Assistive Technologies

By Helen Williams

THE muscle signals that control walking havebeen recreated in a robotics version by a teamfrom the University of Arizona.

Experts in the UK have hailed the work ashaving “very exciting implications for increasedunderstanding of patients with spinal cordinjury.”

Writing in the Journal of Neural Engineering,the team described how they replicated thecentral pattern generator (CPG) – a nerve cell(neuronal) network in the lumbar region of thespinal cord that generates rhythmic musclesignals.

The CPG produces, and then controls, thesesignals by gathering information from differentparts of the body involved in walking,responding to the environment. This is whatallows people to walk without thinking aboutit.

The simplest form of a CPG is called a half-centre, which consists of just two neurons that fire signals alternatively, producing arhythm, as well as sensors that deliverinformation, such as when a leg meets a

surface, back to the half-centre.

Matt Thornton, gait analysis laboratorymanager at the UK's Royal NationalOrthopaedic Hospital, said: “Previous roboticmodels have mimicked human movement: thisone goes further and mimics the underlyinghuman control mechanisms driving thatmovement.

“It may offer a new approach to investigateand understand the link between nervoussystem control problems and walkingpathologies.”

Existing systems for analysing how peoplewalk, so-called gait analysis performed by theRNOH and others, accurately measure hip,knee, and ankle joint movements in 3D whilepatients walk on a treadmill.

Matt said: “The robotic model may go onestep further than conventional gait analysis,in linking these problems to the nervoussystem, which actually controls themovement.”

He added: “The implications for increasedunderstanding of, for example, patients withspinal cord injury are very exciting.”

Muscle signaldevelopmentexcites experts

Oscar Pistorius has become the first amputee sprinter to beselected to compete in the Olympics. Oscar was banned fromcompeting alongside able-bodied athletes just before the2008 Olympics – a ruling he later had overturned. He hasexpressed his delight at being selected to run in theindividual men’s 400m and 4x400m relay on behalf of TeamSouth Africa. Full story: Page 21

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www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk

Law changeon medicineprescribingBy Helen Williams

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS andpodiatrists in England are to getthe right to prescribe medicinesby themselves.

Ministers agreed to the changein the law after carrying out aconsultation, but it will be 2014before it is fully rolled out.

When physios and podiatristsdo start prescribing they willbecome the first in the world tobe given such powers.

And it will mean patients donot have to go back to GPs toget drugs such as anti-inflammatories andpainkillers.The changes havestill to be approved byParliament.

But the decision by ministers to press ahead marks asignificant milestone in the

long-running campaign toextend prescribing powers.

Over the past ten years seniornurses have been given moreresponsibility for prescribingand it has long been arguedthat other health professionalsshould also get the powers too.

Health minister Lord Howe said:“By introducing these changes,we aim to make the best use oftheir skills and allow patients tobenefit from a faster and moreeffective service.”

Dr Helena Johnson, of theChartered Society ofPhysiotherapy, said the movewould “hugely improve” thecare physios could provide.

“Patients will now receive amore streamlined and efficientservice, meaning they get themedicines they need moreimmediately,” she added.

A FORMER soldierwho had an arm andleg blown off clearingland mines hascompleted one of theworld’s toughest ultramarathons.Double amputeeChris Moon, 50, wascelebrating afterfinishing the 135-mileBadwater run inDeath Valley,California, in 55oCtemperatures at theend of July. The ex-Army officerfrom Strathaven,Lanarkshire, lost hisright arm and leg inMozambique in1995.He finished thecourse in less than 42hours – an hourahead of his targettime.Afterwards, the dad-of-three posted asnap of himself onlinewith his medal. Headded: “Finished! 41hours, 58 mins, 38

secs. Hurrah. Hugethanks for all yoursupport. Time for asleep.”Chris had previouslydone the course in 53hours. His efforts willraise funds forcharities includingO2E, which helpsdisabled anddisadvantagedchildren.

Chris Moon

Double amputeesoldier beats DeathValley challenge

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Ben Parkinson, right, with Sgt Colin Hamilton

By Helen Williams

A TROOP of wounded Britishsoldiers embarked on one of theirmost challenging tours yet,travelling from Inverness toPlymouth on a motorbike andsidecar from the 1930s in justseven days.

The four soldiers were aiming toraise £10,000 for Troop Aid andPilgrim Bandits, two charities whohave supported them since theywere injured. They took it in turnsto travel the 643 miles, stoppingoff at Best Western hotels alongthe way.

Sergeant Colin Hamilton fromInverness and John Sandford Hartfrom Christchurch shared thedriving of the classic ‘BSA G14Combo’ motorbike from 1937,provided by the NationalMotorcycle Museum,Birmingham.

Sapper Jimmy Wilson and LanceBombardier Ben Parkinson took itin turns to accompany them in aside car to complete the journey.

Starting on July 9 in Inverness andfinishing in Plymouth on July 15,the riders were accompanied by aten-strong team following themalong their epic journey providingsupport and essential care andrefreshments.

The support team included aphysiotherapist and the mother ofa fellow seriously injured soldier.

The route was carefully chosen sothat not only could the team useA and B roads for carefulmotorcycling but could alsobenefit from the complimentaryaccommodation and meals atBest Western hotels along theway.

All having received serious andmultiple injuries the soldiers werehit in action between 2001 and

2011. Both Colin and Johnreceived right leg amputations,whilst Ben and Jimmy neededboth legs amputating after lifethreatening injuries.

Colin was serving in Kosovo whenhe was injured by an electric cablewhilst John was injured in a boataccident whilst serving in the TA.Both Ben and Jimmy were hit by

IEDs (roadside bombs) inAfghanistan.

The route saw the team stop off inPitlochry, Dunfermline, Selkirk,Sedgefield, York, Doncaster,Kegworth, Coventry, Birmingham,Swindon, Wells, Yeovil, NewtonAbbot and Exeter before reaching its final destination ofPlymouth.

Wounded soldiers tacklelong-distance challenge

TrustLinkto share itsexpertise with UKpartnersCHESHIRE-based telecare specialistTrustLink has launched a consultancyadvising on support services forindependent living.

Set up by Peaks & Plains HousingTrust, TrustLink is a not-for-proftorganisation. It advises on all aspectsof telecare support, from systemsand processes to manufacturer andsupplier connections, jointprocurement initiatives, productintelligence and installationtechniques.

The TrustLink team includesspecialists in emerging technologies,a control centre delivering 24-hoursupport and a response servicetailored to customer needs.

The organisation plans to work witha limited number of partners eachyear, to maintain its commitment toquality standards and carefullymanage its growth.

It has established its reputation overthe past 30 years and earned thePlatinum membership accreditationfrom the TSA (Telecare ServicesAssociation).

Andy Lofthouse, new businessmanager from Peaks & Plains, said:“As a not-for-profit organisation, wehave reinvested continually into theTrustLink service to ensure it is in aprime position to take to market.

“We’re looking to team up withselected organisations that fit withour brand and our commitment toexcellence and sound ethics.”

Have you got a story for us?Call our newsdesk on 01226

734694 or [email protected]

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A DESIGN and technology consul-tancy and a start-up companyworked together to develop theworld’s first disposable orthopaedicsplint.Cambridge Design Partnershipteamed up with medical technologybusiness Flexycast Ltd to developthe easy to use splint.Each day in England around 2,000patients seek treatment for limbinjuries and ‘ResQSplint®’ isdesigned to allow first respondersto quickly and effectively stabilisethese in one simple, safe process.Currently, first aid limb splints arebulky and often ill-equipped to dealwith the full variety of limb injuriesthat present to emergency careteams.ResQsplint® is a compact, adapt-able, single-use splint that improvesthe immobilisation of the injuredlimb as well as reducing pain andcollateral damage to limb tissues.All the first aider has to do is totake the splint from its protectivepack, activate it by squeezing andthen gently form it around the bro-ken limb, securing it in place withthe Velcro ties.Within a few minutes the splint

automatically hardens supportingthe limb ready to transport thepatient to hospital.Because it is single-use, the splintcan also help reduce the incidenceof infection associated with openwounds and fractures, and in turnsignificantly improve clinical out-comes and reduce costs to theoverall healthcare system.The splint could potentially be used

beyond the traditional emergencyservices in any environment, suchas sports venues and workplaces,where first aiders encounter brokenlimbs.The ResQsplint® concept was thebrainchild of British orthopaedicsurgeon Charles Stacey. He said:“After years of working in A&E, pre-hospital care and disaster relief, itwas clear that there was a need for

a better splinting solution. The ini-tial treatment of a fracture plays acrucial role in the outcome for thepatient. The ResQsplint® dispos-able splint design promises to offerbetter immobilisation of the limbreducing pain for the patient, andlater-stage injury complications.”Cambridge Design Partnership andFlexycast are now seeking potentiallicensees for the new technology.

World first in splint design

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SERIOUSLY-wounded British soldiersdefied the odds to complete a3,000-mile cycle ride across the US.

Eight disabled servicemen receiveda heroes' welcome on crossing thefinishing line in Annapolis,Maryland, just seven days andeight hours after setting off fromOceanside, California.

Covering up to 500 miles per dayand scaling heights totaling morethan 100,000ft, the adapted bikeriders raised almost £100,000 forHelp For Heroes.

They rode in relay around theclock, one on the road at a timeand averaging more than 17 miles

per hour, followed by 18 supportcrew.

Amongst ‘Team Battle Back’ wasSgt Simon Harmer, who lost hislegs to a bomb, and who said the3,051-mile relay was “one of thehardest things I've ever done.”

The Bosnia and Iraq war veteran,married to Marisa with whom hehas ten-month-old daughterSophia, used a 'sit-down' bike tocover the distance.

The coast-to-coast Race Across America (RAAM) is one of the world's toughest endurance contests.

Crossing 12 states, through deserts,mountains and plains, it is furtherthan the Tour de France.

Alice Robson from Help for Heroessaid: “It really was incredible, theteam completed the race in justseven days, seven hours and 38minutes ... smashing their eight-day target.

“They received a huge hero'swelcome as they arrived intoAnnapolis. The cheers weredeafening and everyone wanted toshake their hands and show theiradmiration for completing such anepic challenge.”

Wounded soldiers take onone of world’s toughestendurance contests

AWARD-WINNING columnist andwriter for The Times, Melanie Reid,addressed the College ofOccupational Therapists’ AnnualConference in Glasgow.Melanie, recently named Columnistof the Year at the British Pressawards, described how occupationaltherapy helped her cope with dailyliving after being paralysed from ahorse riding accident in 2010.A keen horse rider for 30 years,Melanie was thrown from her horse,breaking her neck and back. She wasairlifted to the Southern GeneralHospital in Glasgow where shereceived expert care andrehabilitation for 12 months.Melanie said: “I didn’t really have aclue what an occupational therapistdid until after my accident. Quitesimply they taught me how to liveagain, in a practical sense. Myoccupational therapists at the spinalunit in Glasgow, and then in thecommunity when I returned home,showed me the art of the possible –how to use my hands, make acoffee, put on my clothes and shavemy legs. Along the way theyprovided me with huge emotionalsupport and some great laughs, forwhich I will always be grateful.”

Melanie Reid, right, with Annie Maw,Trustee of the Southern Spinal InjuriesTrust.

Occupationaltherapiststaught mehow to liveagain ...

A COMPANY in California is offeringcustom coverings shaped to fit thecontours of a prosthetic limb, whichcan be designed by the amputee.

Bespoke Innovations has developed acovering, or 'fairing', for prostheticlimbs, which can be made fromdifferent materials, finishes, patternsand graphics, including chromeplating, nylon fabric, leather andillustrations mimicking tattoos.

Using 3D technology, the companyscans both the prosthetic limb andthe unaltered limb to create a fairingthat is proportional and based on thecontours of an amputee's body. Theamputee can then design their own

custom fairing using an online tool,the Configurator.

The fairings weigh about 6.6 ouncesand can be easily cleaned in adishwasher.

Company spokesman ChadCrittenden said: “In theory, peoplefrom anywhere in the world canaccess our services.

“It is a matter of sending photos,getting a scan – most of the time wehost scan candidates here in SanFrancisco – and designing the fairing.

“We're very close to the point whereprosthetists/candidates can send intheir own scan data for our use.”

Californian company develops custom‘fairings’ for prosthetic limbs

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Mountaineer and ex soldier Henry Chaplin watches Private Jaco van Gass test hisprosthetic ice axe.

Trials and tribulations in the spotlightTHE Walking With The WoundedEverest 2012 team, supported byGlenfiddich, presents the trials andtribulations of the expedition at anevent in London.On September 5 at the RoyalGeographical Society, the team willnot only talk about theirexperiences on the mountain, butthe selection and training theyunderwent to successfully summitthe world's 8th highest peak,Manaslu, some 8,156 m (26,759 ft)in October last year. The team had to abandon theEverest attempt in May because ofsafety concerns that the unusuallywarm weather had turned themountain into “a death trap”. Theydid, however, reach the summit of

20,000ft neighbouring Lobuche. At the London event, they will alsodiscuss their own experiences ofbeing wounded and how they havefaced new challenges as a result oftheir injuries. Tickets are £25 each with proceedsgoing to Walking With TheWounded. The charity – whichcounts HRH Prince Harry and actorBrian Blessed among its supporters– has partnered with ChelseaAutoLegends (CAL) for 2012 andgives another presentation at theCAL dinner on September 1.They will be fundraising at themotorsport festival in the groundsof the Royal Hospital Chelsea onSeptember 2.

JUST 20 months after elective legamputation surgery, 32-year-oldBobby Griffin carried the Olympictorch through Bitton near hishometown of Bath.Bobby was overwhelmed by thepublic support and encouragementhe received as he jogged with thegolden torch, displaying his below-the-knee prosthesis.After passing the Olympic flame ontothe next torch bearer, Bobbyreflected on the past two years. “Ithas been a challenging journey. Fromsome very dark days, when I was stillconsidering having the amputation,to now running with the Olympictorch. It has been an incrediblechapter.”Bobby’s remarkable rehabilitation hasseen him win medals at theLimbpower Amputee Games, justweeks after his amputation. He thenprogressed to National, Europeanand International success atParaBadminton, as well as playing indisabled golf competitions. Recently he also trekked up NorthAfrica’s highest mountain, MtToubkal and completed a lap of theIsle of Man TT circuit on a mobilityscooter, all for charity. In among allthis, he even got married to hisuniversity sweetheart Lauren.

Olympic torchbearer Bobbyoverwhelmed

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Toy robots arecontrolled byminds in studyBy Helen Williams

BRAIN researcher Nick Ramsey of theUniversity Medical Centre (UMC)Utrecht in the Netherlands hasmanaged to get study subjects tocontrol a toy robot with their minds.

The breakthrough forms the basis ofa brain-computer interface that willallow paralysed people to control acomputer.

In the study, subjects had to lie still ina powerful, 7T MRI scanner, whilethe computer screen showed themwhat a toy robot’s camera could‘see’. The subjects did not move, buthad to keep their eyes focused on asingle point. As the MRI scannermeasured the brain activity, thecomputer learnt when the subjectswere thinking left, right or forwards.

In this way, Ramsey and other UMCUtrecht colleagues have enabled foursubjects to control a robot.

The robot successfully completed a

course of about nine metres withfour stops along the way, while the‘driver’ was lying elsewhere in anMRI scanner.

“All four study subjects were able tocontrol the robot very quickly,” saidRamsey.

“They all felt in control of the robot.This means that this type of brain-computer interface is very easy tomaster. Training is barely needed.”

Ramsey is working on a brain-computer interface that will allowparalysed people to control acomputer, and to achieve this, hopesto implant electrodes into thesepatients’ brains to measure brainactivity.

Ramsey believes that controlling therobot through the MRI scanner willbe a first step for these patients. Ifthe paralysed people manage tocontrol the robot, the investigatorsand doctors may then decide toimplant electrodes in their brains.

Ian McPherson,Simplicaregroup managingdirector (left),Sophia Warner,and LaurenceFaulkner,SimplicareCentre director.

BRITISH Paralympian gold medalhopeful Sophia Warner took timeout from her hectic trainingschedule to open the newSimplicare Centre in Brighton.The centre comprises a care andmobility store and officesproviding care and disabilityproducts and services,incorporating domiciliary and carerecruitment agencies. It is the firstto be launched by Simplicare inthe region.Sophia Warner, a sprinter in theT35 100m and 200m class,currently ranked number one inEurope and number two in theworld, has cerebral palsy andjuggles her athletic career whilebeing a mother of two youngchildren.

She said: “My cerebral palsy canaffect my day to day life but thereare so many aids to assist life andhelp control my condition. Centressuch as the Simplicare Centre areessential to people living withdisability, as they offer choiceswhich extend freedom andindependent living.”Demands on the care sector inSussex are going to increase overthe next 14 years with anexpected growth in the populationaged over 85 of 31,000. Thatworks out as a 64% rise ontoday's numbers. With this addedpopulation will come increases incases of dementia and otherhealth-related issues. Services suchas telecare and telehealth that theSimplicare Centre offers will helpmeet those needs.

Paralympian opens Brighton centre

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NATALIE Harris-Gregory has become the firstamputee to stand on top of the O2 building,having successfully ascended one of London’smost iconic landmarks.

The challenge was part of ‘Up at The O2,’one of the capital’s newest and mostexhilarating experiences, with participantsscaling the 50-metre high canopy section ofthe world famous building.

After returning safely back to ground, anexhilarated Natalie said: “The view of theLondon you get up there is well worth theclimb.”

Natalie had accepted the gauntlet laid downby her prosthetist Jamie Gillespie a fewweeks previously.

In 2005 she had sustained a below the kneeamputation of her right leg, following a roadtraffic accident.

Despite her injuries, she has never shiedaway from a challenge, having alsocompleted a 13,000 feet free-fall parachutejump for charity in 2009.

Natalie took the challenge in her stride,although she was forced to wait beforebeing allowed to make her walk over the365-meter diameter construction.

She said: “The organisers were asking me somany questions. They wanted to put an extraperson on just for me, but there was noneed.”

Once on the summit,Natalie posed forphotos, proudlyholding herprosthesis.

She said: “This andthe parachute jumpprove that your lifedoesn’t have to endafter a seriousaccident. Jamie andthe team at PACERehabilitation provideme with a prosthesisthat lets me get onwith my life, so I do.”

Amputee Natalierises to the O2building challenge

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Technologyon showEXHIBITORS will showcasetechnologies and devices rangingfrom surgical robotics to telemetryequipment at the HealthcareInnovation Expo 2013.

The event returns to London nextMarch as a key element in the NHS’sdrive to transform its health careservices. It features such keynotespeakers as health secretary AndrewLansley and NHS chief executive SirDavid Nicholson.

Now in its third year, the expo takesplace at the ExCel exhibition centreon March 13-14. It will feature over250 organisations, as well as 100seminars led by international experts,and is expected to draw aninternational audience of 10,000delegates from the public, private,academic, scientific and businesscommunities.

Miles Ayling, director of innovationand service improvement at theDepartment of Health, said: “Now,more than ever, innovation has avital role to play in delivering higherquality care and value for moneywhile at the same time drivingeconomic growth.”

The NHS is currently committed toproducing £20bn of efficiencysavings by 2015.

‘Wearable robot’ creatoropens first Ekso storeEKSO Bionics, designer and creatorof exoskeletons that physicallyaugment humans, has opened itsfirst Ekso Store in Melbourn,Cambridge.

The project is in collaboration withPrime Physio, a physiotherapy centrespecialising in sports injury andrehabilitation.

Ekso is a ‘wearable robot’ thatpowers wheelchair users up,enabling them to stand and walk.The battery-powered bionic suit isdesigned for users with spinal cordinjuries, lower-limbweakness/paralysis and pathologiesthat inhibit their ability to walk.

The store will give people theopportunity to better understand thetechnology, its potential and clinicalbenefits of bionic exoskeletontechnology. Ekso will be available topurchase for home use under clinicalsupervision with delivery inSeptember this year.

The suit is strapped over the user’sclothing and can be adjusted in afew minutes to fit most people

weighing 100kg or less, andstanding between 157cm to 188cm,with at least partial upper bodystrength.

It met Food and Drug Administration(FDA) requirements earlier this yearand has received the European CEMarking Certification, qualifying as amedical device to be incorporatedinto rehabilitation programmes.

In the past four months, Ekso Bionics

has delivered the suit to the top tenrehabilitation clinics in the USA andrecently started deliveries in Europe.

A pan European study is underwayto quantify the benefits of beingupright and walking.

Andy Hayes, MD of Ekso BionicsEMEA, said: “Nearly 300 peoplehave walked in Ekso and the EksoStore challenges people to come andtry this technology for themselves.”

Pictured, from left, Andy Hayes of Ekso Bionics, Dr Mark Bacon of Spinal Research, MarkPollock an inspirational speaker and Ekso pilot, and Andy Galbraith of Prime Physio.

A new MRIscanningtechnology haslaunched into theUK – with the aimof making quick,low cost scanningpossible in anyprimary care setting.Esaote’s O-scancombines compactMRI technologywith a simple userinterface to offerGPs, primary carecentres andspecialist clinicsaccess to instantimaging. It isdesigned to challenge perceptionsthat MRI has to be big andexpensive.Esaote says O-scan is space saving,easy to install and easy to use. Thescanner is geared for physicians toscan a patient in situ and captureimages quickly to be easily sharedwith specialists (radiologists) asrequired, so enabling faster diagnosisand treatment. The product features a fullyadjustable chair system for patientcomfort and flexibility of scanning,and comes with all network,archiving and documentationfeatures.Cor van der Flier, Esaote’s UKmanaging director, said as the NHS

reshapes and reorganises, it isexpected that demand for compactMRI systems will increase in the UK –as it has in continental Europe. Dr Marco Davico, an MSK Radiologistat the Medicine, Sport & ResearchClinic in Turin, Italy, has been usingthe O-scan for a year with patients.He said: “Our clinic is busy, withthree exams per hour, twelve hours aday. So far, we have scanned over4,000 patients, of which only tenhad to be re-scanned – usually dueto a suspected tumour. Wesometimes opt for the O-scan havingalready tried a large MRI, becausestudying the peripheral joint of theupper limb is more comfortable forthe patient, particularly if they areelderly.”

Scanner launches in UK

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FLYERSBROCHURESNEWSLETTERSE-SHOTSPOSTERSLOGO DESIGNSTATIONERYWEBSITE DESIGNScript Media Design and Print offer a dedicated service that is second-to-none. This means that you not only get the very highest standards, you also get a focused team of experts who will look after everything from start to finish.

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For further information call Andrew Loades on:01226 734482 or email [email protected]

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US farmers injured in their line ofwork are two and a half times morelikely to require amputation thanworkers in any other sector,according to a report byNorthwestern University.

The findings, published in the journal‘Disability and Rehabilitation:Assistive Technology,’ suggest thatalthough most amputations involvefingers or toes, protheses for hands,arms, legs and feet are not durableor adaptive enough for individualswho return to work on the farm.Options available are frequentlyunaffordable.

Stefania Fatone, research associateprofessor in physical medicine andrehabilitation at Feinberg (the schoolof medicine at NorthwesternUniversity), said: “There are lot ofissues and challenges to farmingwith a prosthesis. These workersoften need to climb ladders andsilos, lift bags of feed and seed andwalk on uneven terrain, in all kindsof weather conditions. Also, a dairy

farmer may have very different needsthan a corn farmer or cattlerancher.”

Over 2,400 people in the USagricultural sector requireamputations each year.

Farmers who have sufferedamputations from farm injuries saythat being in a rush and notfollowing safety rules cost them theirlimb. Adhering to strict safetyprecautions would greatly reduce thenumber of amputations amongagricultural workers each year.

The Northwestern study notesseveral areas in which existingprosthetic options have provenproblematic, according to interviewswith amputee farmers. Many studyparticipants said they had fallen orreceived secondary injuries whileusing their prosthesis.

Breakage from exposure to weather,dirt and extreme heat and cold alsoproved serious issues, andamputations were costly for farmerswho frequently did not haveinsurance.

Farm injury ‘morelikely to leadto amputation’

YOUNG athlete Sophie Kamlish, 15,made an inspiring debut at theParalympic World Cup (PWC) atManchester’s Regional Arena.

The Bath schoolgirl, who has abelow knee amputation, competedin her first ever internationalcompetition, in the T42/43/44 100mand 200m events.

She achieved a 3rd (200m) and 4th(100m) place finish, winning abronze medal and smashing her personal best times in theprocess.

In her 100m race, she was just 0.03seconds behind third place finisherand Team GB’s number one female

sprinter, Stefanie Reid.

Sophie’s prosthetist at PACE andformer Paralympic sprinter JamieGillespie said: “What she hasachieved in such a short period oftime is terrific.”

After the event, Sophie and herparents met Lauren, another youngfemale amputee whom PACE hasbeen supporting. Lauren underwenther amputation only recently, but as PACE’s Scott Richardsonexplained: “The girls are at eitherend of the rehabilitation spectrum,but Lauren and her family found itvery beneficial to meet Sophie andher parents.”

TeenageathleteSophiewinsbronzemedal

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the UK launch of the “first ‘personal’alternative mobility solution to thewheelchair”, ReWalk-P.The ReWalk-P enables individuals withlower-limb disabilities such as SpinalCord Injury (SCI) and Spina Bifida tostand, ascend and descend stairs andwalk indoors and outdoors on mowngrass, ramps and up kerbs. This can bedone independently and on a daily basis.Invented by the Israeli entrepreneur, Dr.Amit Goffer, who became a quadriplegicin 1998, ReWalk provides individualswith user-initiated mobility through theintegration of a light wearable bracesupport suit, a computer-based controlsystem and motion sensors.By a shift in the wearer’s balance, sens-ors recognise a change in position andtrigger the desired knee or hip move-ment to take a step forward and make‘walking’ relatively easy for the user.Dave Hawkins, managing director ofCyclone Technologies, said: “As anywheelchair user knows, myself included,keeping fit is paramount to maintainingand controlling a good level ofindependence. By keeping users upright

on a daily basis, and exercising evenparalysed limbs, the ReWalk enablesusers to do exactly that.“At the same time, it alleviates thenumerous health problems associatedwith long-term wheelchair use, such aspressure sores and complications of theurinary, respiratory, cardiovascular anddigestive systems, reducing healthcarecosts and improving overall health.”The ReWalk-P is available when a userhas begun ReWalk training at Cyclone’spurpose-built CyclonePlus rehabilitationand training facility in Ottringham, EastYorkshire, and when all parties aresatisfied with the device and theindividual’s ability to use it. Crutches arealso required for users to maintain theirbalance when walking and standing.The move follows the launch of theReWalk-I, currently available for trainingand therapy purposes within institutionssuch as a dedicated medical facility. Thetechnology was recently used byjewellery designer Claire Lomas, whodespite being paralysed from the chestdown after an equestrian eventingaccident, completed the 2012 LondonMarathon unaided.

JANE Sowerby, a 37-year-oldParalympic ski racer fromBedfordshire, was leftparalysed from the waist downafter a fall in 2003.Now she has walked for thefirst time in nine years usingthe Rewalk.Keen to regain independenceafter the accident, Jane,pictured above, began skiingin 2005, before embarking ona Paralympic ski racing careerwhich saw her scoop severalmedals and join Team GB forthe 2010 Winter Olympics inVancouver.In 2011, she approachedCyclone Technologies in a bidto improve her general health,

circulation and range ofmotion via the company’sspecialist Functional ElectricalStimulation (FES) cyclingtherapy. After working withCyclone for around a year,Jane received a call fromcompany founder, StuartDunne, who told her aboutRewalk. After only four days oftraining, Jane could stand,ascend and descend stairs andwalk indoors and outdoors onmown grass, ramps and upcurbs. She said: “It’s such anamazing feeling to be standingfor the first time in five years,and walking for the first timein nine years.”

UK launch announcedfor ‘alternativemobility solution’

Suit helps Paralympic ski racer

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EVERY athlete in the London 2012Paralympic Games – the secondlargest sports events in the world –will have full technical back-upthanks to Ottobock Healthcare.The company, official technicalservice provider for the games, hassent around 15,000 spare parts toLondon as it prepares for its roleservicing equipment for 4,200athletes. In total, it will send 13.7tonnes of equipment to the capitalfrom its head office in Germany.Philip Yates, managing director forOttobock Healthcare UK, said: “Theteam is very experienced and their

creativity and knowledge means nojob is too challenging. Whether it iswelding flag holders on to wheel-chairs for the opening ceremony ormending a prosthetic knee joint, ourteam will be on hand to help. “As in Athens and Beijing, morethan 2,000 repairs are expected tobe made, requiring more than10,000 hours of work.”In London, 80 prosthetists, orthotistsand wheelchair technicians from 20countries will make up the technicalservice team. There will be one mainworkshop in the Paralympic Villagewhich begins operations a week

ahead of the opening ceremony.Athletes who need prostheses,wheelchairs, or orthoses toparticipate can have their deviceschecked and repaired by Ottobockexperts before they compete. Nine other workshops at the variousvenues are also responsible forrepairs during competition. Thewheelchairs used for rugby andbasketball are subjected to damagingimpact-intense competition andwelding is in high demandthroughout the event. An additionalmobile workshop is available for thehand bikers’ street race.

Equipment in good handsOttobock factory prepares forthe Paralympics

OT ‘vital’to strokerecoveryA SURVEY has found there is a needfor more occupational therapy instroke recovery.In the survey, The Stroke Associationurged commissioners to use theexpertise of allied health profess-ionals (AHPs) to achieve greater carefor people affected by stroke.Feedback indicated that peoplevalued the expert skills ofoccupational therapy, which helpedthem get the most from life and insome cases exceed expectationsabout their future.Ninety-seven per cent of respondentsstated that support to remain in theirhome, a core component ofoccupational therapy, was extremelyimportant. People also highly valuedhome adaptations provided byoccupational therapists.Julia Scott, chief executive, said: “Weare concerned that this survey showsthere are inconsistencies in occupat-ional therapy provision across theUK. It is unacceptable that peopleare experiencing delays in gettingoccupational therapy and othersupport on discharge from hospital.We urge commissioners across healthand social care to use the expertiseof AHPs to achieve the best possiblecare for people affected by stroke.”

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ROBERT Taylor is 15 and hasDuchenne muscular dystrophy,which currently has no cure andcauses his muscles to weaken overtime. However, he has kayaked inScotland, plays the guitar and hastaken up archery.

Robert attends Acorns Children`sHospice in the West Midlands, acharity offering a care network forchildren and young people whoare not expected to reachadulthood. These young peoplecan require specialist care 24 hoursa day, seven days a week.

His torchbearer team wasnominated through the Sainsbury’spublic nomination campaign andincludes Alexander Curtis who alsoattends Acorns, and Sue Curry,Kayleigh Hawkins and Nazmeen Biwho work there.

Seb Coe, chair of the LondonOrganising Committee of theOlympic and Paralympic Games(LOCOG), said of the torchbearers’inspirational stories: “They have alldemonstrated how they are livingthe Paralympic values of courage,determination, inspiration andequality.”

One of the torchbearers, MikeMackenzie, sustained spinal cordinjuries in 1993 whilst working foran aid agency in Bosnia. He hashelped raise £750,000 for spinalinjury and blind charities.

Mike is also chair of the PoppaGuttmann Trust, which celebratesLudwig ‘Poppa’ Guttmann. In1948, Dr Guttmann organised awheelchair archery competition atStoke Mandeville hospital forWorld War II soldiers with spinalcord injuries. Four years later, moresports were added and theinternational Paralympic Movementwas born.

Mike’s team, nominated throughthe BT public nominationcampaign, has unveiled a life-sizedcast-bronze statue of DrGuttmann, sculpted by torchbearerMark Jackson, which will stand atStoke Mandeville Stadium duringthe games. Other torchbearersrecently announced werenominated through the Lloyds TSBpublic nomination scheme andinclude two Paralympians fromprevious games.

Martin McElhatton playedwheelchair basketball for GreatBritain in the 1984 games and isnow chief executive ofWheelPower, an organisationfounded by Dr Guttmann and

based at Stoke MandevilleStadium.

WheelPower is the nationalorganisation for wheelchair sportin the United Kingdom, and aimsto help people with disabilitiesimprove their quality of life.

Fellow torchbearer Chris ChannonMBE also competed in 1984 andwon a Paralympic medal. Chris hassince been a regular volunteermember of the Notts Police’sDisability Advisory Group anddeveloped a system which is usedby police forces to help those withspoken communication issues tocontact the police.

A teenager with muscular dystrophy is among torchbearers in the 24-hour Paralympic torch relay,starting at Stoke Mandeville on August 28. Helen Williams looks at the achievements of thoseliving the Paralympic values.

Poppa Guttmann Celebration Team

Blazing a trail ...� Torchbearer Arun Patelset up the Polio Childrencharity which has raisedover £1,000,000 andhelped thousands ofchildren.

� Alexandra Blunt is partof the youth advisoryboard of the NationalDeaf Children`s Societyand has helped informthe charity’s strategicdirection.

� As a judo coach forthe last 15 years,Andrew Burt has taughtdisabled and able bodiedchildren with behaviouralproblems and has alsobeen actively involved incoaching the Welshdisabled team.

Paralympic Torch Relay dates 24 August 2012 – London Flame lighting event

25 August 2012 – Belfast Flame lighting event and Flame Festival

26 August 2012 – Edinburgh Flame lighting event and FlameFestival

27 August 2012 – Cardiff Flame lighting event and Flame Festival

28 August 2012– Stoke Mandeville Paralympic Flame Lightingceremony to bring together all four Flames to create theParalympic Flame and 24-hour relay begins

29 August 2012 – Paralympic Flame arrives at the stadium in timefor the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

Carrying the torch with courage

Acorns Hospice Team (Robert Taylor on the right)

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VISITORS could see wheelchairaccessible vehicles (WAVs) in themotoring arena as well as newhoists, restraint systems, acceleratingand seating systems.

From China came the Maximus, anew stair and ramp-climbing four-wheel-drive power wheelchair thatrevisits gyroscope technology. Alsopopular was a product from Australiathat converts existing sliding patiodoors into automatic doors.

On view were simple gadgets suchas Medi-popper for easy access toblister-packaged pills to hi-techexoskeleton ‘bionic’ walking systemslike ReWalk. Three of the first UK

paraplegics to be trained in ReWalkalso shared their aspirations for thefuture.

In the new Cyclone Fitness Zonevisitors tried out high techrehabilitation and therapyequipment, including FES (FunctionalElectrical Stimulation) equipment foruse at home.

Winning most visitor votes on the‘Cool Wall’ was Safesip, a siliconcover that stretches over glasses ofmany shapes and sizes to preventspillage, and Wheelchair Grippers –silicone grips that cover the push rimof a manual wheelchair to give theuser more grip.

Next year the Mobility Roadshow celebrates 30 years of bringing mobility technology and innovationto the public. Helen Williams reports on the 2012 show in Peterborough.

Praise forroadshowproduct rangePEOPLE are ‘future proofing’ theirhomes against ageing and disability.And now they are doing the samewith mobility, according to JacquiJones, executive director of thecharity Mobility Choice whichorganises the Mobility Roadshow.

Jacqui said: “We saw more olderpeople attending, planning ahead forwhen they need to review theirmotoring options and look atalternative or complementaryoptions.”

Visitors praised the product rangeand the chance to compare differentbrands on one site. One said: “I had

felt isolated, now I don’t feel soalone and I am confident that thereis much to help me be moreindependent.”

The roadshow opened in buoyantmood, although it was one of thissummer’s worst wet and windy days.Despite the current economicclimate, over 180 exhibitors attendedwith more than 40 making theirdebut.

Around 60 adapted or convertedvehicles were on the test drive trackand new products ranged from thelatest robotic innovations to gadgetsfor everyday living.

The new Sirius Fiat ‘Future’ wheelchair passenger up front vehicle

Stair-climbingwheelchair

Julie Fernandez tries the Trekinetic

ACTRESS and disability rightscampaigner Julie Fernandez openedthe roadshow. Julie, who has brittlebone disease, is known for playing‘Brenda’ in BBC sitcom The Office. She said: “I’m pleased to see theemphasis on improving design,‘looks’ and technological investmentin products helping people remainindependently mobile for as long aspossible – something I am passionateabout.” She called for more fun and colour inlow cost wheelchair accessories likemobile phone or drink holders,saying they should be available in

easily-accessible mainstream retailoutlets.Paralympian and presenter AdeAdepitan and members of the Tourde Forces team also attended. Theytalked about their challenge to run,cycle and hand cycle 3,000 milesaround the coastline of Britain,raising money for four forcescharities.During the show, disabledmotorsport marshal Steve Tarrantsmashed the record for the longestdistance travelled on a mobilityscooter in 24 hours, despiteincessant rain and windy conditions.

More ‘fun and colour’ ...

The Mobility Roadshow 2013 will be held at the Telford International Centre on June 27, 28 and 29

Visitors see new ideasfrom all over the world

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OSSUR has saluted Oscar Pistorius forbecoming the first amputee sprinterselected to compete in the Olympics.Oscar was chosen to run in theindividual men’s 400m and 4x400mrelay on behalf of Team South Africa.Jon Sigurdsson, president and CEOof Össur, said: “With thisextraordinary accomplishment, OscarPistorius has achieved what no otherlower-limb amputee has ever done,and helped make Össur’s Flex-FootCheetah a household name. As the‘Blade Runner’, he is one of the mostrecognised and influential amputees

in the world, embodying what itmeans to live life withoutlimitations.”Jon added: “We are inspired by allhe has accomplished, and humbledthat he chooses to wear Össurprostheses both on and off the track.We wish Oscar continued success ashe claims his place in the pantheonof athletic greatness and enters theworld stage of athletic competition.”Oscar, who will also compete at theParalympics, was named in a 13-strong group of athletes by theSouth African Sports Confederation

and Olympic Committee that com-pletes their team for London 2012.Tweeting after receiving the news, hesaid: “Today is really one of thehappiest days of my life! Will be inLondon 2012 for both the Olympicand Paralympic Games. Thank you toeveryone that has made me theathlete I am. God, family and friends,my competitors and supporters! Youhave all had a hand!”Oscar was banned from competingalongside able-bodied athletes justbefore the 2008 Olympics – a rulinghe later had overturned.

Ossur salute Oscar’s Olympic first

OscarPistoriusin action.

Tennis aceEsther isgoing forfourth goldWHEELCHAIR tennis ace EstherVergeer – who has shared coachingwith Roger Federer – is warming up to win her fourth Paralympicgold.

Vergeer competed in a test event atEton Manor, the only venue builtspecifically for the Paralympics, in advance of the wheelchair tennis competition starting onSeptember 1.

She last experienced singles defeat inJanuary 2003 and since then haswon 457 matches.

Vergeer was left paralysed aftersurgery on her spinal cord when shewas eight.

If you have got a story forus then please email

[email protected] ring Helen Williams on

01226 734694

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Projects win fundingfrom ‘assisted living’ programmeA HEALTH project called The FeelgoodFactory in Liverpool is among those to winfunding from the UK’s ‘delivering assistedliving lifestyles at scale’ or ‘dallas’programme.

The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)announced the projects under theprogramme which explores ways of usinginnovative products, systems and services tocreate more independent lifestyles. Thetarget is to help around 170,000 people bysummer 2015.

Dallas tasks four consortia with running thisprogramme and testing it with UKcommunities. The consortia has beenawarded £25m of government money, towhich they have added their own financialcontributions, making a total investment ofsome £37m.

TSB has developed the programme withjoint funding from the National Institute forHealth Research and the ScottishGovernment.

The projects to receive funding are:

� i-Focus – a nationwide programmeoffering people a range of products andservices to help them feel more comfortable

in their homes. For example, the WarmNeighbourhoods scheme, which uses onlineand mobile technologies to enhance andorganise informal care networks.

� Year Zero – an online application thatempowers individuals to actively managetheir health information from cradle tograve. The tools include a digital version ofthe paper-based Red Book that is given toall new parents to record their child’shealth, Family Health Tree – to help peopleplot their family’s health genealogy – andRally Round, a social networking andplanning tool to connect family, friends,carers and healthcare professionals.

� The Feelgood Factory – encouragespeople living in Liverpool to plan for theirfuture in order to better manage theirhealth and social care needs, supported byLife Enhancing Technologies (LETs).

� Living It Up – focuses on developinginnovative solutions that will enable peoplein communities across Scotland to livehappy, healthy and safe lives. The HiddenTalents element also encourages people toidentify their talents and share them withother members of the community.

AMERICAN sportsman RichardBrowne will be the firstathlete to use FreedomInnovations’ Catapult RunningFoot at the London 2012Paralympics.

Browne, pictured right, ofJackson, Mississippi, wasnominated to the USParalympic Track & Field Teamand is due to compete in the100-metre dash and the highjump.

A below-the-knee amputeedue to an accident in 2009,he attributes much of hissuccess to supportersincluding his family, coach,sponsor Freedom Innovationsand prosthetist Brett Lee ofProCare Prosthetics inJackson.

As the first sprinter in theworld to train with theCatapult Running Foot,Browne believes thetechnology provides him withunique benefits.

He said: “The design providesup to 30% more energyreturn and directs that energyin a more forward motion,while allowing me the

flexibility to make alignmentand stiffness adjustments as Igo."

Freedom Innovations, adeveloper of lower-limbprosthetic medical devicesdistributed in 41 countries,offers brands including thePlie 2.0 MPC Knee and theRenegade Prosthetic Foot.

Catapult foot first forAmerican sportsman

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Aimee back homeafter quadrupleamputationBy Helen Williams

A STUDENT who contracted aflesh-eating infection resulting in quadruple amputation has returned home fromhospital.

Aimee Copeland, 24, of Georgiain the US, lost her left leg, rightfoot and hands after contractingnecrotizing fasciitis following azip line accident.

She spent nearly two monthsbattling the rare infection, but,incredibly, could feed herself andbrush her teeth after just fourdays of rehabilitation.

Her father Andy Copeland andhis wife Donna spoke to theToday show about theirdaughter's progress and herhope to walk again by hergraduation.

In his blog called 59 Days Andyrevealed how much the familywill need for Aimee's prostheticlimbs and their battle with theinsurance company to extendcoverage of their current

medical plan.

Andy said: “We have come torealize that our first estimate of$150,000 for prosthetics mayhave been a conservative one.

“Aimee will require a set ofbody-powered limbs and a set ofmyo-electric limbs.

“She will also need ongoingfittings for the ever-changingcondition of her amputatedlimbs, which is required forcontinued comfort.”

He has asked his insurancecompany to extend the coverageof prosthetics beyond the sum of $50,000 that is allowed under the family’smedical plan.

Aimee was released fromhospital after six weeks ofrecovery, at the beginning ofwhich the doctors warned thatshe would likely die.

She returns home after a spell ofintense rehabilitation to a housecompletely redesigned to aid herrecovery.

OTTOBOCK Healthcare worked closelywith amputees to create a new rangeof carbon fibre prosthetic feet. The Triton family of products meets thedemands of an active lifestyle andoffers comfort and stability underheavy loads. Springs within the feetdampen load impact and theshortening of the heel lever allowsmaximum control when bending theknee for greater confidence and safety. A high-performance polymer springsystem throughout the range links theforefoot and heel, and stores energyduring heel strike. Gradual release ofthis energy allows for a more naturalroll-over movement of the foot.The base spring contained withinTriton feet has been speciallyformed and is split at theforefoot section, so

effective foot length reaches the bigtoe. This allows the wearer to performpowerful transitions to the swingphase and to walk at variablespeeds more comfortably.Roll-over and heelcharacteristics can beadapted and customised toindividual needs. The Tritonfamily of products consists ofthree prosthetic footsolutions, with a range ofoptions from a slim footshell toincreased vertical shockabsorption.

New range created

TALARMADE has announced a partner-ship with Baltic Orthoservice as UKdistributor for the EasyWalk® ankle footorthosis (AFO) range. Based in Lithuania, Baltic Orthoservice,more commonly known by the brandname Ortho Baltic, has been manufac-turing high quality orthopaedic devices inEurope since 2001.The EasyWalk® AFO range is a newgeneration in prefabricated lightweightAFOs. Manufactured using carbon fibre,composite materials and prepreg

technology, the products have beendesigned by orthotics and physicaltherapy practitioners to help in effectivelytreating drop foot and ankle instability.There are four products within theEasyWalk range: EasyWalk Advance, EcoAdvance, Fixation and Stability.TalarMade MD Ian Leddy is delighted tobe able to offer the range to the UKmarket. He said: “These are state-of-the-art, high-quality products which are aperfect complement to our existingproduct range.”

TalarMade partners with Baltic Orthoservice

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criticised overfootwear failureBy Helen Williams

A NEW report has criticised thehealth service for its “longstandingfailure” to provide arthritis patientswith appropriate footwear.

Without good quality therapeuticfootwear, people with rheumatoidarthritis are often left unable to walk,and the condition of their feetdegenerates.

The research – from UK experts infoot health and the medical researchcharity, Arthritis Research UK –showed widespread dissatisfactionwith all types of therapeuticfootwear. Patients raised concernsaround poor fit, appearance, weightof shoe and comfort.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects nearlyhalf a million people in the UK. It is achronic, disabling condition in whichthe body’s immune system attacksthe joints.

As the disease progresses, feetbecome more damaged anddeformed.

Nine out of ten rheumatoid arthritispatients complain of foot pain, withseven out of ten having difficultywalking and a further 80% reportingproblems with their footwear.

Arthritis Research UK medical directorProfessor Alan Silman said: “The righttherapeutic footwear can make thedifference between someone beingable to walk or not.

“For a relatively low cost, we can givepeople their independence andmobility.

“If we do not improve the current

system, we will collectively fail peoplewith rheumatoid arthritis, causingthem greater long-term problems, aswell as increasing the cost to theNHS.”

The report made a series ofobservations and recommendationsfor the current service:

� Patients reported limited access toorthotist or podiatry services; referralpathways were unclear and subject tofrequent delays. Where referrals weremade to external agencies, there wasinsufficient communication betweenteams.

� 62% of people with rheumatoidarthritis felt they had received aninadequate assessment of theirneeds.

� 89% of service users had problemswith the choice and style of footwear.

� 90% were embarrassed abouttheir appearance and felt that theyhad to hide their shoes from otherpeople.

The report said health careprofessionals routinely failed tounderstand the needs of patients,resulting in shoes being made thatpeople would not wear which couldlead to further deterioration andgreater health problems.

The charity is calling for improvedtraining of podiatrists, orthotists andprimary care specialists, to ensureeffective provision of appropriatelydesigned footwear to meet the needs of people with rheumatoidarthritis.

Cautery of skin lesions and verrucae was among subjects at this year’s Institute ofChiropodists and Podiatrists’ conference.The event took place at the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Southport andfeatured four workshops and four lectures, all by eminent speakers. They includedcautery of troublesome skin lesions and verrucae using hyfrecators, a padding andstrapping workshop, and a demonstration on the practical application of nail surgeryand use of local anaesthesias. The president’s reception was sponsored by podiatryproduct specialists Canonbury Healthcare.

Laser treatmenthas no side-effectsLASER company Cynosure UK isintroducing the PinPointeFootLaser – a light-based devicefor the treatment ofonychomycosis, better known astoenail fungus.

The condition affects one in every100 people in the UK and anestimated 10% of the populationworldwide.

It alters the look of nails, makingthem unsightly, and can be painfulif the infection spreads, causingproblems when walking.

PinPointe FootLaser uses laserlight to kill the fungus that lives inand under the nail without

causing damage to the nail or thesurrounding skin.

Treatment typically takes 20minutes, there are no side effectsand just two to three sessions areneeded.

Alternatives include a course oforal drugs prescribed by a GP, ortopical ointments, which are only30-50% effective, and often havepainful side effects.

In a 12-month study conducted on more than 250 patients,more than 70% experiencedcontinuous improvement, andwere fungus-free after a singletreatment.

sponsors podiatry

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New sock could help cutnumber of amputationsamong diabetes patientsA NEW sock that could help reduce thenumber of amputations on people withdiabetes is being launched in the UK.

Sufferers often encounter problems with theirfeet as reduced sensation means they areunaware of the development of serious skinconditions such as ulcers and gangrene.

These conditions lead to amputations, andcurrently 70 a week are being carried out onpeople with diabetes.

The PROTECT iT sock, developed inSwitzerland, acts as a ‘second skin’,eliminating friction and drawing awaymoisture to combat bacteria.

It has received endorsement from the Societyof Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Vice chairmanMichael O’Neill said: “The sock provides theprotection needed by diabetics to prevent theskin conditions which can cause seriousinfections – the infections that lead toamputations.”

The socks provideprotection around theball of the foot, heel andthe toes and are not tootight around the ankle,so do not cause aproblem with swelling.

Diabetes UK said:“Disease of the footremains a major threat topeople with diabetes.People with diabetes are more likely to beadmitted to hospital with a foot ulcer thananything else. The right socks help keep feethealthy, so choice of footwear is veryimportant. Diabetes sufferers should avoidsocks with wrinkles, prominent seams orelastic tops that restrict the circulation.”

Intelligent Texture worked with medicalspecialists, textile engineers and diabetics todevelop the sock – which features all therequirements set out by leading diabetesorganisations.

A ROW has broken outinvolving the job title‘podiatric surgeon.’The Royal College ofSurgeons (RCS) is calling onthe government to legallyprotect the title ‘surgeon’and wants only those with amedical degree and surgicaltraining to be able to use it. Those who the RCS feelsshould not use the titleinclude podiatric surgeons,who do not completemedical degrees but aretrained in the surgical andnon-surgical treatment ofthe foot.However, a spokesman forthe Institute of Chiropodistsand Podiatrists, whichrepresents podiatricsurgeons, defended the useof the title.He said: "Podiatric surgeonsare specialist foot surgeonswho have trained exclusivelyfor up to 12 years in thesurgical and non-surgicaltreatment of the foot and

associated structures.”He added that they develop"highly skilled andmeticulous surgicaltechniques", and had toundergo six years ofpodiatric medicine trainingbefore completing amasters in podiatric surgeryin order to qualify for thetitle.The Department of Healthfully supports podiatristswho have undergone theappropriate trainingperforming surgery of thefoot and ankle.It said: "These professionalsare regulated by the HealthProfessions Council (HPC) toensure that they deliverhigh quality care forpatients."Another group the RCSfeels should not use the titlesurgeon are ‘aestheticsurgeons’, who may nothave a medical degree orundertaken specialisttraining.

Government urged toprotect title ‘surgeon’

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MENINGITIS baby Louie Jenkins has been fittedwith prosthetic legs a month before his firstbirthday.

Louie, of Colne in Lancashire, had both legsamputated from below the knee aftercontracting the potentially deadly disease inJanuary. He was given the legs at a specialistprosthetics unit at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds.

He also lost all the fingers on his left hand andthe tips of his fingers on his right hand.

His parents, Julie and Warren, were thrilled thathe would be able to start learning to walk. Juliesaid: “It was weird looking at the legs andthinking Louie will learn to walk with them on.We were so nervous before he got them. Wewere worried that he may not like them or feeluncomfortable.”

But when Louie had the legs put on, he grabbedhis shoes and smiled. Julie said: “We were sopleased. He was so comfortable in them that hefell asleep wearing them in the car on the wayhome.

“We have been told to let him lead how muchtime he wants to spend wearing the legs. If hewants to wear them for a little as half an hour aday we will let him.”

Louie’s family have set up the Little LAMB (Louie’sAmazing Meningitis Battle) Appeal to help buyequipment needed to support him as he grows.

They aim to be able to have enough money tobuy specialist prosthetic legs at the cost of£7,000 per leg by the time he wants to take partin sports. Louie Jenkins

Baby isfitted withprostheticlegs ...

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Conference aimed athealth professionalsworking with childrenA CONFERENCE is taking place in Surrey fornursing, medical and allied healthprofessionals working with children and youngpeople with disorders of consciousness.The Children’s Trust in Tadworth hosts theevent on October 18 for those working withyoungsters in a minimally conscious orvegetative state.Keynote speakers are: Dr Caroline Schnakers,University of Liege, Belgium, Dr JudithAllanson, Evelyn Community Head InjuryService, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge,and Dr Chris Kidson, Royal Hospital for SickChildren, Scotland.Presentations and workshops during the eventwill include:� Recognising disorders of consciousness andunderstanding the implications� Care and therapeutic interventions� Structuring a child/young person’s day� Interpreting behavioural responses� Pain and nociception� Using the nociception coma scale torecognise and chart pain responses� Legal and ethical implications ofwithholding or withdrawing medical treatment� Combining palliative and rehabilitativeapproachesThe conference costs £110 per personincluding refreshments and lunch. For furtherinformation, [email protected] or call01737 365865.

Warning signs of childeye cancer to be issuedBy Helen Williams

EVERY new parent in the UK willsoon be told about the subtlewarning signs of the deadly eyecancer retinoblastoma, after acampaign by a children's cancercharity.

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trustconducted a year-long campaigncalling for Department of Healthapproved publications forparents on the aggressivecondition.

Backed by Damian Hinds MP,parenting website Mumsnet andoptician Vision Express, thecampaign gathered thousandsof signatures using Twitter andFacebook.

Retinoblastoma generally affectseyes of children from birth to sixyears old. A tumour can developas cells mutate within the eye oreyes during rapid growthperiods in the early years. Thedisease is rare, with 40-50 casesdiagnosed in the UK each year,but it can be life-threatening.

Now the warning signs of thecondition will be included in

each new copy of the PersonalChild Health Record (known asthe red book or PCHR),distributed to every parent in theUK on the birth of their child.

The charity said parents will nowhave a fighting chance ofseeking medical help for theirchild in time to save their sightand eyes.

Currently the majority ofchildren with the condition willhave to lose an eye, andoccasionally both, in order tosave their life.

This is often because diagnosiscomes too late for alternativetreatments.

Until now there has been no

official information on the signsof the disease to alert parents.

Damian Hinds, MP for EastHampshire, lobbied ministers onbehalf of constituent KatyBishop, who spearheaded thecampaign after diagnosis of herbaby son, Owen, was delayedby several months.

Katy, from Petersfield,Hampshire, said: "If we'd haveknown that a glow in his eyes ina photograph could besomething to be concernedabout we would definitely havepushed for Owen to have beenseen sooner.”

Owen was finally diagnosedwith bilateral retinoblastoma,meaning he had canceroustumours in both eyes, andstarted chemotherapyimmediately.

He is now 12 months postchemo and nearly three yearsold.

His tumours started growingagain at month four, despite thechemo, and he returns every six weeks for furtherexaminations.

Katy and Owen

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sponsors sports rehab

PLAY expert Sutcliffe Play has launched anew inclusive ballcourt.

The company consulted with Dutchsports specialist Nijha and two specialschools in Yorkshire, Highfield SpecialSchool and Oakfield Park Special School,to launch the modular ballcourt thatfeatures six different games courts.

Viv Jebson, managing director at SutcliffePlay, said: “Our standard ballcourt hasbeen a resounding success so we usedthis as a starting point and looked atways to adapt it to make it moreinclusive and accessible for users of allabilities to play side by side.”

The new ballcourt has wider accesspoints, smaller side courts for smallgroup work and lowered side basketballgoals for easy reach from wheelchairs.Visual impairment has also beenconsidered in the design with theaddition of contrast colours in the goalbacks. This has all been combined withSutcliffe Play’s standard ballcourt featuresincluding durability, flexible heights,unique noise reduction and slopeadjustment.

The modular construction of the

ballcourt means it can be tailored to suitany location, even a sloping site.

George McBride, head of PE at HighfieldSpecial School, said about the newballcourt: “We are very keen on thesmall, easily defined cross courts as veryoften we work with a small number ofchildren in a group.”

Among the features of the new inclusiveballcourt are a soft surface – EDPMwetpour (rubberised) with strong linemarkings and colour contrasts to definemini courts, and a wheelchair race track.

The design of the new ballcourt was ledby Sutcliffe Play’s design director, DaveBrady, who started his career designingwheelchairs, which fostered his passionfor inclusivity.

Sutcliffe Play is looking for a specialschool to become a demo site for thenew inclusive ballcourt. The school willbe able to purchase the ballcourt at adiscounted price in return for providingfeedback and allowing a small number ofother schools and local authorities tovisit. For more details phone TomMatthews 07825 059723 or [email protected]

Play expert seeksspecial school fordemonstration site

INJURED athletes includingpremiership footballers are usingan ‘anti-gravity’ treadmilldeveloped in the US by NASA.

The AlterG treadmill is the onlydevice of its kind in the worldthat uses differential air pressureto ‘un-weight’ up to 80 per centof a person’s body weight,allowing for stable support inrehabilitating from injury.

AlterG Europe has built up areputation in the sports,healthcare and medical markets,selling treadmills into 16 out ofthe 20 UK Premiership footballclubs, including ManchesterUnited, Chelsea and Liverpool.

It has also supplied clubs likeReal Madrid and Bayern Munichand several premiership rugbyclubs.

In the US, the treadmills areused by Olympic distancerunners, US athletic programmesfor the National Football League,collegiate and university sportsprogrammes and the US OlympicTraining Centre.

Dion Harrison, 2008 amateurlong distance world triathlonchampion, demonstratedAlterG's anti-gravity at theTriathlon Show in Surrey earlierthis year.

Andrew Caudell, generalmanager for AlterG Europe, said:“The AlterG is great for anyonewho wants to reduce impactduring exercise or have asmooth rehabilitation aftersurgery or injury, and is preferredand used by leading medicalprofessionals and the world'sbest athletes and teams.”

The treadmill enables injuredathletes to run and walk withoutbearing their entire weight,reducing the impact on the bodyto optimize rehabilitation andphysical therapy outcomes.

AlterG’s other UK customersinclude health and leisure cluboperators, private hospitalgroups, military rehabilitationunits, sport physiotherapists,personal trainers and sportscoaches.

Dion Harrison on the AlterG at the Triathlon Show.

Injured footballers use ‘anti-gravity’ treadmill

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CHAMPION German swimmerYannick Lebherz has commendedmedi UK’s M.4 X-lock knee braceafter qualifying for the OlympicGames following surgery to themeniscus (in the knee).

The brace allowed the 23-year-old –a champion over the 400-metremedley relay and the 200-metrebackstroke – to quickly get back intotraining after the operation.

Late last year, Yannick incurred alateral meniscus tear in his right kneeduring athletic training. The kneebroke away to the side when hewanted to turn quickly during weighttraining. But thanks to the M.4 X-lock he was able to get back in thewater just two weeks after surgery.

Yannick said he would have been outfor longer if he had not used thelock. He added: “Before then, I wasnot aware of a brace with which Icould work so well in the water.Putting it on and taking it off alwayswent fairly quickly. But actually, I hadthe M.4 X-lock on all the time. Dayand night.”

The first week, the brace was fullylocked. Then it was set to 30 degreesof bending, another week later to 60degrees of bending, and finally to 90degrees.

Knee braceenhancesswimmer’straining

BEAGLE Orthopaedic has introduced the AspenVista 464 TLSO as a follow up to the Aspen VistaCollar – the first universally sized collar torevolutionise the market place.The Vista 464 delivers an all-in-one system thatoffers patients support from S1 – T8, providing aversatile system that accommodates the appropriatemotion restriction throughout the healing process. The Vista 464 was commended throughout testingon its ease of application – especially to usually noncompliant patients – and the advantage of themodularity.

The Sure Slot System comfortably fits waists from26”–60” without compromising the effectiveness ofthe brace. The height adjustment technology meansthat just one TLSO fits patients ranging from 4ft 8in– 6ft 8in. Finally, the Vista 464 offers three styles ofstrap configurations, which are easy to set up,giving plenty of flexibility depending on individualpatient needs.All this can be done without any tools, which makesthis the most versatile and easy to use TLSO braceavailable. It also represents a cost saving, in that thisversatility means stock holding is a thing of the past.

Collar set to revolutionise the market place

Chaneco extends spinal brace rangeACCORDING to The NationalOsteoporosis Society, almost threemillion people in the UK haveosteoporosis.The charity has recently been thefocus of the BBC’s monthlytelevision appeal – Lifeline – withCraig Revel Horwood making anappeal for donations.As the condition is affecting moreand more people, Chaneco waspleased to extend its range of spinalbracing that helps to supportpatients with degenerative

disorders such as osteoporosis.Only available from Chaneco, theOrthoservice Spinal Plus is anultralight thoracolumbar brace, withan adjustable internal structureconstructed from radiotransparentaluminium alloy.Customer feedback has highlightedhow well suited the spinal brace isto elderly or frail patients, beingonly 528g in weight, with anextremely low profile and havingfeatures such as self-directingfastening and padded shoulders.

Once fitted properly by a technician,it is easy for patients to put on andtake off themselves, even in cases oflimited mobility - not a commonfeature of most spinal braces.Available in sizes X-Small to Large,the Spinal Plus can also be used as aconservative treatment for juvenileosteochondrosis, as well as ageneral post-surgical support.Delivered next day before 12 noonas standard, the Spinal Plus is fastbecoming one of Chaneco’s mostpopular products.

New features make show bigger and betterORGANISERS of Naidex South atLondon ExCel from October 17-18are making the show bigger andbetter – with new features like a‘Naidex Village’ and a Sports Zone. The Naidex Village will provide anarea where those offering smallerproducts can take credit card sales,while the Sports Zone offers a nichefor exhibitors involved in sports andrehab. This area is intended toencourage disabled visitors tobecome more involved in sport andwill focus on the Paralympics legacy. This year’s Naidex South also sees the

launch of an exclusive VIP Day fornetworking and buying, with adrinks evening held directly after theshow on the first day and a TradeLounge for meetings and networkingthroughout. Running alongside Naidex South atExCeL is a new event, Naidex Care,for care home owners, managersand care providers. Seminars will runthroughout the two-day event andvisitors can expect to hear frominfluential speakers such as ProfessorAlistair Burns, national clinicaldirector for Dementia Care at the

Department of Health. Prof Burns will chair a debate on thefuture of dementia care, while SarahPickup, president of the Associationof Directors of Adult Social Services,will address what the care sectormust do to cope with the nation’sageing demographic.Naidex South has invested heavily inresearch, namely an in-depth reportproduced by Years Ahead. The aim isto produce a comprehensive over-view of the market so that NaidexSouth can identify needs and adaptin a way beneficial to exhibitors.

Range launchedTALARMADE has launched Neurotec – a rangeof innovative neurological orthoses designed byorthotics and physical therapy practitioners.The orthoses help in effectively treatingcontractures and postural deformities, and therange has been designed to treat patients whosuffer from cerebal palsy, CVA (stroke), multiplesclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain/spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s disease anddementia.These patients have often lost range of motion,resulting from adaptive tissue shortening due toimmobility compounded by altered and varyingmuscle tone.Unlike orthopaedic contractures, these patientsrarely present with adhesions which requireaggressive stretching to restore full range. Thiskind of treatment could result in unnecessarypain and potential injury, and may actuallystimulate the stretch reflex causing the affectedarea to pull even further into flexion.The rationale behind Neurotec is to providecomfortable, well-padded orthoses, whichprovide a low load progressive stretch to theaffected area to gradually improve range ofmotion and reduce underlying tone. Thesedevices allow a limited amount of flexion andcan adapt with the patient during high toneepisodes, returning via a spring back effect totheir original position once the episode haspassed.The range incorporates Outlast® Technology,originally developed for NASA. Products usingthis material technology are able to continuallyregulate the skin’s microclimate. As the skinwarms, heat is absorbed and as it cools, heat isreleased, optimising patient comfort levels.Ian Leddy, TalarMade MD, said Neurotec offeredadvantages in comfort and compliance,combined with postural improvements. He said:“The benefits of improved respiration,circulation and pressure reduction contributegreatly to improved physical and emotionalwellbeing.”

MINOR restrictions in everydaylife make it difficult to copewith an illness. For example, many people whohave had a stroke can nolonger lift their foot properly –this is called dorsiflexorweakness, or ‘drop foot,’ and iscaused by central nervoussystem damage. Walking withdrop foot requires fullconcentration and any smallobstacles could mean astumble, a frustrating reminderof an illness in every step.As a new therapy developed byOttobock, ActiGait® is apartially implantable medicaldevice for functional electricalstimulation (FES). It uses theprinciple that muscles can beactivated by electrical impulsesto make life easier for peoplewith dorsiflexor weakness.The system is easy to operatevia an implant inserted into thethigh and connected to thecommon peroneal nerve duringa surgical procedure; other

componentsare externaland easy towear. Whenthe foot israised, awireless heelswitchdetects thelift andtriggers thecontrol unitto stimulate.The stimulus is transmitted tothe implant by the antenna.The implanted electrode, whenstimulated, activates themuscles of the lower leg toproperly lift the foot and toesduring walking. The result is asmoother, faster and safer gaitand the tip of the foot nolonger gets caught as easily,reducing the risk of falling.ActiGait® is an important stepforward for many affected bydrop foot and one less obstacleon the way to a more normallife.

New therapy from Ottobock

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BEAGLE EXPANDS PORTFOLIO

BEAGLE Orthopaedic custom fabricationdepartment has added another productto its growing portfolio. The ‘TorticollisOrthosis’ is designed to offer patientsneeding such a brace a long-term,comfortable solution to integrate intotheir daily life.The orthosis is constructed fromthermoformable plastics. Depending onexpected function, the shoulder andhead components are linked using aninnovative hinge. This comprises multi-directional adjustment in theflexion/extension plane, rotationaladjustment to ensure optimalstabilisation when correction is appliedto the joint, and also allows the head component to be raised.The orthosis is secured with a circumferential strap with ultra low profilebuckle. Optional fastenings can be applied at supply to control the head.

Enquiries: Contact 01254 268788 for further details.

THE ADVANCE OF SKINGUARD®TECHNOLOGY

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOROSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

WHAT is BioniCare? – It is a non-surgical alternative treatment for uni,bi and tri-compartmental kneeosteoarthritis.It reduces the pain and symptomsassociated with this condition. Bysimply wearing a knee brace inconjunction with a (patented)electrical impulse system, BioniCareprovides a clinically proven and costeffective alternative to knee surgerywithout any of the associated risks.Now available in the UK, theBioniCare knee system has been usedon over 80,000 patients in the USAwith outstanding life changingresults.

For more information, please visitthe website www.bionicareuk.com,contact the customer service team,call 0121 475 1101 or email [email protected].

SKINGUARD® Technology protects theproduct and also the skin which comes intocontact with the product against a broadrange of microorganisms. It reduces theformation of odours and discolouration,extends the lifespan of the products,resulting in healthier skin and greatercomfort for the wearer. Various anti-bacterialsubstances based on different activeprinciples are used.In addition to the 6Y75 Transtibial and 6Y85Transfemoral SkinGuard® Technology SILLiner, Ottobock is now able to offer theSkinGuard® Technology also with our6Y522/6Y523 Simplicity® Tapered PUR and6Y512 Anatomic 3D PUR Liner.Enquiries: For more information contactcustomer services on 0845 600 7664, speakto your local representative or visitwww.ottobock.co.uk

GENU AREXA – INNOVATION IN DETAILTHESE days we put a lot of value ongood design and perfect functionand this was our guide in developingthe Genu Arexa.We wanted to showthat rehabilitation devices can be justas visually appealing as they areeffective.The Genu Arexa fits theknee like a glove thanks to auto-adaptive wings, the innovative Click 2Go system and smart paddingsolutions. So, for those who aresuffering from ACL/PCL ligamentruptures, collateral ligament injuriesor following capsular ligamentsurgery this fusion of function anddesign means they will get the bestrehabilitation possible.

Enquiries: For more information,contact customer services on 0845600 7664, speak to your localrepresentative, or visitwww.ottobock.co.uk

FLEX-FOOT CHEETAH®

THE Flex-Foot Cheetah is a carbon fibreprosthetic foot designed for amputees whoparticipate in high impact sports like runningand jumping.It stores and releases energy produced whenthe user is running. On impact it compressesand absorbs high level loads that wouldotherwise be taken by the runners’ lower limbjoints. It then returns back to its original shape,effectively propelling the runner forwards.Unlike a normal prosthetic foot the Cheetah hasno heel component.This ensures that theprosthetic foot’s reaction accurately mimics thatof an able-bodied runner. A number ofconfigurations are available to suit individualneed.The Cheetah is the favoured prosthetic foot for amputees ranging fromrecreational runners to medal winning Paralympians.The Flex-Foot Cheetahis used by an increasing number of amputees keen to engage in sport. It hasbeen used to break many sporting world records such as the new T44 100mrecord of 10.85s which was set in Indianapolis earlier this year.For further information, contact Paul Jamieson on 07788 726511.

INTRODUCING THE DYNAPRO™TORTICOLLIS ORTHOSISTHE DynaPro™ Torticollis Orthosis isthe latest addition to the OCSI rangeof stock orthoses distributed by Trulife– available for next day delivery fromtheir head office in Sheffield.

Designed to treat lateral flexion ofthe head and neck, this new orthosisfeatures a ‘Bend to Fit’ shoulder cuffwhich allows for quick and easycustomisation to allow for restorativetorticollis therapy.

In addition, the semi-rigid heatmoldable upright with ‘flex’technology allows for a gentle stretchto reverse tissue shortening or manage lateral cervical flexion spasticity.

Using the DynaPro™ Torticollis Orthosis can significantly improvefunctional alignment of the head and neck facilitating improved vision,swallowing and performance of ADL’s.

Enquiries: For further information contact Trulife on 0114 261 8100 oremail [email protected]

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