assistive technologies feb/march 2011

By Dominic Musgrave

AMERICAN researchers are helping thePentagon build reliable mind-controlledprosthetic devices for military and civilianamputees.Badrinat Roysam, chair of the University ofHouston’s department of electrical andcomputer engineering, and Hugh and LillieCranz Cullen University professor, is leading amulti-institution team effort to identify thecombination of factors that cause neuralimplants to fail. He said prosthetic limbs thatcan be maneuvered by neural implants haveshown promise in the laboratory, but thereare challenges to making them work in thereal world. “The tissue surrounding the deviceundergoes complex changes that in the endisolate it electrically,” Badrinat added. “Atthis point the implant stops functioning.“We have pre-eminent leaders in implantdesign, 3D multispectral imaging,quantitative histology, and patternrecognition on our team. Ideally, the teamwill be able to make great strides in theunderstanding of neural implant failure,which can fail within six to eight weeks.“DARPA has a vision of a future where asoldier who has lost a limb will regain full useof that limb again through advancedtechnology.”Badrinat and his group have received a three-

year, $5.4m grant from the DefenseAdvanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA),the military's high-tech research agency.Researchers from Seattle Children's ResearchInstitute, the University of Michigan,Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and twocompanies also are involved in the project.The grant is part of DARPA's Histology forInterface Stability Over Time program, whichis the next phase of its RevolutionizingProsthetics project that began in 2000. Thegrant money is allocated in two phases, with$3.2m being awarded immediately and theremaining $2.2m based on performance.The work will begin in Michigan, where ateam led by professor Daryl Kipke will buildspecialised neural implants for use inlaboratory testing. Researchers at the Seattle institute, under thedirection of William Shain, will take three-dimensional images of how different braincells are reacting to an implant.The images will be transmitted to Houston,where Badrinat’s team will run them througha sophisticated and powerful softwareplatform called FARSIGHT, which will analysethe histology, or cellular make up, of theimages. Developed by a collaborative teamled by Badrinat, FARSIGHT will translate theimages into data that quantifies the responseof each individual brain cell and cell type tothe implant.

Team buildingmind-controlledprosthetic devices

Television and radio presenter Toby Anstis will host the first UKWheelchair Challenge this summer.The event will form part of the annual South West Disability Showat the Westpoint, Exeter, which takes place on June 9 and 10.A 1km race is open to anybody in a wheelchair along with theircarers and parents, while the 3km event will be held for moreserious amateur sportsmen and women over a more challengingcourse. The Challenge, sponsored by GM Coachwork, will alsobenefit disabled charities.

INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE ISSUE 77 February/March 11 £6.95

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

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Sales Christine Daly-Sadler Assistant Product ManagerEmail: [email protected] Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478

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[email protected] hour hotline: 01226 734695

Design/Production Judith Halkerston Group Deputy EditorEmail: [email protected] Stewart Holt Studio ManagerEmail: [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

US claims that newjoints could be grownfrom own cellsBy Dominic Musgrave

PATIENTS who need jointreplacement surgery could one day be given a new joint grown from their own cells instead of anartificial one, American scientistsclaim.Researchers at the University ofMissouri have found a way to createso-called biological joints in animals,and have succeeded in creating newcartilage in animals using a biological‘scaffold’ in their joints.The scaffolds were infused with agrowth factor to encourage theanimals’ own stem cells to becomecartilage and bone cells.They were then implanted in rabbits,whose ‘ball’ part of their ball-and-socket shoulder joint had beenremoved to accommodate thescaffold.Dr James Cook, a researcher in theuniversity’s College of VeterinaryMedicine and Department ofOrthopaedic Surgery, said: “The

device was designed with bothbiological and mechanical factors inmind. It is unique in design andcomposition and in how it stimulatesthe body's own cells. This is the firsttime we have seen cartilage regener-ation using this type of scaffold.”The researchers found that rabbitswhich were given the new infusedscaffolds were able to use their limbsmore quickly and consistently thanthose which were not.After four months, cartilage wasfound to have formed in thescaffolds and there were nocomplications or side-effects as aresult of the surgery.James said the team now plan tocontinue their research in largeranimals, taking them a step closer toclinical trials in humans.He added: “The ultimate goal is todo away with metal and plastic jointsand instead regenerate a fully funct-ional biologic joint for everyone whoneeds one. We think this is the fut-ure of orthopaedics and we hope

that future is starting here and now.”A spokeswoman for ArthritisResearch UK, whose scientists areabout to embark on their first clinicaltrial using stem cells for osteoarthritisof the knee, said: “There are hugechallenges in this area of researchand there is still a lot we need tounderstand about these newtechniques. “But with extensive work tounderstand stem cell behaviour andusing this knowledge to developmethods to engineer new cartilage,researchers have already made greatprogress towards developing thesolutions we need for the future.”Up to 70 people with establishedknee osteoarthritis will take part inthe charity-funded trial which willtest and compare the effectiveness oftwo types of stem cells. The aim is to repair damage to thejoint, stopping osteoarthritis fromgetting worse and delaying oravoiding the need for kneereplacement surgery.

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Brave physio studenthelped casualtiesof roadside accidentBy Louise Cordell

A FOURTH year physiotherapy student hasbeen recognised for her bravery at a roadsideaccident.

Aine Scott, a senior under officer atAberdeen Universities’ Officers' TrainingCorp), was awarded a certificate ofcommendation from the General OfficerCommanding 2nd Division for highlymeritorious service to the Army in Scotland,North of England and Northern Ireland at aspecial ceremony at Aberdeen University.

Last June she was part of a battlefield studyparty travelling via coach to Northern Francethat had stopped for lunch on the M6.

Shortly afterwards, a minibus carrying 12passengers travelling at approximately 70miles per hour passed the coach and flippedon to its roof, crashing into the central barrier before coming to a rest in thecarriageway.

As minor casualties were being removedthrough the windscreen, Aine arrived at thescene and started prioritising casualties,

taking control of the medical treatment.

Aine, who has since completed a module inmilitary leadership in practice, said: “I neverexpected to be recognised for what I did, itwas a lovely surprise.

“I reacted to what happened in the way Ihave been trained to and was just doingwhat was expected of me. I am just so gladthat I was able to help and make a differenceto the victims of the road accident.”

She stayed in the minibus with a trappedelderly Asian woman who could not speakEnglish, with severe cuts to her head and abadly broken wrist.

Aine positioned herself so that the casualty'shead was resting on her lap, and providedher with constant reassurance while tendingto her wounds.

Fifteen minutes after the initial crash, theemergency services arrived and Aine'sprofessionalism was so marked that, despitethe presence of paramedics, police and fireservices personnel, she was designated tostay with the main casualty while theemergency services cut the minibus open.Aine with her mother Catherine at the ceremony

A PROSTHETIC technician iscelebrating his 50th year in theindustry.

David Buckland joined Ortho Europeas a school leaver in 1960, beginninghis career training as a technician inthe leather workshop.

Alongside others in the team, henow produces and repairs a widevariety of conventional prostheticleather components includingsockets, liners and straps.

The company’s managing directorJohn O’Byrne said: “Despite the

advances in limb technology in thelast five decades, David andcolleagues still provide a vital servicefor those patients who continue touse more conventional limbs.

“Our team of conventionaltechnicians is vital to provide choiceto patients, and David’s vastknowledge and expertise inproducing leather components willhave benefitted thousands of peopleover the years.”

David was recently recognised by theBritish Healthcare Trades Associationat their annual awards ceremony.

Half-century celebration forprosthetic technician David

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New software tool canhelp understandingof mobility challengesMOBILITY challenges facing olderpeople can be better understood byclinicians, healthcare practitionersand design professionals thanks to anew innovative software tool.

Initial research findings from aresearch collaboration between TheGlasgow School of Art and theUniversity of Strathclyde, supportedby the UK Research Councils’ NewDynamics of Ageing programme(NDA), evaluated software whichenables older people to work withprofessionals and suggest ways toimprove their lifestyle and quality oflife.

The software tool presents datavisually and this allows those withoutspecialist training – bothprofessionals and older people – tobetter understand and contribute todiscussions about the mechanics ofmovement, known as biomechanics,when carrying out everyday activities.

The software takes motion capturedata and muscle strengthmeasurements from older people

undertaking everyday activities. Thesoftware then generates a 3Danimated human stick figure onwhich the biomechanical demands ofthe activities are represented visuallyat the joints.

Glasgow School of Art professorAlastair Macdonald said: “Thevisualisation software is a simple yethighly effective tool to help olderpeople and professionals explain,discuss and address mobilityproblems.

“Better understanding of olderpeople’s mobility can help healthcareprofessionals improve diagnosis ortreatment of problems, and designprofessionals to adapt the way theydesign for older people.”

These demands or stresses are thenshown as a percentage of maximumcapability through a colour gradient:green is zero per cent, amber is 50per cent and red is 100 per cent ormaximum stress.

The research shows the new

software tool has the potential toimprove diagnostic, therapeutic,communication and educationprocedures by increasing the use andintegration of biomechanicalexpertise in both design andhealthcare practices.

Alastair added: “The visualisationsoftware could be used to improvethe designer’s understanding of thedifferent needs when developingproducts for older people, includingenhancing the ergonomic and aswell as the functional attributes ofproducts, and improving the designof landscapes and buildings.”

“In a healthcare setting the toolcould be used as part of a range ofassessment techniques. It couldimprove the understanding bydifferent healthcare professions ofolder people’s mobility challengesand improve communication acrossthese professions to provide a morejoined-up approach to clinicalassessment, diagnosis andrehabilitation.”

Danish firmin mobilitysystem‘world first’A DANISH mobility companyhas launched an overheadlifting system that it claims will revolutionise the way care homes and hospitals are adapted for elderly and disabled people in the UK.

The Ergolet system is theworld’s first wall-mountedmobility system.

It covers the full length andbreadth of the room, andallows the most immobilepatients, who are usually reliant upon floor hoists oroverhead tracking systems,to reach all corners of theroom.

Based on two patentedtechnologies, the wall-mountedEtrack and Luna lifting unit,the system can be used to adapt almost anyenvironment for disabledliving, and can be used by asingle care-giver, reducingattendance costs for disabledor immobile patients.

The Etrack is fitted on oppositewalls along the length of theroom, a traverse bar is fitted toit to span the width of theroom, and the Luna lifting unitis suspended from the traversebar.

A hand-held ‘remote control’device controls lifting andlowering, and movementaround the room. Forwards andbackwards movement is motorpowered, while the carer canassist with movement left andright.

Donation funds new patient monitorAN East Cheshire hospital haspurchased a new patient monitorand stand with the help of adonation from a local buildingsociety.

Macclesfield District General Hospital has purchased a MasimoSET patient monitor and stand for its orthopaedics departmentthanks to the £500 contributionfrom Leek United Building Society.

The device accurately tracks

and trends the pulse rates in patients with poor flow of bloodthrough the organs and weak pulses.

Orthopaedic unit manager KathBarnes said: “The new Masimo SETwill allow patients in the departmentto be non invasively monitored usingthe most technologically andclinically advanced pulse ratetechnology available.

“It provides real time measurementsand new clinical detail that expands

on patient monitoring beyond thetraditional standard of care.”

The continuous tracking of bloodpressure, pulse rate and fluid status will mean we will be able tomake better healthcare decisionsfaster.

“The monitor also significantlyreduce false alarms and alsofacilitates early detection of life threatening conditions and helps to guide patient treatmentoptions,” he added.

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By Dominic Musgrave

A NETWORK to help Scottishcompanies tap into the £170bnglobal medical technologiesmarket has been unveiled at theUniversity of Strathclyde inGlasgow.Strathclyde MedTech will seebusinesses and academics workingtogether to bring the nextgeneration of healthcaretechnologies to market – fromnew imaging and diagnosticequipment, to devices to helpolder patients manage healthproblems at home.Technology firms have stressedthat if they are to take advantageof the sector's potential andcreate the complex productssought by cost conscious cliniciansand patients, specialist advice andsupport is required.Professor Trish Connolly, directorof the Strathclyde Institute ofMedical Devices, where the newinitiative is based, said: “Scottishcompanies have a long history ofsuccess in engineering newtechnologies, and they are ideallyplaced to pioneer the nextgeneration of healthcare devicesneeded by patients around theglobe.“But the medical technologies ofthe future can only be createdthrough a fusion of engineering,

science and medicine. “Strathclyde MedTech will lowerthe barrier to innovation in themedical technology sector, byproviding companies with thesupport and advice needed tonavigate complex regulatory andtechnical issues. “We will be looking to work withboth companies already involvedin medical device development,and those in other sectors,including electronics, textiles,healthcare and even automotivecomponent companies.” Strathclyde MedTech will providecompanies with advice andsupport, as well as encouragingScottish companies to collaboratewith the university and otherfirms. Funding will be available to helpfirms work with the universitythrough consultancy or researchprojects, including feasibilitystudies and testing fortechnologies in areas includingdiagnostics, cardiovascular devices,rehabilitation and assisted living,drug delivery, biomaterials and cell/ tissue engineering.The venture has received£376,000 from the ScottishGovernment’s SEEKIT fund, andnearly £308,000 from theEuropean Regional DevelopmentFund.

Professor Trish Connolly

Scottish firmswork togetherto reach market

Hip replacement study tolook at impact of surgeryAN INTERNATIONAL team ofscientists are embarking on a studywhich will look at the impact of hipreplacement surgery on olderpeople’s employment and retirementdecisions.

The research will be led by scientistsat the Universita Bocconi in Milan,and will also involve experts at theUniversity of York and Johns HopkinsUniversity in America.

Lead investigator Dr Ruben Mujica-Mota said hip replacement surgerycan help to reduce pain, restorephysical mobility and improve qualityof life for patients with arthritis.

He added: “We chose to study hipreplacement in continental Europe,England and the United Statesbecause of the country variations inincentives for retirement and the

number of older adults still in theworkforce. We aim to contributeevidence to the growing debate inthese countries over policy measuresto reduce the gap between availabletax revenues and the publicexpenditures required to providesocial security and pension benefits.”

The international consortium hope tofind out whether hip replacementsurgery enables people to remain atwork, and whether a greater numberof patients could benefit from theprocedure.

They will examine the economic andsocio-demographic factors that influ-ence an individual’s decision abouthip replacement surgery, drawinginformation from the English Longit-udinal Study of Aging and similardatasets from Europe and America.

Company honoured at summitBEBIONIC was among thecompanies honoured by the DigitalHealth Summit and Microsoft inhelping to advance best practicesfor the advancement of digitalhealth. The Digital Health Summit focusedon the growing market ofconsumer-based innovations that

sit at the convergence oftechnology and healthcare. The event, held at the 2011Consumer Electronics Show in LasVegas, brought together well-known health and technologyplayers and experts to exploretrends and technologies leadingthe way and explore its future.

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Regional variations exposedin stroke care reviewBy Louise Cordell

THE way patients aresupported in coping with lifeafter stroke varies significantlyacross England, it has beenclaimed.

A major review by the CareQuality Commission (CQC) onstroke care has found theextent to which patients aresupported in coping with lifeafter stroke varies significantlyacross England.

The CQC report found thatrehabilitation services aftertransfer home from hospitalwere inconsistent across thecountry, and people in someareas had little or no access tostroke specialist community-based rehabilitation.

The commission found only two-thirds of PCTscommissioned specialist strokephysiotherapy, and less than40 per cent of areas providedgood access to psychological

therapy or stroke counsellors.

Chief executive Cynthia Bowersaid “Stroke is the singlelargest cause of disability inadults, and our evidenceshows early access to intenserehabilitation is beneficial topeople’s recovery.

“Services have madeimprovements over recentyears in the care provided inthe hours and days that followtheir stroke. It is vital that thismomentum is maintained, andthat improvements are madein the care and supportprovided in the longer term.

“The level of variation is aconcern, but the report alsoshows that the barriers toeffective care after transferhome and around personcentred care can be overcomeand improvements made,which can help people torecover from, and cope with,life after stroke.”

The study also found thatmost people are given a packof information when theyleave hospital, but it is oftenpoorly organised – around 40per cent of people said it waseasy to find things in themand only 40 per cent of thesepacks contained goodinformation on local services.

Services were not alwaysadapting well to meet people’sneeds, such as thecommunications needs ofpeople with aphasia or theneeds of people who do notspeak English.

Cynthia added: “We expect tosee local health and socialservices working with strokesurvivors, carers andrepresentative groups to agreeand implement a plan toimprove services drawing onthe results of our assessmentsof services in local areas.” Cynthia Bower

NHS failing chronicpain sufferers – reportTHE NHS is failing people withchronic pain according to a newreport from The Patients Association.

The national healthcare charityclaims that approximately 7.8 millionpeople live with pain daily, yet thereis only one pain specialist for every32,000 sufferers.

The report found more than a thirdof those questioned said they hadsuffered from chronic pain at sometime. But of the 1,200 with chronicpain who responded, only 23 percent had been referred to aspecialist.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapychief executive Phil Gray saidincluding the many physiotherapistswho are also pain specialists wouldsignificantly improve the ratio of

specialists to patients given in thereport.

He added: “Physiotherapy is provento be an effective treatment forchronic pain that enables people tolive full and active lives.

“But the NHS must address regionalvariations in access to care, and we also call on GPs to recognisethe importance of services such as ours in helping people to tackle this debilitating condition.”

The Patients Association is asking thegovernment and healthcareprofessionals to establish a clear carepathway for pain services in theNHS, to recognise pain as a diseasein its own right and to ensure thatpatients have access to theinformation they need.

Scuba diving limb developedA PROSTHETIST has developed a specialist limb for scuba divingwhich features a lockable ankle, buoyancy weights and even aknife.

PACE prosthetist Jamie Gillespie,who manufactured the device for atrip to Egypt, said: “Many of our

clients want to participate inactivities often previously enjoyedbefore their limb loss.

“Meeting those needs can result insome very bespoke devices, such as this one, although the divingknife is perhaps an unusual featureon a prosthesis.”

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Review intocare of armyamputeesBy Dominic Musgrave

THE government has launched areview of how the NHS looks afterformer British service personnel who lost limbs serving their country.Armed Forces charities have raisedconcerns that the civilian healthservice is not adequately equipped to support amputeeveterans to the same standardprovided at the military's Headley Court rehabilitation centrein Surrey.Dr Andrew Murrison, a former Royal Navy medical officer who isnow Conservative MP for south west Wiltshire, will lead the review.He will look at future funding fortechnologically advanced prostheticlimbs, minimising the ‘postcodelottery’ in services and the role ofservice charities like the the BritishLimbless Ex-Service Men'sAssociation.Health minister Simon Burns said: “I am grateful to the service charities for bringing this to ourattention.“We remain firmly committed toensuring that military personnel willcontinue to receive the standard ofprosthetics issued by the Ministry ofDefence at Headley Court when theyare discharged.

“Service personnel risk everything inthe service of this country and theNHS must provide the first class carethat these brave men and womenrightly deserve and help to improvetheir health outcomes.”British Limbless Ex Service Men’sAssociation (BLESMA) generalsecretary Jerome Church welcomedthe decision, calling it a ‘significantmilestone’.He added: “While we recognise the excellent prosthetic supportprovided at the Defence MedicalServices at Headley Court, our long experience in this area has ledus to doubt that such provision canbe as easily carried forward by theNHS as and when veterans entercivilian life. We note the review willbe wide ranging and address suchconcerns as regional variation inprovision, the future funding of highspecification prosthetic equipmentand the possible contribution ofindividual budgets in sucharrangements. It also represents asignificant opportunity to addressissues that date back many years andto improve the support that shouldbe a right for the many veterans ofearlier conflicts and who deserve thelevel of care that this review seeks toidentify.”Andrew is expected to report hisfindings by the end of June.

A quadruple amputee who had to be rescued just short of reaching MountKilimanjaro’s summit has been made an MBE. Ray Edwards (pictured), who wasraising money for his Limbcare charity, contracted a chest infection and had to becarried down on a stretcher by teammates and porters.

Society call over £162mextra rehab fundingTHE Chartered Society ofPhysiotherapy is calling oncommunity health services andcouncils to ensure physiotherapyservices get an appropriate share ofthe extra £162million thegovernment announced forrehabilitation.

PCTs in England are receiving theextra funding to help get patients offwards and free up hospital bedsthrough investment in rehabilitationservices and social care.

The funding comes amid widespreadconcern that spending cuts beingenforced on local authorities will hitdelivery of key council services andmany patients are already being leftin hospital because they cannotafford to go home.

Chief executive Phil Gray said

delayed discharge from hospital coststhe NHS tens of millions of pounds ayear.

He added: “Physiotherapy is a criticalcomponent of any rehabilitationprogramme, and we urgecommissioners to ensure it receivesthe funding it needs.

“It is grossly unfair to leave inhospital someone who is wellenough to go home. It can lead to acritical gap in the patient’srehabilitation and to social isolation.

“We must do everything we can toallow people to lead independentlives and remain part of theircommunity.”

Trusts and local authorities will worktogether to decide how best to usethe money to relieve pressure onhospitals.

Leading limb-loss charities arelooking for cyclists for 300km rideTHREE of the country's leading limb-loss charities are appealing forcyclists to take part in a 300km bikeride this autumn.LimbPower, The Douglas BaderFoundation and the LimblessAssociation have joined forces forthe 300km weekend-long event

from London to Paris, which willfinish at the Eiffel Tower.All money raised from the challenge,which takes place from September30 to October 3, will be sharedequally between the three charitiesafter the administration and tourcosts.

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THE University of Southampton iscalling for volunteers affected byloss of arm and hand functionthrough stroke to take part in adaily training regime involvingelectrical brain stimulationcombined with robotic training.

The study is believed to be the firstin the world combiningtranscranial Direct CurrentStimulation (tDCS) withrehabilitation robots, for the handand arm and will take three yearsto complete.

If the treatment proves to be assuccessful as expected, it isintended that a version of thetDCS machine will be developedfor use at home, providing a betterrecovery outcome for patients andsignificant cost savings for theNHS.

Welsh company Magstim Limited,which developed andmanufactured the electrical brainstimulator to be used in the study,is planning to develop the home-use device.

The research team from across theuniversity will be led by professorof restorative neuroscience, JaneBurridge, of the Faculty of HeathSciences, with support from DrAnn-Marie Hughes and a PhDstudent grant-funded by theMaltese government.

Jane said: “Anyone who has hadto endure the debilitating affectsof a stroke either themselves or inhelping a loved one in thatsituation will know just howdifficult it can be.

“Through our research, and withthe help of people who have hada stroke, we are really hoping totransform the recovery process andmake life more manageable forthose who find themselves in thatsituation in the future.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time forthe faculty,and an honour to beworking with such an incredibleteam.”

Funded by Wessex Medical Trust,the research forms part of theFaculty’s Rehabilitation and Health

Technologies Research Group, partof a larger programme of researchinto the use of robots inrehabilitation of the hand andarm.

The research team includes agroup of control engineers led byProfessor Eric Rogers and Dr ChrisFreeman, expert researchers inelectronics and computer sciences.

The Rehabilitation and HealthTechnologies Research Group isalso undertaking basic scienceresearch to understand how thehuman brain can be made more‘excitable’ through the use oftDCS. It is thought that thisreignites the damaged part of thebrain, better preparing it to formnew connections whenundergoing robotic training.

Jane added: “The research teamwill also be working with Hocoma,the Swiss medical technologycompany, and robot’s originator, tofurther develop the technology toinclude electrical stimulation forthe hand, and with John Rothwell,professor of human

neurophysiology at the Institute ofNeurology, University CollegeLondon.”

The robot element of the researchis UK government funded throughthe Engineering and PhysicalSciences Research Council (EPSRC).

A new research programme which could significantly speed up and improve recovery for victimsof stroke has been launched. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Volunteers sought fordaily training regime

Jane Burridge puts a volunteerthrough his paces.

Lecturer receives largestresearch award afterSociety recommendationBy Dominic Musgrave

A SENIOR lecturer from theUniversity of the West of England has received a bumperfunding award following arecommendation from the CharteredSociety of Physiotherapy’s scientificpanel.

The £249,000 given to Dr NicolaWalsh will fund research into theclinical and cost-effectiveness ofprescribing exercise and self-management for older people withchronic joint pain.

She said: “It’s the largest award evergiven by the CSP charitable trust andwe’re delighted to have theopportunity to conduct research intoan important area that is quite oftenoverlooked.’

Another key recipient of the society’sannual funding awards is Dr RachelGarrod, consultant physiotherapist at

Kings College Hospital NHSFoundation Trust.

She received almost £109,000 forher research into the efficacy ofphysiotherapy, speech and languagetherapy intervention (PSALTI) forpatients with chronic cough.

The charitable trust has also awardedfunding to four students for theirphysiotherapy research abstracts. Theawardees are Judith Purton, UlrikeHammerbeck, Amanda Austin andHilary Gunn.

Additional funding was provided tonine physiotherapists – DavidThompson, Harriet Shannon, Samy Selvanayagam, Terry Pountney,Sheila Lennon, Ayfer Kahraman,Jonathan Hill, Stuart Heron and ChrisBleakley – in support of theirpresentations to the WorldConfederation for Physical Therapy,which takes place in Amsterdam inJune.

Seven-day-a-week physio‘an overwhelming success’THE introduction of physiotherapyseven days a week for patients who have suffered a stroke at an Essex hospital has been an overwhelmingsuccess.

The new scheme at SouthendUniversity Hospital has also led topatients being able to get homesooner.

Joanne Lay, clinical specialist inneurological physiotherapy, said the weekend access tophysiotherapy had led to the hospital becoming one of the country’s leading strokeunits.

She added: “Before we introducedthe new system, patients receivingthrombolysis (clot-busting drugs)could wait 72 hours to see aphysiotherapist.

“The National Institute of Healthand Clinical Excellence (NICE) and

the Royal College of Physiciansrecommend stroke patients shouldbe assessed by a therapist within24 hours.

“New therapy rotas were drawnup and, after a four-month pilottrial of weekend working provedthe worth of the new scheme, itbecame a permanent arrangementlast year.

“That, together with otherimprovements in the service, hasbrought the average length ofstay on the stroke unit down fromnearly 18 days to 11.”

She said an additional benefit for physiotherapy staff is that they no longer spend all dayMonday assessing the weekend’sintake of new patients –sometimes as many as 20 – rather than actually providingtherapy.

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Craig travels to schoolwith satellite technologyBy Christina Eccles

AN Edinburgh special needs pupil has become the first inScotland to learn to travel toschool on his own using satellitetechnology.

Craig Nibloe, from Pilrig ParkSchool, spent five weeks using the GPS device as he got the busfrom his home to school andcollege.

He can now travel independentlywithout the need for schooltransport, which allows him tohave the opportunity to go tocollege to complete furthereducation courses.

The city council has become thefirst local authority in the countryto use the technology to trainspecial needs pupils.

Head teacher Ellen Muir said: “Selftravel training is always time-consuming for our staff but thistechnology means we canconcentrate on those pupils whoneed a higher level of support and

train more children to gain moreconfidence and becomeindependent.

“One of the biggest pluses is thatstudents need to be able to selftravel so they can attend collegeso now we should have moretaking up further education withmore career opportunities beingopened up.”

Its success builds on previouspioneering telecare initiatives,which have helped hundreds ofolder people in the capital remain

independent in their own homes.

And the success could lead toother schools in the capital usingthe system.

The pupil carries the hand heldSkyGuard GPS device while theteacher is able to rely on thecomputer system to tell them theexact location of the pupil, with the added reassurance of twoway communication and an SOSfacility.

Councillor Paul Edie, health andsocial care and housing leaderadded: “Using this technology tohelp pupils make their own way to and from school is anatural progression, and theamazing progress Craig has madeshows how beneficial the systemis.”

Traditionally special needs pupilsare taught self travel by teacherswho have to accompany themover an average eight-week periodas they travel from their homes toschool.

Craig Nibloe receives a certificate ofachievement from councillor Paul Edie

Local councilinvests inphysio clinicA NEW physiotherapy clinic hasopened in Garstang thanks toinvestment finance from the localauthority.Eason Physiotherapy Limited hasreceived financial support fromLancashire county council’s Rosebudscheme to bring an empty propertyin the town into economic use. The company, run by husband andwife team Simon and Lynley Eason,will improve the physiotherapyprovision for local people. Lancashire-born Simon has worked inhealth and physiotherapy in both thepublic and private sectors, while NewZealand-born Lynley has experiencein both her native land and in theUK. Simon said the clinic aims to expandto include other health services overforthcoming months. He added: “Weare passionate about offering a highquality service and treating ourpatients with respect and honesty inan environment which is clean,warm, and welcoming.” Funding for Rosebud is provided byLancashire County Developments Ltd– the county council's economicdevelopment company – as part ofits broad package of investment andadvice.

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Hopes that ‘smart’ prosthesiswill transform life for amputeesBy Dominic Musgrave

BRITISH researchers hope a ‘smart’prosthesis they are developingcould transform the lives ofamputees.

A group of Bournemouthacademics hope the work they arecarrying out at the university'sDesign Simulation Research Centremight also transform the lives ofamputee soldiers injured in Iraqand Afghanistan, and potentiallyreturn them to active service.

Using artificial intelligence and newtechnology, professor SiamakNoroozi and his team aredeveloping a prosthetic socket thatis able to measure the individualinteractions between the socketand the stump of a limb.

He said research has shown a lot ofpeople are dissatisfied with theirprosthetic sockets.

“Currently, prosthetic limbs aremade of two components: the leg– the mechanical part, whichconnects the person to the ground

– and the socket, which connectsthe mechanical part to the body."Siamak said. “But that interfacecan be very comfortable or verypainful and can definitely generatepain if not designed properly.

“You cannot create the perfectprosthetic socket that has the samefeeling as your normal leg, but youshould be able to get a socket witha profile that can be modified tocreate an optimum comfort level,and then maintain that whetherthe person is walking, sitting andso on.”

The team hope to create a ‘virtual’socket, which can record data to

see how it reacts to different loads,and react to the incominginformation to ensure the socketmaintains a state of comfort forthe user at all times.

Siamak added: “For many years,research has been carried out to tryto improve the fitting process forprosthetic limbs, but from what weknow, none of this researchresulted in a clinical tool that caninform processes about the qualityof the fit, or the changes madeduring the fitting process, or whathappens as a result of thosechanges.

“So, if you modify the socket –

making it better or worse – there'sno qualitative tool that can tell youthe variation of the resultantpressure after the changes youmake to it.

“The socket can be used tomonitor the progress of the person,telling us what is happening whenthey are static, or walking, orrunning, or going up stairs, tocreate a load profile and thenjudge whether those load profilesresult in a comfortable or painfulsocket.

“That would mean we couldtransform every individual socket soit suits the person specifically andany required adjustments can bedone very quickly. This shouldreduce the time it takes to fit eachindividual socket and possiblyextend the life of sockets from sixto nine months, as at the moment,to several years.”

The project has received fundingfrom the Engineering and PhysicalSciences Research Council and themedical charity Remedi.

‘The socket can be used to monitor the progress of theperson, telling us what is happening when they arestatic, or walking, or running,or going up stairs, tocreate a load profile and then judge whether those loadprofiles result in a comfortable or painful socket’

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Device aids‘foot drop’sufferersBy Louise Cordell

A NEW device has been installed at aCheshire hospital to improve thewalking ability of people sufferingfrom the form of lower leg paralysisknown as foot drop.

The WalkAide system introduced byEast Cheshire NHS Trust atMacclesfield District General Hospitalis designed to assist with the abilityto lift the foot of those patients whohave suffered an injury to theircentral nervous system, enablingthem to walk again with much morestability, speed, independence andaccuracy.

Invented by a team of researchers inCanada at the University of Alberta, the medical functionalelectrical stimulation (FES) deviceconsists of a battery-operated unit,attached to two electrodes and asingle-channel electrical stimulator,worn around the calf just below theknees.

The sensor technology sends lowlevel electrical signals directly to amotor nerve below the outside ofthe knee.

Gentle electrical impulses activatethe muscles used to raise the

patient’s foot at the appropriate timeduring the step cycle – giving thepatient the ability to walk morenormally again.

Senior neuro-physiotherapist DebbieRowarth said: “If you have suffered astroke, spinal or brain injury or haveMultiple Sclerosis or cerebral palsy,walking, a task considered simple bynon affected individuals is not easy.

“These conditions damage thenervous system.

“The introduction of the WalkAideFES system is another step forward indelivering the latest technologicaladvances into the neuro gym,enabling the Trust to give thepatients of east Cheshire the firstrate rehabilitation unit they rightlydeserve.”

“Research indicates many peoplewho try Walkaide experienceimmediate and substantialimprovement in their walking ability,which increases their mobility,functionality, and overallindependence.”

The Walkaide FES system has beenfinancially funded by TheMacclesfield Branch of The MultipleSclerosis Society.

Gemma Darley with father Kevin at her graduation

A NEWLY qualified physiotherapistsays she was inspired to join theprofession as a youngster afterseeing how treatment helped herchampion jockey father to recoverafter races.

Gemma Darley has fulfilled herambition by graduating with a firstclass physiotherapy degree, and hasgained a junior physiotherapy postworking for the North Tees andHartlepool NHS foundation trust.

Originally from Lower Dunsforth,near York, her father is Kevin Darley,a retired jockey who rode for 32years.

His career highlights includedwinning two English classic races, theGuineas and the St Leger, and thetitle of champion jockey in 2000.Kevin is now chief executive of theProfessional Jockey’s Association.

Gemma said: “From when I was 12 Iused to see my dad havephysiotherapy regularly and I wasfascinated by the process.

“What stuck with me was how itwas like a jigsaw, trying to fit all thepieces together to bring about asuccessful treatment. It was then Idecided this was going to be myfuture career.”

Jockey dad inspires Gemma

Shock-wave treatmentintroduced at hospitalA NEW treatment introduced at a Stafford hospital is targetingpatients suffering painful feet, ankles, elbows, shoulders orhips.

The treatment at Rowley Hallworks by passing low-energyshock-waves through the skin to initiate an inflammation-like response in the injured tissue.

That prompts the body tonaturally increase bloodcirculation, the number of bloodvessels and, as a result, themetabolism in the injured tissue,so increasing the body's naturalhealing process.

Called extracorporeal shock-wave

therapy, it is available at theprivately-run hospital, which alsotakes NHS referrals from NorthStaffordshire.

Hospital physiotherapy managerSuzanne Nita said: “The 15minute sessions are an alternativefor patients who have tried allother forms of conventionaltreatment for their chronic tendonor soft tissue inflammationproblems.”

Physiotherapists use the device totreat patients referred byorthopaedic surgeons, and alreadyit has worked with conditionssuch as tennis elbow, achillestendonitis and calcification of theshoulder tendons.

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By Dominic Musgrave

A WOMAN with muscular paralysisas a result of childhood polio hasbecome the first UK patient to weara revolutionary, electronicallycontrolled leg brace.

Jane Rutterford, a retired mother oftwo from Essex, is now experiencinga regular walking pattern for the firsttime due to the device, which hasrecently become available on theNHS.

The E-MAG Active from Otto BockHealthcare, designed to boostmobility and the quality of life ofstroke and polio patients, usesintelligent sensor technology toconstantly measure the position ofthe wearer’s leg while walking,ensuring it locks and unlocks at theright times.

It is a lightweight system that worksindependently of the ankle joint or

sole of the foot. As a result, userswith no ankle functionality are able to achieve improved mobility via a more natural, smoother gait pattern when doing everydaytasks.

Jane, who is now dealing with post-polio syndrome, said. “Wearing theE-MAG is like having therapy whilegetting on with your life, offering mesupport to do the things I love doingsuch as gardening.

“It’s essential for me as a person tobe as independent as possible and asit’s so comfortable I can wear it allday every day. It’s become an integralpart of my life; the support it givesme is terrific.”

In 2009 E-MAG Active received theaward for prosthetic or orthoticproduct innovation from TheLimbless Association, and is the firstleg support of its kind to promote anatural walking pattern.

Jane Rutterford

Jane becomesfirst to wearbrace device

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By Kathryn Fisher MSc MCSP

DYNAMIC Elastomeric FabricOrthoses have been used in thetreatment of motor disorderssince the 1990s.

There is still divided opinion as totheir effectiveness, but as moreand more evidence is published,critics should perhaps rethinktheir position.

In truth, evidence from a numberof sources shows that DEFOs canbe beneficial for clients whopresent with:

Proximal and /or distal instability.

Abnormal tone.

Sensory processing difficulties/lack of awareness

Hypermobility

Prosthetics and OrthoticsInternational gives evidence tosuggest that if proximalweakness is addressed usingdynamic orthoses the typical

diplegic gait pattern can bereduced providing an opportunityfor the re-learning of movementpatterns.

But why is this? The simpleanswer is that the dynamicproperties allow the patient torealise their full physicalpotential, through providingproximal stability withoutproviding rigid support.

This means muscles arefacilitated to be active in betterpatterns of movement,proprioceptive feedback isenhanced and motor learningcan take place.

DM Orthotics Ltd is onemanufacturer of DEFOs. Usinghis orthotic knowledge and theskills of the team surroundinghim, Martin Matthews hasdeveloped the DynamicMovement Orthosis (DMO) intothe product we see today.

One of the most excitingdevelopments at DM Orthotics isthe Scoliosis Suit. Initiallydesigned to treat neuropathiccurve,s it is now being used inearly idiopathic scoliosis.

The scoliosis suit provides adynamic functional orthosis todirect rather than forcecorrection within the spinalsegments. There is no musclewasting, and full range ofmovement in the spine ispossible. X-ray evidence showsthat it has been possible toreduce curves by up to 50 percent.

So while there will always be aneed for rigid bracing, anddynamic orthoses are not foreveryone, there is a growingbody of evidence to support theiruse in the treatment of motordisorders, providing us withanother tool in our box.

Dynamic Orthoses –where’s the evidence?

Background: The knee joint’s lack ofblood, nerve, or lymphatic supply ledresearchers to hypothesise that anelectrical impulse is the body’smechanism to maintain joint health.

Due to the physical changes in theosteoarthritic knee, the endogenouselectrical impulse is diminished.BioniCare supplements thisweakened signal with a stronger oneclinically proven to reduce pain andrestore function.

How does it work? The patentedBioniCare Knee System delivers animperceptible pulsed electrical signaldesigned specifically for thetreatment of pain, symptoms and

the overall improvement of theosteoarthritic knee.

Indicated specifically for kneeosteoarthritis, it is the mostthoroughly researched non-drug,non-invasive treatment available.Ideally suited for younger, non-operative patients or those whosimply do not want surgery,BioniCare provides a non-invasivealternative to knee surgery.

What evidence is there to support itseffectiveness? Five peer-reviewed,scientific studies involving 1,200patients in 88 clinical settings prov-ide comprehensive and compellingevidence for the BioniCare system,

with patients showing significantimprovement even when severeosteoarthritis is present.

Results from the studies identifiedthat 62 per cent of patients are lesslikely to have total knee replacementsurgery when treated with BioniCare.100 per cent of patients showedgreater improvement using BioniCareversus placebo groups. Finally, asthe hours of BioniCare treatmentincreases, the efficacy increases anduse of NSAID decreases.

Even though BioniCare is new to theUK, since receiving FDA clearance inthe US in 2003 BioniCare has beenused by over 4,000 physicians across

the USA and Canada treating over50,000 patients, deliveringoutstanding results.

What is the BioniCare System? TheBioniCare system consists of a smallelectronic signal generatorconnected to two electrodes that areplaced above and on the knee, theseare held in place by comfortablewraps. As treatment is based on thenumber of hours worn, BioniCarehas been designed so that it can betailored to suit each individualpatients requirements. The systemcan be used in combination withnight wraps and or knee braces, offthe shelf and custom made.

Bionicare Knee System – A cost effective, proven,non-invasive treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

TOWNSEND hasreleased a new braceconcept, a dual uprightaluminum brace thatallows for locking thepatient at zero or fivedegrees.

The company is the onlybrace manufacturerwhich offers this withintheir range of off-the-shelf brace.

This is the perfect option for those patients whosuffer from weak extensor muscles, problematicTKR or for limiting or preventing knee flexion.

Launched at the beginning of the year, 35braces have been built and shipped, and thefeedback received has been very positive, bothin terms of clinician response and patientcompliance.

There are times when a patient is not a perfectstock size, and if your patient falls between sizeswhy not try the semi-custom option? Providethree easy measurements, and for no additionalcost to the brace you will receive one that fitsyour patient perfectly first time.

Townsend bracing has more than 25 years ofclinically proven products experience, designedand manufactured in the USA.

Very positiveresponse tonew brace

20 3/2/11 16:32 Page 1

KLAVENESS RISE TO THECHALLENGE

Prescription footwear is too often a challenge

for both the clinician and the wearer. Just stop

and think for a moment. Have you ever

wondered, “Can we really provide shoes that

our patients will actually wear?” Patients may

know they need prescription shoes but it

doesn’t mean they are always delighted to

have them. This is something we can change.

You probably already know that Klaveness

provide high quality, nice looking shoes but

we are willing to bet that you currently believe

they won’t fit most of your patients. Actually if

that’s the case, it’s time you gave us a call.

It’s true - Klaveness have taken a fresh look at

footwear provision and raised standards whilst

keeping prices firmly competitive. So let’s see

what’s changed.

WE CAN PRODUCE PRESCRIPTION SHOES TO MATCH YOUR MOST DEMANDING CASES

- and shoes which your patients will bedelighted to wear.

For more than 50 years Klaveness have

combined traditional know-how with the latest

technology to fit the foot without compromise.

Now, by collaborating with Bolton Bros Ltd of

Newcastle (who have been making bespoke

footwear since 1893), the result is quite

exceptional - simply the leading experience

and knowledge to deal with your most

challenging cases.

• Combine the nicest styles with flexible service

• You can have certain styles next day

• Split sizes are free of charge on certain styles

• Three widths

• Up to 12mm last additions

• Complete range of Last and footwear modifications

Whether you want to use traditional measures,

foot scanning technology or a fitting stock, we

can help.

As a leading international brand, Klaveness are

recognised on the High Street as producing

stylish, high quality and comfortable shoes. Of

course, prescription footwear is different. To

apply advanced design and manufacturing

technology to prescription footwear is an

exciting challenge. It means using technology

to meet individual needs but with the

economies of mass production. It offers the

prospect that many more persons who require

such footwear can enjoy both fashion and

function.

Klaveness and Bolton Bros. want wearers to be

delighted with their shoes and clinicians to

realise that they can receive the broadest

selection of modification possibilities on the

market today.

We would like you to know that Bolton Bros

now incorporates and harnesses the skills and

resources of Munro Bolton Orthotics

Call for a Catalogue or more information

South of England & MidlandsKlaveness UK 0116-2866067

email: klavenessuk@btconnect,com

North of England & Scotland

Bolton Bros Ltd 0191-2732012

email: [email protected]

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Naidex organisersback accessibletoilets campaignTHE organiser of the UK’s largestdisability, rehabilitation andhealthcare exhibition is joining thecampaign for accessible toilets in allof its exhibition venues.

The Changing Places initiative waslaunched to make independence anddaily living as attainable as possiblefor the disabled community bysupporting people who have toiletaccessibility issues.

Naidex, spearheaded by eventdirector Liz Virgo, has joined thecampaign to get all major eventvenues involved with theprogramme. She has met withrepresentatives from London ExCeLand will also be speaking to the NECto encourage them to invest themoney needed to make their venueseven more accessible to disabledvisitors.

“The benefit of the scheme is that itallows people to be more flexibleabout where they go, due to havingthe appropriate specialist toiletingfacilities,” Liz added. “It is very

restricting for people who need careraid or special hoists and equipmentto find toilets that afford them thecomfort, convenience and dignitythey deserve.

“Naidex is campaigning to get theseChanging Places into all theexhibition centres we work with toensure maximum comfort for ourvisitors.”

Changing Places toilets are differentto standard disabled ones as theyhave additional features and morespace to meet the needs of disabledpeople and are designed to cater fordifferent levels of disability.

For people who can access the toiletindependently there are strategicallyplaced grab rails and systems thatenable users wash their handswithout moving from the toilet.

The scheme also caters for thosewho have more profound disabilitiesand may require the support of up totwo carers at a time with equipmentincluding tracked hoists andchanging beds.Liz Virgo

PACE tohold freereferrer’sclinic visitPACE is hosting a free referrer’s day at its Chesham clinic next month.

The event on March 2 will provideprofessionals who refer patientsto the company with anopportunity to have a behind the scenes visit to the facility andsee how their clients aresupported by the multi-disciplinary team.

The clinical team will discuss whyparticular components are chosenfor patient provision, the latestprosthetic and orthotic solutions as well as demonstrating the casting of a patient for aprosthetic socket.

Patients will also be in attendanceto share their experiences.

Places are limited, and to registeremail Scott Richardson [email protected]

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ACTOR David Proud has joined thejudging panel for the annual ReadyWilling and Mobile competitionwhich has its awards ceremony atthe Mobility Roadshow.

Best known for his roles inDesperados and EastEnders, hepresented the prizes at last year’sevent. He said: “Having met previouswinners I have been amazed at thecreative thoughtfulness of youngpeople today.

“Some of the ideas have beenextremely simple, but ingenious andhave the potential to be life-changing for disabled people such asmyself.”

The competition is open to all youngpeople aged between seven and 16.This year’s theme is ‘outdoors’ and the organisers are calling forbright ideas to help people withdisabilities gain easy access to andmaximum enjoyment from

woodlands and forests.

The show returns to the East ofEngland Showground from June 30to July 2. Several new elements areplanned including an expandedsports arena with new attractions,and a special focus on outdoor living– not only accessible caravans,motorhomes and equipment, butlightweight portable bikes andscooters that can be carried onboard.

Actor DavidProud withthe categorywinners oflast year’sReadyWilling andMobilecompetition.

THE annual Disability Northexhibition will take place at the newvenue of Newcastle racecourse onSeptember 21 and 22.

Supported by Hilton NewcastleGateshead, the event providesinformation, equipment and advicefor disabled people, older adults,carers and health and social careprofessionals.

There is something for everyone atthis year’s event includingindependent living equipment,adaptations and leisure facilities.

Doors are open from 10am.Admission and car parking is free,and a free shuttle bus is alsoavailable from various locations.

THE Society of Chiropodists andPodiatrists’ annual conference returnsto Harrogate’s InternationalConference Centre this year.

The event will take place fromNovember 24-26. Deadline for oralpresentations is April 30, and forposter presentations August 31.

Society conference

DisabilityNorth atnew venue

Actor joins judging panel

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sponsors podiatry

By Greg Quinn

IN 1989 the WHO andInternational Diabetes Federationpublished the St. Vincent’sDeclaration that set a Europeanwide target of a 50 per centreduction in amputation rates fordiabetes patients.

To be successful this task requiredthe concerted efforts of allparticipating governments tofacilitate the identification ofpatients who were ‘at-risk’ andappropriately resource health careworkers to deliver onimprovements.

In the UK a recently published NHSAtlas of Variation has identifiedsignificant geographical differencesin the level of care available topatients with diabetes.

This so-called ‘postcode lottery’has created some understandableattention from many sections ofthe press and patient groups.

The potential for large numbers ofavoidable diabetic amputations tocontinue is obviously worrying forprofessional groups too; especiallysince such ‘at risk’ patients aregenerally assigned a priority statuswithin most NHS services.

The NHS is under pressure to

respond to both growing demandand tighter control of availablefunds. However, not to respond tothe challenge of improving care tosuch a vulnerable group whileensuring a more equitable accessto treatment would seem likefailure.

To achieve our ambition, all partieswho are stakeholders in thischallenge need to find morecreative ways to deliver what is

required and learn lessons frommore successful services.

As Barbara Young, chief executiveof Diabetes UK has stated: “95 percent of diabetes management isself-management.”

How we collectively respond wemust ensure that such patientstake centre stage in the process.

Greg is a podiatric surgeon andmanaging director at Talar Made.

Greg Quinn

All parties must respondto challenge of reducingdiabetic amputations

High heelsbringhealthproblemsHIGH heels should not beworn daily as regular usecould cause health issues, ithas been claimed.

This comes after researchby Saga revealed that 72per cent of women over theage of 50 still wear highheels, with 42 per cent ofthose under 70 still doingso frequently.

However, few older womenwear extremely high heels,with the court shoe provingpopular with 73 per centand kitten heels worn by30 per cent.

Lorraine Jones, of theSociety of Chiropodists andPodiatrists, said high heelsalter the posture and putspressure on back and kneejoints.

She added: “The height ofthe shoe elevates the leg,which shortens your calfmuscles and also means that the front of your foot is pushedinto the front of your shoe,which can rub andexacerbate bunions if youalready have a geneticpredisposition to them.”

Our new-look features sections gives you the

opportunity to advertise your business on a page

designated to your own specific field:

To find out more ring Christine Daly-Sadler on 01226 734412

Podiatry, Sports Rehab and Children

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Podiatrist considersbenefits of fish oil medicationBy Dominic Musgrave

A SOUTHAMPTON podiatrist isleading research into whetherregular doses of medicationderived from fish oil could be usedto improve nerve damage andprevent diabetes complicationssuch as amputation, blindness orheart disease.

The 18-month study being led byKeith McCormick will study 100people at risk of developing typetwo diabetes to determinewhether a medication calledOMACOR can improve thefunction of nerves and small bloodvessels in the feet.

OMACOR is derived from fish oilfound in Norwegian sardines.

He said: “OMACOR has already

proved to be extremely successfulin the treatment of hightriglycerides (a type of fat) in theblood.

“If this trial is successful it willprovide evidence that treatmentwith these purified long chainfatty acids can also serve toimprove small nerve and bloodvessel function that is very relevantto people at risk of type twodiabetes.

“It is hoped this knowledge couldthen help to improve the lives ofpeople with diabetes who are atrisk of nerve and blood vesseldamage.”

The £197,000 research study isbeing funded by Diabetes UK,whose director of research Dr IainFrame said up to 100 amputations

are carried out weekly in the UKbecause of nerve damage arisingfrom the disease.

“We know that neuropathy andblood vessel damage are behindmany of the complications ofdiabetes,” he added. “Type twodiabetes can go undetected for upto 10 years, meaning 50 per centof people already havecomplications, such as neuropathy,kidney disease, cardiovasculardisease and stroke, by the timethey’re diagnosed.

“The research being funded at theUniversity of Southamptontherefore has the potential toidentify a readily availabletreatment to prevent some of theserious complications of diabetesand protect those at risk.”

Osteoarthritis of kneesufferers recruited for£1.8m clinical trialPEOPLE in Manchester with painfulosteoarthritis of the knee are beingrecruited onto a major £1.8m clinicaltrial which aims to find moreeffective ways of treating thecondition.

Around six million people in the UKsuffer from osteoarthritis of theknee, but treatment is limited topainkillers, exercise or a kneereplacement.

A team at the Universities ofManchester and Salford led byworld-renowned osteoarthritis expertProfessor David Felson from Boston,is running a series of clinical trialstesting different treatments. Thetrials are being funded by ArthritisResearch UK over five years andinvolve 300 local people.

The team is testing the effectivenessof three treatments: knee braces,special shoes and inserts, and steroidinjections.

Retired teacher Trevor Gamson, whohas suffered from knee osteoarthritisfor many years, took part in the trialtesting if certain types of shoes andinserts can reduce pain, and by

improving gait and posture, reducepressure on the knee.

The 77-year-old, who has worn awedge insert in his left shoe for anumber of years, said: “I have verylittle cartilage left on the inside ofmy knee and was all set to have theknee replaced because of the awfulpain.

“But after being sent to the gaitclinic at Salford University when Ihad the insert fitted into my shoe,life has been much more bearable.

“The idea of the insert is to movethe weight-bearing load away fromthe kneecap, to the right, so theload goes down the left side andreduces the pressure.”

Dr Rich Jones, principal investigatorof the trial, said: “Mr Gamson hasfound enormous benefits from hisshoe insert, which is provided by theNHS separate to this trial.

“But we need to find out if it canhelp other people too, and whichworks best. Osteoarthritis of theknee is a huge problem and ourapproach could make a hugedifference to millions of people.”

A NEW clinic opened in the west ofIreland aims to become aninternationally recognised centre forpodiatry care, education and research.

The clinic, located in the grounds ofMerlin Park University Hospital inGalway, is the only one of its kind inIreland and will offer podiatryservices as well as providing clinicalplacements for students studying theBSc programme in podiatry at NUIGalway, the only podiatry degreecourse in the country.

David Watterson, manager of thepodiatry clinic, said: “In addition totreating clients, we are trainingstudent podiatrists to assess,diagnose and treat diseases andabnormalities of the lower limb andfoot in order to cure or preventrecurrence of the person’s footproblems.

“Podiatry care can make a bigdifference to people’s mobility andtherefore to their quality of life – notjust for older people but for thosewith illnesses such as diabetes, andfollowing sports injuries and surgery.”

Ireland currently has a low level oftrained podiatrists and the hope isthat the graduates will findemployment within HSE services.

New clinicaims to berecognised

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A YOUNGSTER has decided tohave her right lower legamputated to allow her to followher Paralympics dream. 11-year-old Danielle Bradshawfrom Newton, Manchester, wasborn six weeks’ premature withdevelopmental dysplasia of bothhips and congenital abnormalityof her right knee, and has neverbeen able to play sport.Her mother Debbie Quigley saidshe was inspired by Britishamputee soldiers playing sportsusing prosthetic limbs and theSouth African Oscar Pistorius.“This was Danielle’s decision andall I could do was support her 100per cent throughout the life chan-ging operation, offering her loveand support,” she added. “Shesuggested it to the doctors. Theycould have done reconstructivesurgery, but she’s had operationafter operation and said: ‘What’sthe point of dragging something

around that doesn’t work?’” Debbie added that her daughternow aims to become GreatBritain’s fastest disabled sprinter,and aims to represent her countryat the 2016 Paralympics.Her operation was successfullycarried out by surgeon Stan Jonesat The Children’s Hospital inSheffield, and she has been fittedwith a Compex electrostimulationsystem. Sports physiotherapist and clinicalproduct specialist at DJO UK, CliffEaton, said: “To help Danielleachieve her goal we provided herwith a Compex Mi Fitness. “She will be using the Compex tomaintain the muscle volume ofher thighs which is necessary toensure a good fit for herprosthesis. We have also shownher how to work her Glutes andhip flexors using the Compex toachieve the strength and powershe will need as a sprinter.”Danielle Bradshaw visits the Olympic stadium

Paralympic hopefulDanielle makesamputation decision

Exhibitionreturns tothe RicohTHE annual Kidz in the Middleexhibition returns to the RicohArena in Coventry on Thursday,March 10.

The event for carers andprofessionals also features a varietyof free seminars, with subjectscovered including ‘Children andthe use of bed rails – reducingrisks in the sleeping environment’and ‘Sleep problems with childrenwith special needs’.

As well as the activity areafeaturing wheelchair games, danceand road safety, organiser DisabledLiving is also holding a half-dayconference entitled ‘Best practiceand essential techniques in movingand handling children’.

Hosted by charteredphysiotherapist Elizabeth Hallows,the three-hour session costs £60plus VAT and includesrefreshments. An exhibition willrun alongside the seminars andconference.

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By Dominic Musgrave

A PIONEERING ball blanketavailable in the UK is helpingchildren with attention deficithyperactive disorder fall to sleepfaster and more soundly, accordingto a recent international study.

To combat this growing issue,Kingkraft, specialists in solutionsfor disabled adults and children, isoffering the Protac Ball Blanket tochildren with ADHD to help themfall to sleep quicker and morepeacefully at night.

The blanket contains silent plasticballs, and it is the pressure ofthese balls on a child’s skin thatstimulates a sense of calm andfeeling of safety.

Lisa McSprit, a sensory integrationoccupational therapist, said shehas seen real benefits from thetechnology.

She added: “I have taken theblankets into special schools andwitnessed first hand improvementsin calming with children of variousages who have sensorydifficulties.”

“It really enhances the work I doand in a short time has a dramaticeffect on children’s lives, as well asthe lives of their whole family.

“The blanket offers extra input toa child’s sensory system and helpsthem to feel calmer and happier,as well as having a knock on effecton their sleep patterns, emotions,behaviour and concentrationlevels.”

The research into the blanket wascarried out by the University ofSouthern Denmark, and waspublished in the international‘Nordic Journal of Psychiatry’.

The study found that whenchildren slept with the Protac BallBlanket, the time taken to fallasleep was reduced by almost 40per cent – with the children onlytaking 15 minutes on average todrop off.

It also showed that a child’s

tendency to wake up during thenight was reduced to match thelevel of children who did not haveADHD.

The behaviour of children atschool was also studied, revealingthose who had slept with theblanket were able to concentratebetter and were able to cope morewith school activities; with a 10per cent improvement in bothhyperactivity and concentrationlevels.

Lisa McSprit, a sensory integration occupational therapist, and Sue King fromKingcraft.

Ball blanket helpingchildren with AHD

A TEENAGER is taking themotocross world by stormdespite wearing aprosthetic leg.

Tim Burrows is currentlyone of the top five Britishamateur riders in theMasters Motocross Series,and his right kneedisarticulation prosthesisincludes the new KX06from Endolite, which solvesthe breakage problems hewas having with otherknees he tried whentraining to get back intothe sport competitively.

The limb is an extremeversion of the polycentric

design that revolutionisedthe look and feel of highactivity prosthetics.

The pivots and bearings,which have been heavilytested by athletes, sportsaficionados and militarypersonnel since the initiallaunch a few years ago, arenow upgraded for extrastrength and water. Theonly special additions Timhas added include amagnet to maintain hisprosthetic foot safely onthe foot peg. He also usesa hand controlled brake forimmediate response ratherthan a foot one. Tim Burrows training

Tim succeeds inmotocross world

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New initiativepiloted inYorkshireTHE Fitness Industry Association,Leonard Cheshire Disability andSport England have joined forces tolaunch a new initiative to helppeople with disabilities take up andenjoy physical activity.

Piloting in Yorkshire, Yoodo Sportswill bring disabled people togetherwith activity ‘buddies’ – people whomay or may not have an impairmentthemselves but want to help othersplay sport or be active.

Figures have shown that only one in15 disabled people in the countyregularly play sport, compared withone in five non-disabled people.

FIA executive director David Stalkersaid members are supporting thecampaign by offering discountedand/or trial memberships for peoplewith disabilities and those with along term health condition.

He added: “If you have a disability,you’re three times less likely toengage in sport and physical activitythan if you don’t.

“It’s essential that we make physicalactivity accessible to everyone –regardless of age, sex or ability –that’s why we’re so pleased that ourmembers have come forward tosupport the campaign. We hope itwill roll out nationally in the future.”

The pilot in Yorkshire will run inLeeds, Bradford, Richmond,Catterick, Kirklees, Huddersfield,Northallerton and Thirsk, with plansfor it to be rolled out across Englandnext year.

Jane Jutsum, Leonard Cheshire

Disability innovative projects director,added: “People with disabilitiesoften face the serious challenges ofchanging people’s perceptions ofwho they are and what they can do.

“Yoodo Sports challenges thosestereotypes and enables people whowant to get started to match withan activity buddy or group who willhelp them have fun, and discoverthe motivation to participate inregular exercise.

‘The initiative is open to all adultswith a disability or long term healthcondition and we would also like torecruit volunteers to become abuddy.”

Last year the charity surveyed over1,100 people, both disabled andnon-disabled, for its Barriers toSports Participation survey, whichrevealed views like: I need someoneto keep me company and motivated.

THE first sport andexercise medicinecentre in the UK toassist not just eliteathletes but also thegeneral public hasofficially opened atthe University ofWales Institute inCardiff.The new facility, whichis an extension of theNational IndoorAthletics Centre(NIAC), will supportpostgraduate medicaleducation, sport andexercise medicineresearch and a rangeof clinical services.New Wales footballmanager Gary Speedattended the ceremony and took atour of the site, which includesservices for ultrasound, sports andclinical biomechanics,echocardiography, rehabilitation andphysiotherapy.Dr John Fairclough, professor ofsports medicine at UWIC andorthopaedic surgeon at UniversityHospital Llandough, said: “Theimportance of the centre to UWIC,Cardiff and Wales is that it hasenabled us to pull together theexisting experts to produce a centreof excellence which is different toanywhere within the UK. “We are fortunate that through theinvestment and forward thinking ofProfessor Chapman, UWIC vice-chancellor and board of governorsthat the unit has developed incollaboration with our partners inthe sporting world and the NationalHealth Service. In addition, our linkswith fellow universities in Wales and

the south west of England will allowus to develop a preeminent researchcentre for sport and exercisemedicine which will benefit not justthe elite athletes but the generalpublic.”Special guest at the event was theFirst Minister of Wales, RightHonourable Carwyn Jones AM, whoofficially opened the centre. He said: “What I have seen is acentre that we can be proud of. Thisfacility is world beating. The Institutehere has a fantastic history andheritage of sport, and now in sportand exercise medicine. We can berightly proud of the fact that wehave a world class facility here inWales. It will be used by sports menand women all around the world.”Sport and exercise medicineprovision at the university hasdeveloped rapidly over the pastdecade. The MSc Sport and ExerciseMedicine programme is now thelargest taught of its kind in the UK.

Gary Speed watches the echocardiography demonstration withresearchers showing how they use sound waves to createpictures of the heart to identify potential problems.

New Cardiff centreis ‘world-beating’

David Stalker

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Keith Bell receives a special long service award from Angela Rippon at the recent BHTAawards ceremony.

Sales executiveKeith retires after25 years’ serviceONE of a company’s most seniorprosthetic sales executives has retiredafter 25 years’ service.

Joining Ortho Europe’s Richmondoffice in August 1986 from thepharmaceutical industry, Keith Bellquickly became instrumental in thelaunch of a wide range of products,including the industry renownedQuantum Foot.

His success and involvement indelivering the campaign can still beseen, with the Quantum Footcontinuing to be used extensivelyacross the world more than twodecades later.

Working his way up through the

ranks to the position of sales director,Keith moved his base to OrthoEurope’s Alton location, where hehas remained.

CEO Michael O’Byrne said: “Keithhas played a significant role in thedevelopment of our business. He hasprovided valuable support toprosthetic centres across the countryand distributors throughout theworld and will be greatly missed bythe entire prosthetics industry.

“He is known across the industry as agentleman, and as someone whocares deeply about the effect theproducts he sells have on thepatient.”

RESIDENTS with dementia inSouth Staffordshire HousingAssociation’s supported livingschemes are to receive additionalsupport from a local care providerthanks to the appointment of twocommunity mental healthspecialists.

Community mental health nursePat Leahy and support workerCarol Robotham have joined theteam at Care Plus, which waslaunched in June, thanks to thesuccessful application for a grantfrom the county council as part ofits Supporting People InnovationScheme (SPINS).

Care Plus head Jo Grainger said:“South Staffordshire is a regionwhich has the fastest growingelderly population in the UK, andthe appointment of both Pat andCarol is a significant and essentialboost.

“The funding is crucial to us tocontinue our programme of helpand support to not only residentswho want to live independentlyand have a good quality of lifebut, also provides peace of mindto families knowing that theirloved ones are being cared for byspecialist carers.”

Additional support fordementia residents

CHRIS Sloss has been appointed newproducts design engineer by nationalmobility specialist Autochair.

Working closely with the engineeringteam at the Derbyshire based firm,he will be responsible for developingprocedures and processes forefficient manufacture and assemblyof the final products.

Managing director Matthew Walkersaid: “Having used 3D CAD fordesign for the last 10 years, Chris’

knowledge will be invaluable asAutochair has recently introduced 3DCAD to help visualise designs andreduce design and draughting time,saving our customers both time andmoney.

“This year we hope to continue toevolve, and are confident thisinvestment in both new designtechnology and skills will deliver theservice levels required to uphold ourcommitment to excellent customercare.”

Mobility firm appoints Chris

SPORTS physiotherapist Cliff Eaton(pictured above) has beenappointed to a newly created roleas a clinical product specialist byDJO UK.

He has specialised in sports injurytreatment and rehabilitation forthe past 15 years, and has workedwith several leading cricket,football and rugby teams.

While Cliff was headphysiotherapist for NorthamptonSaints he was also responsible fordeveloping its new medicaldepartment, which wasacknowledged as setting the ‘goldstandard’ in meeting the

Premiership’s criteria for medicalsupport facilities.

DJO’s UK general manager PhilNeal said: “Cliff has been acustomer of ours for many years,and is familiar with both ourCompex electro-stimulation systemand Chattanooga (therehabilitation equipmentmanufacturers).

“While using his own relevantexperience to raise awareness ofboth brands, Cliff will concentrateon demonstrating the benefits ofelectro-stimulation to elite sportsteams and medical professionals.”

DJO UKcreateclinicalproductspecialistrole

Urban Learning are looking for a creative and talented individual withexcellent managerial skills who can be fully prepared for all the requirementsof statutory PSHCE/Citizenship in a lovely school.

The School:Forward looking with satisfactory/good student progressStrong ethos of team supportSignificant opportunities for professional developmentMulticultural and socially inclusive

The Students:Behave wellHave a positive attitudeDo well in their workSee their school as a community

The Successful Candidate:Be a highly effective, innovative, classroom practitioner in PSHCE/CitizenshipHave a good knowledge and understanding of a variety of accreditation opportunitiesincluding GCSE, BTEC levels 1 & 2 certificates and ASDANHave the ability and proven track record in raising standardsHave a vision for the further development of the subject across the school

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people andexpects all staff to share this commitment. If you have all the necessary paperwork, up to date crb and checkable references, I wouldlike to hear from you.Enquiries: Telephone 0208 506 5700, email [email protected] or visitwww.urbanlearning.co.uk

Curriculum Leader PSHCE and Citizenship position:

29 3/2/11 16:37 Page 1

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I FEB/MARCH 2011

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REED MEDICAL ADDSDIABETIC/HEALTHY SOCKS TO RANGE

BIONICARE KNEE SYSTEM NEW NIMCO CHILDREN’S SHOESFROM DENOVO

LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTIVE HELMETS FROM M G MILLIGAN

30

If you would like togain exposure for

your product please contact:

Christine Daly-Sadler

on 01226 734412

AS a major orthopaedic footwearmanufacturer, Reed understands theimportance of supporting the feet duringdaily activity. We are also aware of the importance of socksfor support and prevention of injury,particularly to the diabetic foot.Reed Medical now offer specially designeddiabetic/healthy socks which provide:An even fit which is not susceptible tocreasing.No elastic cuff which can hinder bloodcirculation in the calf.A smooth closure by hand linked toes.Sizes 35 to 46 available in a range of colours. Socks manufactured using a combination of materials: cotton,amicor (cotton/acrylic), silver fibre and wool ensure comfortable fitwhile helping to limit foot problems.Enquiries: Telephone 01254 503333, email:[email protected] or visit www.reedmedical.co.uk

BIONICARE is a revolutionary non-invasivetreatment for uni, bi and tri-compartmentalknee osteoarthritis. Ideally suited for younger,non-operative patients or those who simply donot want surgery, BioniCare provides a cost-effective alternative to knee surgery.

Consisting of either a night wrap and / orknee brace, an electronic impulse device andadvanced technology electrodes, BioniCare issimple to use, imperceptible and brings back apatient’s quality of life, getting them back tothe activities they enjoy.

Significantly cost-effective compared to total knee replacement sur-gery, without the risks and potential side effects associated with sur-gery and other treatments. BioniCare has already been used on morethan 50,000 US patients with outstanding results, backed by five sci-entific studies.

Enquiries: For further information and a product demonstration,contact Gilbert and Mellish on 0121 475 1101 or email [email protected]

DENOVO Healthcare has introduced its newNimco Children’s Footwear catalogue whichincludes 10 new styles and many new colourvariations to the existing range.

It now offers the customer a total choice of25 custom made styles which are all reliablyavailable in 12 working days with the highestlevel of customisation.

All boot styles are available in sizes 18-45with a choice of lace or Velcro fastening, dif-ferent colours, four different stiffener typesand various sole types.

In addition to the boot range DeNovo is proud to show the extendedchoice of Nimco children’s shoes available, including trainer type stylesand ‘school’ colours including patent.

The range can be further extended by Nimco making fully bespokeshoes to individual customers needs.

Enquiries: Telephone 01934 808416, fax 01934 443311 / 01934808405, email [email protected] or visit www.den-ovohealthcare.com

THE Bremen shoe is one of themost popular shoe in the Fior andGentz range.

The Bremen shoe is rigid, extrastrong rocker bottom sole with alast pitch, 30 mm thick. Due tothe rigid sole the natural rolling ofthe foot is changed. The flexationof the heads of the metatarsalbones is suppressed. Because ofthis the foot is immobilised whatresults in relieving an existing wound, which can heal up in a betterway.

The shoe comes in a number of sizes, ranging from XXS-XXL. It can beworn on both the left and right side and is fully machine washable.

For the first 20 replies to this advert we will send out a free sample ofthe Bremen shoe.

To take advantage of this offer or for further information con-tact 0114 2584639, email [email protected] or visitwww.head2toeorthotics.co.uk

Scrum Type Helmet Sizes S M LAvailable in black with rear lace adjust-mentFirm sponge covered with Lycra/nylonFastens with Velcro chin strap£39.05 + VATSmall: up to 56cmMedium: 56cm-58.5cmLarge: 58.5cm and above

Toppen 77 Sizes 46cm – 59cmAvailable in blue with red liningConstructed from soft sponge coveredwith Lycra/nylonOpen sections on top of head forincreased comfortFastens with under chin strap£72.50+ VATThese helmets are not suitable for highrisk activities, e.g. skateboard/cyclingEnquiries: Telephone 0161 747 8728, Fax 0161 747 7163 orEmail [email protected]

INTRODUCING THE BREMEN SHOE

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assistive technologies feb/march 2011

Documents

university of michigan

badrinats team

badrinat roysam

cell type tothe implant

seattle institute

quantitative histology

analysethe histology

threedimensional images