successfullyreached the 5,895-metre summit of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with TheNot Forgotten Association. Allan was equipped with two pairs ofprosthetic legs from Pace Rehabilitation – one primarily for the assentand the other more suited for the even more challenging descent.

pic to come

ISSUE 106 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015/16 £6.95

01 26/11/15 09:52

02 26/11/15 09:53 Page 1

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015/16 3

NE

WS

ContactsEditorialJudith Halkerston Group EditorEmail: [email protected]

Dominic Musgrave Group Production EditorEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 01226 734407Olivia Taylor ReporterEmail: [email protected]

Sales Carole Rice Product ManagerEmail: [email protected]: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478

Tony Barry Sales and Marketing DirectorEmail: [email protected]

[email protected] hour hotline: 01226 734695

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

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

or otherwise, that may occur.

www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk

Naked Prosthetics officiallyreleases MCPDriver deviceNAKED Prosthetics has announcedthe official release of their latestprosthetic device: the MCPDriver™.

Designed for finger amputationsdistal to the MCP joint, or firstknuckle, this device uses a double-articulating linkage system to providewearers with the length, gripstrength, and dexterity they need toaccomplish daily tasks.

The MCPDriver™ is the latestaddition to Naked Prosthetics’ line ofBiomechanical Prosthetic Fingers,expanding the company’s efforts tomake finger amputees whole byincorporating seamless aestheticswith function.

The MCPDriver™ is made using themost modern additive commercialmanufacturing practices, utilising 3Dprinting of stainless steelcomponents and nylon polymer,resulting in a reinforced prostheticwith extreme structural integrity.

The strong steel frame supports andrestores a patient’s ability to graspobjects firmly. Conforming silicone

pads embedded in the prosthesisprovide a natural grip when holdinga variety of objects, whilemaintaining a slim shape thataccommodates those with a single ormultiple amputations.

A low profile, durable, and washablesilicone hand strap anchors thedevice without obstructing tactilesensation on the palm. The deviceutilises the ring-style technologypreviously developed for NakedProsthetics’ family of products, whichfacilitates function and protectionwithout impacting the sensitiveamputation.

At Naked Prosthetics, engineersdesign and manufacturer each deviceto be customised for the amputee.

Naked Prosthetics strives to be aresource for medical professionalsand their patients, working withprosthetists, surgeons, and handtherapists to assist in the sizing andfitting for their prosthetic devices.When creating an MCPDriver™, theengineering staff works with

prosthetists to adjust for scar tissue,limitations in movement, or otherabnormalities to ensure acomfortable fit and a device inspiredby the mechanics of the humanhand.

The result is a body powered, fullyfunctional prosthesis with a shortadoption and learning curve,allowing amputees to return to theirwork and daily tasks. With theMCPDriver™, amputees can returnto everyday life safely, quickly,comfortably, and with confidence.

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

Naked Prosthetics’ MCPDriver™.

03 26/11/15 09:54 Page 1

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015/164

NE

WS

Variation, variation, variation ...By Simon Dickinson

The vast majority of people workingin orthotic services face the continualchallenge of working in a part of thehealthcare system that most of thepublic and more importantlyhealthcare staff do not have anawareness of.

I have lost count of how many times Ihave explained I am an orthotist to afellow NHS employee for them thento develop a rather blank facialexpression and then ask if my job isto do with teeth!

One of the fundamental issues facingorthotic services is variation in everyaspect of service delivery and a lackof public and health managementawareness of the purpose,importance and effectiveness of anorthotic service.

In my 20 years involved with orthoticservices I have worked as an orthotistfor both the NHS and a commercialorthotic service provider.

I have witnessed and continue towitness exceptionally passionatehighly professional orthotists doingtheir best to help patients in servicesand departments that are not fit for

purpose.

I have seen too many fantasticclinicians leave my profession due tosheer frustration caused by thesystem they have to work in.

Too many services are delivered inpoor clinical environments, too manypatients have to wait for what Iconsider to be excessively longperiods of time for theirappointments, too many services donot allow enough time for clinicappointments (10-15 minutes perappointment) and nearly all orthoticservices are poorly funded.

The variation in the way orthoticservices being delivered isunacceptable to patients andclinicians.

Despite numerous previous reportsthere has been inconsistent changefor the good nationally, despite theefforts of the orthotics profession.

Due to the lack of investment ofresources and time from the NHS intoorthotic services it is certain thatsome patients have come tounnecessary harm and distress.

On November 19, 2015 NeilChurchill, director of patient

experience for NHS England,published the report “Improving theQuality of Orthotic Services inEngland” (www.england.nhs.uk/2015/11/19/orthotic-services/)following a national review.

Part of the driving force behind thisreview came from the OrthoticsCampaign (www.orthoticscampaign.org). This patient groupwas founded by parents and users oforthotic services who were quite

rightly concerned by failures oforthotic services to provide timely,safe and effective care in appropriateclinical facilities.

This long overdue report clearly statesthat patients in England should beable to expect greater quality andconsistency from orthotic services.

It provides improved guidance forcommissioners to address the hugevariations that exist in orthoticservices and sets some keyrecommendations for improving thelocal commissioning of orthoticservices.

This latest report is long overduefrom NHS England but realistically,will it be read by all commissionersand will they pay any attention to therecommendations let aloneimplement any of them?

What is certain is that orthoticservices need to be commissionedand delivered more efficiently andeffectively.

Well designed and appropriatelyorthotic services will improve patient’slives and save the NHS money.

� Simon Dickinson is a clinicaldirector at TalarMade.

Simon Dickinson

A NATIONAL educational and funevent for families living with theafter effects of meningitis andsepticaemia was held in Oakham byinternational charity MeningitisResearch Foundation.

Held at the Active Rutland Hub,Pushing the Boundaries was thecharity’s third inspirational supportday for children and their families.

The past two years have focusedprimarily on children withamputations as a results ofmeningococcal septicaemia, but thisyear’s event also included childrenliving with neurological and/orbehavioural after effects after

meningitis and septicaemia.

Ben Cohen MBE, England RugbyWorld Cup winner, gave apresentation, mingled with parentsand children for photographs andsigned rugby balls for many excitedchildren and parents.

Informative sessions forparents/carers includeddevelopmental delay andbehavioural issues, coping at schooland the effects on other familymembers, particularly siblings. Therewas also a personal meningitisjourney session from London 2012Paralympic wheelchair rugby athleteand MRF member Aaron Phipps.

The children took part in sportssessions run by specialist Paralympicsports coaches such as wheelchairbasketball, rugby and curling.

Julie Jenkins from Lancashire hasattended all three Pushing theBoundaries events.

Her son Louie contracted meningitisthree-and-a-half years ago inJanuary 2012. He spent two weeksin intensive care and a further 10weeks in hospital. Louie had to haveboth legs amputated and lost thefingers on his left hand.

Julie has found the events to notonly be useful to Louie, but his oldersister Francesca too.

She said: “Louie is a very happy,boisterous little four-year-old. He’sbeen wearing prosthetics since hewas 11 months old; it’s just aneveryday thing now. Pushing theBoundaries is fantastic really,especially with all of the specialiststhat come.

“It gives me an insight of thingsthat could potentially crop up in thefuture, or things that have alreadyhappened that I can get more of aninsight into.

“These events are just invaluable tome really. It’s nice for us to see otherchildren and just have a bond withthem.”

World Cup winner speaks at event

04 26/11/15 15:46 Page 1

05 26/11/15 09:55 Page 1


NE

WS

APEX Medical Corp, a leading playerin the Pressure Area Care andRespiratory Therapy sector, isdelighted to announce it hascompleted its largest acquisition todate in procuring WestmeriaHealthcare Limited (Westmeria) aleading UK provider of pressure areacare therapy.

This acquisition sees Westmeria jointhe APEX Medical Group in Europeforming a new company – APEXMedical Limited, which launched atthe Care and Dementia Show (at thebeginning of November.

APEX looks to increase its servicecapabilities and widen its distributionnetwork across the UK; includingexpanding into the acute sector.

APEX will strive to maintain the highstandards of service and productdevelopment pioneered byWestermeria and will become a

market leading developer,manufacturer and supplier ofpressure area care equipment,medical beds, and manual handlingequipment.

Bringing together Westmeria’sextensive knowledge of the UKhealthcare market and history ofproducing innovative service basedsolutions, enhanced by APEXmedical’s experienced manufacturingcapability, APEX believes it can deliverthe ideal support to clinicians inreducing pressure ulcers throughoutthe UK.

As a result of the ‘Your Turn’campaign, a national movementworking to reduce the number ofpressure ulcers in the UK, APEX’sultimate aim is to eliminate pressureulcers in the UK market place.

For more information visit:www.apexmedicalcorp.co.uk

APEX Medical Corpacquires Westmeria

Amputee golfer in fullswing thanks to hisnew prosthetic legDISABLED golfer Andy Gardiner isproudly striding up the fairwaysthanks to a new prosthetic leg.

Andy, from Fritwell in Oxfordshire,sustained a right below the kneeamputation 10 years ago followinga fall and subsequent medicalcomplications.

Prior to his amputation Andydidn’t even play golf, but quicklygot into the swing of things andprogressed to achieving ahandicap of three within twoyears. He is currently worldnumber two in the EuropeanDisabled Golf Association rankings.

Ironically, despite his sportingsuccess, Andy admitted tostruggling with his mobility,.

He said: “Due to comfort issueswith my prosthesis, I used a golfbuggy to get around the courses.

“I also couldn’t comfortably squatdown, often resorting to laying onmy stomach to try and read theline for a putt.”

Frustrated with his situation, Andydecided to visit Pace Rehabilitationfor a clinical assessment and metwith prosthetist GeorgeTagliaferro.

During the assessment George hadthe opportunity to understand themovement required by Andy whenswinging his golf club, andrecommended utilising an ÖssurRe-Flex Rotate prosthetic foot.

George added: “It was importantto not only improve Andy’scomfort, but also meet hissporting requirements.

“By changing to a foot that offerscushioned suspension and anklerotation, it would hopefullyprovide a more natural golf swing.This, combined with a new socket,would improve Andy’s comfort and

confidence.”

A cast of Andy’s residual limb wastaken, and two days later heheaded to Cherwell Edge GolfClub’s driving range to try out thenew foot and diagnostic socket.

“Despite being on a check socket,the difference was incredible,” headded. “I’d never felt so secureand planted. I could really feel thebenefit from the rotation of theankle. It was such animprovement.”

Andy then put the prosthesisthrough its paces, competing inthe Scottish Disabled GolfPartnership Disabled Masters atSlaley Hall Golf Cub inNorthumberland.

He said: “The new leg was terrific.was comfortable and able to benddown to read putts, whichcontributed to me winning theevent.”

His winning margin was animpressive 17 shots.

A week after his victory, Andyreturned to Pace to take deliveryof his finished prosthesis.

He will be competing in the EDGAAlgarve Open in Portugal later thisyear and hopes to add to hissuccess.

“Golf is such a mental sport. Bynot having to worry about myprosthesis is fantastic and meansthat I can concentrate on mygame.”

“The support from Pace and Ossurhas highlighted to me theimportance of having the right kit.My everyday mobility hassignificantly improved and I’mlooking forward to walking thecourses in the future and maybeachieving world number onestatus.”

06 26/11/15 09:55 Page 1


CU

TT

ING

ED

GE

TE

CH

NO

LOG

Y

MORE than 53 per cent of amputeesexperience heat and perspirationdiscomfort due to the thermalenvironment inside their liners andsockets.1

Build-up of warmth and moisture,leading to loss of connection,unwanted socket movement andpotential skin damage, are wellknown issues for amputees.

An innovative new liner fromBlatchford has been developed totackle the problems amputeesencounter with heat andperspiration.

Silcare Breathe Liners feature laserdrilled perforations along the lengthand end to allow moisture to escape,resulting in drier skin and a healthierenvironment for the residual limb.

Managing moisture in this way helpsto reduce the damaging effectscaused by the relative motionbetween skin and liner, improvingcomfort and control.

Traditional vacuum systems expel airbetween the liner and socket, whichcan leave air and moisture trappedinside the liner.

The action of walking and weightbearing on the Silcare Breathe linerexpels air through the pores, andwith the use of a one way valve,helps to generate a better vacuumand more secure fit, allowing theuser to wear their prosthesis forlonger as they benefit from animproved fit throughout the day.

Charlie Lewis, an active trans-tibialamputee, regularly runs and cycles

but reports problems withperspiration during training sessionsand races. He has tried severalmethods to reduce or eliminatesweating, including Botox injectionsand antiperspirant lotions, with nosuccess.

Charlie has been using the SilcareBreathe liners for several months andhas been extremely positive aboutthe results, commenting: “I normallyhave to stop several times to emptymy liner and dry off my stumpthroughout the race.

“I have not been able to finish a racewithout a perforated liner. Sinceusing Silcare Breathe liners, I’vefinished every race, which shows justhow important sweat managementand limb security can be.”

Joe McCarthy, senior consultantprosthetist from Blatchford’s Researchand Development team, added:“Having seen the issues thatperspiration brings to many wearersof standard prosthetic liners, we setabout trying to resolve them.

“We have been researching andtesting materials for many years;refining our design for the bestpossible outcome for amputees. Thefeedback we have received from ourclinical evaluations has beenoutstanding.”

To find out more about SilcareBreathe liners, please visitsilcareliners.com.

1 Ghoseiri K, Safari MR. Prevalenceof heat and perspiration discomfortinside prostheses: Literature review. JRehabil Res Dev. 2014;51(6):855–68.

New liners tackle problemsamputees encounter withheat and perspiration

07 26/11/15 09:56 Page 1


NE

WS

New Orthopaedic Research Institutelaunched at Bournemouth UniversityA NEW Orthopaedic ResearchInstitute has been launched atBournemouth University, with theintention of working across theuniversity and with local hospitalsand industry partners to carry outresearch that will improve patientcare and develop clinician practice inthe UK.

ORI is being led by professor RobMiddleton and associate professorTom Wainwright, both of whom havenational and international reputationsfor their research work.

Rob said: “Establishing ORI stemsfrom our passion for improving thequality of care for orthopaedicpatients.

“Our previous research hasdemonstrated that enhancedrecovery pathways can make asignificant difference both to patientrecovery and clinical practice.

“By delivering multi-disciplinarysupport from the beginning of apatient’s journey, we can improvequality of care and reduce the length

of hospital stay needed.”

The number of orthopaedic surgeriescarried out in Dorset is high, so thereis potential for ORI’s research to makea significant difference to clinicalpractice and patients in the localarea.

This potential has been recognised bythe Dorset Local EnterprisePartnership who are providing seedfunding to enable the purchase ofequipment to support ORI’s work.

Tom added: “We are very grateful forthe generous support from DorsetLocal Enterprise Partnership, which isenabling us to purchase state-of-the-art gait analysis equipment, allowingus to further develop our clinicalresearch.

“We will be working closely withlocal hospitals and practitioners toensure that our research is tacklingthe issues they face on a daily basis.”

Speaking on behalf of the Dorset LEP,chairman Gordon Page said: “Thelaunch of ORI heralds an excitingtime for Dorset, as their programme

has the potential to bring in newinvestment and jobs to the region.

“It is great example of the key rolethat we, the LEP, play in supportinglocal business and economicgrowth.”

Professor John Fletcher, pro vicechancellor for research andinnovation at Bournemouth Universitywelcomed ORI's launch.

He added: “Health related research iswell established at BournemouthUniversity and we are delighted to beadding to our research expertise byfounding ORI and working with localpartners to deliver solutions to issuesthat will only grow as people livelonger.

“Our research will make a realdifference to peoples’ lives not onlyhere in Dorset but also globally.”

Associate professor Tom Wainwright, professor John Fletcher, LEP chairman Gordon Pageand professor Rob Middleton, who is leading the Orthopaedic Research Institute.

ALMOST 100 of the University ofNorthampton’s Occupational Therapystudents spent a day volunteering forlocal causes as part of NationalOccupational Therapy Week.

The week, initiated by the College ofOccupational Therapists, sawoccupational therapists and OTstudents all over the countrypromoting what their professiondoes, and how they enable clients toachieve health and wellbeing.

At the University of Northampton,students and staff from the BScOccupational Therapy Programmedecided to mark OT Week byvolunteering, with help from theUniversity’s Changemaker Hub.

The staff and students joined localorganisations and charities aroundthe county, undertaking a variety ofactivities, including conservation,working in charity shop and tidyinggraveyards and canal towpaths.

Other students helped organisationsset up social media platforms, andmany worked directly with charitiesand groups – supporting elderlypeople, deaf people, children, youngpeople, those with mental healthneeds, people with breathingproblems and the homeless. Somestudents also assisted with reliefefforts for the European migrationcrisis.

Students and staff used their problemsolving, communication skills, team-

working skills, initiative, clinicalknowledge and expertise and eventheir outward looking attitudes togenerously give of their time,enthusiasm and hard work.

Jenny Devers, occupational therapistand senior lecturer at the Universityof Northampton, said: “Everyonereported having a fantastic time.Some had never volunteered before,some had. New skills were learned,they got to know others on theircourse better, they felt fulfilled andwere generally amazed how theirefforts made such a difference.

“The University of Northamptonpromotes and supports us to getinvolved with local organisations.Through its Changemaker hub,students are credited for theirvolunteering and encouraged torecognise how their experience willdevelop their employability skills.

“By volunteering for occupationaltherapy week, students and staffhave discovered first-hand thebenefits and the difference thatvolunteering can make, both tothemselves and to the clients theywill work with throughout theirprofessional lives.”

Student Ceri Goldring undertook amobility audit at Bradlaugh Fields.

She added: “Some of the things wespotted may not have been pickedup on by the Council or the Trustwho manage the park.”

Students volunteer incommunity for a day

Researchers to help develop adevice for back pain sufferersRESEARCHERS at Robert GordonUniversity have won more than€500,000 of funding as part of amajor international project aimed athelping back pain sufferers managetheir condition.

SelfBACK will see researchers andorganisations from around Europework to develop a decision supportsystem for those suffering from lowback pain as part of the €4.9mHorizon 2020 EU funded project ledby the Norwegian University ofScience and Technology.

The condition, which is cited as themost significant contributor todisability in Europe, is the fourthmost common diagnosis seen inprimary care.

Self-management, which includes

physical activity and strength andstretching exercises, constitutes thecore component in the managementof non-specific low back pain.

RGU’s input, which will involveresearchers from across two faculties,will see Dr Nirmalie Wiratunga andDr Stewart Massie from the School ofComputing Science and Digital Mediaworking with colleagues at the NTNUfor the first three years of the projectto develop the monitoringtechnology.

In addition, Dr Kay Cooper fromRGU’s School of Health Sciences, willinvestigate the best ways of changingthe behaviour of the person if theyare not managing to adhere to aprescribed plan. The otherorganisations involved in the projectinclude the University of Glasgow.

Dr Kay Cooper, Dr Stewart Massie and Dr Nirmalie Wiratunga.

08 26/11/15 09:56 Page 1


NE

WS

09 26/11/15 09:57 Page 1


NE

WS

By Olivia Taylor

A PLYMOUTH University partnershiphas enabled a basketball star to stepcloser to comfort after a long-termfoot injury.

Plymouth University Raiders player BJAnthony visited podiatry lecturerVasileios Lepesis to receive treatmentfollowing lower leg pain.

Vasileios observed that, among otherfactors, the main causes of the painwere a previous stress fracture in thearea and an aggravation of anAchilles tendon rupture sustainedfour years ago.

He also observed that BJ was unableto shock-absorb ground reactionforces after a jump and had chronicankle instability with some early signsof degenerative changes.

As well as providing useful advice,Vasileios used his expertise to helpalleviate the stress overloading andstraining the ankle joint as much aspossible.

The partnership between the citybasketball team and the University

enables the players to receive experttreatment from staff and students –not only in podiatry, but alsooptometry, physiotherapy and, fortheir marketing needs, eventsmanagement and media arts.

The University podiatry team seesaround four players per year, andVasileios is hoping its partnershipwith Plymouth University Raiders willcontinue to enhance the experienceof staff, students and players.

He said: “The partnership is greatbecause what students usually lack isreal-life experience, exposure to realcase studies. This is immenselyimportant as it contextualises theirknowledge and helps to bridge thegap between theory and practice.”

Dave Briggs, chief executive ofPlymouth University Raiders, said: “Itis great to be able to offer playersthe opportunity to come and accessexpert medical care at PlymouthUniversity; players benefit from thebest treatment possible and we lovebeing able to offer staff and studentsthe chance to get involved.”

University lecturer helpsbasketball star put hisbest foot forward

Plymouth University podiatry lecturer Vasileios Lepesis treats Raiders player BJ Anthony.

THE diabetes foot team fromSheffield Teaching Hospitals has beenrecognised with a national award forsignificantly reducing diabetes relatedamputation rates in the city byalmost 50 per cent.

The specialist team won the BestInitiative in Specialised Servicescategory at the Quality in CareDiabetes awards. The awards aim torecognise, reward and share goodpractice in diabetes management,education and patient care.

The Sheffield team carried out a 12-month analysis of the root cause ofall amputations which resulted in anumber of different initiatives beingintroduced to improve patient

outcomes and pathways.

The initiatives include setting up adiabetes foot hotline to providecommunity healthcare workersimmediate access to advice andsupport from hospital basedconsultant diabetologists.

Dr Rajiv Gandhi, consultant indiabetes, said: “This award is atestament to the hard work of theSheffield diabetes foot team, ofwhom we should be tremendouslyproud. People with diabetes, whodevelop problems with their feet,need to be seen rapidly by thespecialist foot team if we are to avoidserious complications likeamputations.”

Diabetes foot team recognised

By Dominic Musgrave

CYCLONE Technologies suppliedwheelchairs and advanced Batechandbikes for a 200-mile charityhandbike ride from Hull toManchester.

The event was successfully completedby a nine-man team, which includedwheelchair users and able-bodiedmembers, all of whom used manualor hybrid/electric Batec handbikes,which transform ordinary wheelchairsinto hand-powered tricycles.

Participants included rugby playerswhose careers were cut short byinjury, as well as a severely injuredformer soldier, alongside a doctor,comedian and businessman.

The team finished the 200-mile routefrom the KC Stadium to Old Traffordin five days, where they delivered thematch ball for the 2015 SuperLeague Grand Final.

The event was organised by JimmyGittins, a former professional rugbyleague player whose own career wasended by a life-threatening neckinjury.

He said: “It was a fantastic challenge,and a fitting tribute to Steve’smemory and the legacy of hisfundraising work.

“It was a hard five days, buteveryone came through, raisingthousands of pounds for a specialistcancer hospital and rugby leagueplayers who’ve suffered life-changingand career-ending injuries.

“The Batec handbikes wereabsolutely invaluable, and we simplywouldn’t have been able to completethe gruelling journey without them.Several of our team members have

serious spinal injuries which limitupper body strength, and the electricassistance on the hybrid modelsprovided the assistance we needed totackle the steepest Pennine climbs.”

The challenge raised money in aid ofthe Steve Prescott Foundation, acharity set up by the former rugbyleague professional following hisdiagnosis with terminal stomachcancer.

Batec handbikes instantly transforman ordinary wheelchair into a ruggedtricycle, revolutionising outdoormobility and maximisingindependence for wheelchair users.

With a stylish design and uniqueanchoring system, Batec products fitquickly and easily onto virtually anywheelchair, enabling users to gofurther, faster and over a wider rangeof terrain. Available in manual,electric and hybrid configurations,they are designed for use by peoplewith a wide range of disabilities.

Stuart Dunne, managing director ofCyclone Technology, added: “As awheelchair user and C6-7 tetraplegic,I know first hand how just life-changing a Batec handbike can be.With Batec, I can accompany mychildren on their bike rides, knowingI can keep up with them whereverthey want to go, without assistanceor leaving my wheelchair – which isfantastic.

“I’m not alone in my praise for Batec– the feedback from customers isuniversally positive.

“Whether you want to gain accessthe countryside, make long trips intotown easier or keep fit, the rightBatec handbike will make itpossible.”

Cyclone donatesequipment for200-mile ride

WITH so many shapes, sizes of feettogether with numerous, muscles,bones, joints and ligamentsaffecting the way we move, can astandard off-the-shelf or modulardevice really be the optimumtreatment plan for you patient andmay even lead to false economy.

A custom-made foot orthoses fromBeagle Orthopaedic is fabricated byskilled technicians completely byhand to individual prescriptionscasts and foot impressions.

Correctly prescribed these handmade devices can give optimumcorrection and or pressure relief foreffective outcomes.

To keep ordering simple we havedesigned a small range of products

which will can tailored to suit avariety of indications.

Named after Lancashire towns;Lytham, Blackburn, Bolton,Accrington, Lancaster and Whalleyany one of the “Urban Collection”will provide a unique threedimensional orthoses to suit yourpatient pathologies.

For further information pleasecontact 01254 268788

The ‘Urban Collection’

10 26/11/15 09:57 Page 1


NE

WS

DM Orthotics open national clinicsDM Orthotics has been working witha number of health centres across thecountry to set up monthly clinicswhich are available for members ofthe public to attend.

The aim of the clinics is to provideprivate patients with a regularregional venue which is run by one ofthe company’s own expert clinicians.

Services provided at the clinicsinclude: patient assessment, productprescriptions, measuring and fitting

and product advice.

Clinical manager Dan Severn said:“Our regional clinics will provide adependable place for people who areinterested in or who are using DMO’sto meet with our clinicians on aregular basis.

“By seeing one of our cliniciansindependently they will have peace ofmind that they will receive the bestadvice and care with someone whowill understand their needs and build

rapport with.”

Five clinics have been set up inLondon, Manchester, Nottingham,Taunton and at DM Orthotics’ headoffice in Redruth, Cornwall.

Dan added: “The clinics are aimed atanyone who could benefit from usingDMO’s. They will provide adults withconvenient access to our products asfunding for them through the NHSbecomes more and more difficult.

“We have also opened clinics in areaswhere our type of orthoses are nolonger accessible through the NHSdue to budget cuts, so this will alsoprovide opportunities for parents ofchildren who could benefit too.”

Appointments can be made inadvance by contacting the cliniciandirectly.

To find out more visitwww.dmorthotics.com

11 26/11/15 09:58 Page 1


NE

WS

Biker in top gear with latest fundraiserBy Olivia Taylor

ORTHOTICS patients at the OswestryOrthopaedic Hospital are benefittingfrom the use of a new hoist – thanksto the fundraising of patient TevanThomas along with motorcycle groupShifnab Shifnal.

Tevan has been receiving treatment atthe hospital for almost 15 years,having suffered gradual deteriorationof her left leg following a seriousroad accident back in 1983.

The motorcycle enthusiast was fittedwith a special orthotic brace that hasmade it possible for her to walk.

And she has been able to keep ridingthanks to a special trike that wasadapted for her with funding fromthe National Association for Bikerswith a Disability.

Out of determination to thank boththe hospital and the NABD for theirefforts, Tevan and Shifnab Shifnalhave staged a series of annualfundraisers.

Over the years they have raised£7,750 for the orthotic department,which has funded a television for theorthotic patients’ waiting room andan examination couch among otherthings.

“I was in quite a serious accident andnearly lost my leg at the time,” she

said. “Doctors were able to save myleg but it has just deteriorated overthe years since then and I now haveto wear an orthotic caliper.

“The full weight bearing caliperswere usually great big things becausethey have to support your wholebody weight, and I wasn’t keenbecause I wouldn’t have been able towear the normal type of clothes thatI was used wearing, like jeans andtrousers, plus I would be lot morerestricted as to what I could andcouldn’t do.

“But the head of orthotics atOswestry Orthopaedic Hospital wasable to design one I could wearunder my clothes and still do some ofmy previous activities. I was told thatwhen people reach my stage ofdegeneration they normally can’t domuch, but it means so much to methat I can still ride my trike – it’s mybit of fun.

“I’m glad I can give a little somethingback with the fundraising that we doand I intend to keep going.”

Over the years, Tevan and ShifnabShifnal have arranged five fancy dresssponsored rides, two motorcycletreasure hunts and family fun days,as well as numerous sales events toraise funds for both the Trust and theNABD.

Despite three major operations thisyear, she is already starting to thinkabout plans for another sponsoredride next year.

The fundraising efforts are hugelyappreciated by the orthoticsdepartment at the hospital, whowere delighted to be able to installthe new hoist with the latestdonation.

Jane Dewsbury, principal orthotist,

said: “It is making a tremendousdifference for some of our leastmobile patients as we are now ableto treat them within the orthoticdepartment.

“We were delighted by Shifnab’sdonations and are grateful for theirongoing support of the department.Tevan is a remarkable lady, whoseongoing fundraising efforts havemade a real difference to otherpatients.”

Showing off the new hoist are Tevan Thomas (left) with orthotist Lucy Naylor-James andjunior orthotist Emma Bonnick (right).

12 26/11/15 09:58 Page 1

13 30/11/15 09:08 Page 1


CH

ILD

RE

N

Solution for disabledpediatric toiletingACCORDING to research, usingfunctional rooms- including thebathroom- is the second biggestproblem faced by the 0.75m2 familieswith a disabled child.

In an effort to help alleviate theissues surrounding going to thetoilet, Clos-o-Mat has published anew white paper – Guidance &Considerations in the Provision ofToilet Aids for Disabled Children.

“The ability to go to the toilet withless, or no, help, has a huge impacton any child’s independence and self-care skills,” said Mark Sadler, salesdirector at Clos-o-Mat. “Assistive

technology needs to be carefully andproperly selected, so it provides theappropriate support, ensuring thechild can go to the loo safely, achieveeffective bowel and bladderevacuation, be hygienically cleanafter, and will not be outgrownwithin a matter of months.

“The new white paper aims toprovide an easy to follow referencepoint for obvious- and not soapparent- considerations in choosingpaediatric toileting technology.”

The white paper is available to downloadfrom Clos-o-Mat’s website

www.clos-o-mat.com

Open bionics unveil StarWars, Disney and Marvelthemed prosthetic handsOPEN Bionics, the company based inthe Business Technology Incubator atBristol Robotics Laboratory, hasannounced the next generation ofbionic hands for young amputeesthat feature Disney themes.

The first three designs include an IronMan bionic hand that lets a childpretend he is an inventor Tony Stark,a Frozen-themed sparkly blue andwhite hand, and a Star Warslightsabre limb.

Joel Gibbard, director and bionichand designer, said: “The designsmean that children can now getexcited about their prosthetics.They’re not just getting medicaldevices; they’re getting bionic handsinspired by their favourite characters.The Walt Disney Company isgenerously donating the time of itscreative teams and providing royaltyfree licenses so there will be moredesigns coming soon.

“From the Marvel Universe, hot outof Tony Stark’s workshop, we havethe Iron Man hand with artworkdesigned in collaboration withLucasfilm’s ILMxLAB; taking theirinspiration from Lightsabres, there is

the Star Wars Lightsabre hand andinspired by Queen Elsa from Disney’sFrozen, the Snowflake hand.

Earlier this year Open Bionics won aplace on the Disney Acceleratorprogramme powered by Techstars,considered to be one of the beststart-up accelerators in the world.

The designs were revealed during theDisney Accelerator Demo Day.Powered by Techstars, the DisneyAccelerator program providesfunding and resources to technologyinnovators. During the three-monthprogram, entrepreneurs are providedwith $120,000 in capital and receivementorship from Disney’s executiveleadership.

At the end of the program,participants then present theirinventions and services to a group ofinvestors, fellow entrepreneurs,industry leaders and Disneyexecutives in a demo day event. TheWalt Disney Company is consultingon the project and providing aroyalty-free license to Open Bionics,allowing them to use the company’spopular assets – like characters fromthe movie Frozen – in their design.

AT FITZKIDZ by Ortho Europe wehave been working over the past 12to 18 months to improve ouroffering, service and quality acrossour paediatric footwear.

By working with patients, clinicians,and technicians we have produced arange of footwear that we feel willmeet all clinical and functionalrequirements for all your needs.

All of our footwear range ismanufactured in the UK by adedicated technical and design teamwho can provide tailored solutionsfor every individual need.

Manufacturing our products in theUK means we have full control ofour pricing and can deliver a costeffect solution to you.

As we are the manufacturer ratherthan the distributor we can controland deliver these savings, forexample there is no charge for splitsizes, or for fastening/ sole/ stiffeneror shank options or lasts.

In addition we are able to offer oneof the quickest turn around on themarket; 10 working days or a five-day fast track service.

Since the launch of our newcatalogue in August, we have beenworking closely with our customersand clinicians on a project ofcontinuous improvement and we aresoon to offer additional stylescontrived by the knowledge providedto us by our loyal customers.

Likewise, working with clinicians all

over the UK, France and Holland wehave made advancements in thebuild of our shoes, most recently theaddition of BOA closures across ourfootwear range.

By understanding the needs andwants of our customers andobtaining essential information fromclinicians we are repeatedly able tokeep FitzKidz at the forefront of themarket , knowing that each newimprovement is formed on the basisof real research and feedback.

These relationships enable us todesign footwear solutions that arethe perfect fit, style and design.

With fully customisable optionsavailable for each of our designs, norequest is too much and we are able

to adapt our products to suit thepatient’s needs.

Having clinicians follow our fivesimple steps of choosing the correctlast, upper style, heel stiffener,shank and sole unit – means thatthe whole process of designing andordering the correct footwear iscompleted in a structured and cleartechnique.

In essence we can offer a tailoredsolution at a stock pricing point.

We look forward to on-goingimprovement of our product rangeto keep it prominent in today’sorthotic market based on ourforward thinking process ofdevelopment with the help of ourcustomers and clinicians.

Advertiser’s announcement

Fitkidz works to improve its paediatricfootwear offering, service and quality

14 26/11/15 16:09 Page 1


CH

ILD

RE

N

Hello! We are Jiraffe ...JIRAFFE specialises in sourcing andproviding postural care equipmentand support for everybody, whetherthey’re at home, school, rest or play!

Part of the Jenx Ltd family, and withover 30 years’ experience of workingwith children and adults with specialpostural needs, our team arededicated to bringing you the latest,most innovative and highest qualityspecialist products we can find,across seating, standing, mobility,therapy, sleeping and bathroomequipment.

Since launching Jiraffe in the UK inJanuary 2014, we’ve been workinghard to ensure our service goesbeyond the products themselves.

We work alongside healthcareprofessionals to assess a child’s needsat free, no obligation productassessments.

We also attend seating and standingclinics, or will come and provideproduct demonstrations on any ofour product range.

We also offer free Jiraffe trainingcourses on our product ranges too.

Just either visit jiraffe.org.uk or callour customer support team for moreinformation on any of these.

Here at Jiraffe, we also know thatfinancial obligations are a majorconsideration for any equipmentpurchase, so we created our JiraffeAPPROVE scheme to help you get thebest possible deal for the equipmentyou need, in both the short and longterm.

We also offer a five-working day

despatch guarantee on all stockeditems, so you can get the equipmentyou need as soon as possible, plus atwo year Jiraffe Warranty for peaceof mind – amongst a range of otherbenefits.

Take a look around our website –www.jiraffe.org.uk, where you’ll findnot only information on all of ourproduct range including the newMultistander 2 by Jenx, a largerversion of the very versatile Jenx 3 in1 stander; the Rifton HTS – arevolution in toileting for people withspecial needs, and also the newTherapy Bench, but also news andopinions about the topics mostimportant to you.

Recently we’ve posted blogs onissues such as personalised budgetsand what they mean for you as aparent or carer, how to cope with

bullying, and ways to approach goingback to school, as well as morecreative blogs on seasonal fun thingsto do and make.

You’ll find top tips for working withthe equipment and plenty of usefulwebsites designed to help andsupport families, children, carers andsiblings.

You can share your story with us hereat Jiraffe too, and read similar storiesfrom other parents and carers withinour community – we’d love to hearfrom you and see your photos!

We’ve also launched our 2015Decorate a Christmas Treecompetition too – a greatopportunity to get everyone involvedin a sensory experience – and youcould win £200 of Toys. Check ourwebsite www.jiraffe.org.uk on howto enter!

15 1/12/15 11:00 Page 1

16 26/11/15 10:21 Page 1

assistive technologies december/january 2015/2016

Documents