Welcome to Assistive Technologies
Assistive Technologies has become established as a vital reference for healthcare professionals, experts and association businesses who have interests in assistive technologies and mobility improvement.
The magazine brings the latest news, insights and product information to all clinicians, therapists and equipment suppliers with a professional interest in helping people with disabilities lead more mobile, independent lives.
It covers the disciplines of rehabilitation, orthotics, prosthetics and orthopaedics as well as further treatment through associated specialists in fields such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and mobility engineering.
The magazine brings the latest news, insights and product information to all clinicians, therapists and equipment suppliers with a professional interest in helping people with disabilities lead more mobile, independent lives.
It covers the disciplines of rehabilitation, orthotics, prosthetics and orthopaedics as well as further treatment through associated specialists in fields such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and mobility engineering.
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Top News Story From Assistive Technologies
July 2008 | Computer game technology used to ease pain
PATIENTS who have lost limbs are taking part in a pioneering trial which uses computer game technology to ease their pain.
A sensor like that used on a Nintendo Wii is attached to the stump and special software recreates the missing limb and its movements on screen.
Neuro-rehabilitationist Dr David Henderson Slater has been running trials with patient volunteers at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC) in Oxford to test the virtual reality system which is due to feature in a TV documentary later this year.
He said: 'It senses where you are - a bit like a Wii. It takes a lot of effort to exist with that level of pain. It would be great if this technology enabled more people to ease their pain without taking lots of pills.'
Doctors hope that using it regularly could bring long-term pain relief - potentially benefiting thousands of people nationwide - by making the patient feel like they are moving the whole leg and foot and 'persuading' the brain that the limb is really there. The trial involves patients using a virtual pedal to beat a drum pictured on a computer monitor (or pick up an apple where an arm has been lost).
Many people who have had limbs amputated suffer from phantom pain which is constant and untreatable. The causes remain largely unexplained but relate to the brain trying to work out what has happened to the affected limb.
One of the patients testing the sensor is 67-year-old Chris Coombs, who lost the lower part of his left leg following a horse-riding accident six years ago.
He said: "I would do anything to get rid of the incessant pain - I was in agony, in tears at times, because the pain is so intense. But I was very sceptical about this. How could you be convincing me that there is a limb?
"But the first night after I tried it I had an unbroken night's sleep for the first time in nine months. And the next day I was walking around for two-and-a-half hours whereas before I could only stand up for a few minutes.'
PATIENTS who have lost limbs are taking part in a pioneering trial which uses computer game technology to ease their pain.
A sensor like that used on a Nintendo Wii is attached to the stump and special software recreates the missing limb and its movements on screen.
Neuro-rehabilitationist Dr David Henderson Slater has been running trials with patient volunteers at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC) in Oxford to test the virtual reality system which is due to feature in a TV documentary later this year.
He said: 'It senses where you are - a bit like a Wii. It takes a lot of effort to exist with that level of pain. It would be great if this technology enabled more people to ease their pain without taking lots of pills.'
Doctors hope that using it regularly could bring long-term pain relief - potentially benefiting thousands of people nationwide - by making the patient feel like they are moving the whole leg and foot and 'persuading' the brain that the limb is really there. The trial involves patients using a virtual pedal to beat a drum pictured on a computer monitor (or pick up an apple where an arm has been lost).
Many people who have had limbs amputated suffer from phantom pain which is constant and untreatable. The causes remain largely unexplained but relate to the brain trying to work out what has happened to the affected limb.
One of the patients testing the sensor is 67-year-old Chris Coombs, who lost the lower part of his left leg following a horse-riding accident six years ago.
He said: "I would do anything to get rid of the incessant pain - I was in agony, in tears at times, because the pain is so intense. But I was very sceptical about this. How could you be convincing me that there is a limb?
"But the first night after I tried it I had an unbroken night's sleep for the first time in nine months. And the next day I was walking around for two-and-a-half hours whereas before I could only stand up for a few minutes.'
More News From Assistive Technologies
June 2008 | Patients can customise ... »
June 2008 | Energy-capturing brace can power an ipod »
May 2008 | New device makes it easier »
Current & Upcoming Events
16/09/2008 | British Orthopaedic Association Annual Congress23/09/2008 | Leisure Industry Week
17/10/2008 | The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Congress
23/10/2008 | The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists Annual Conference
05/11/2008 | The Care Show - Birmingham
