5 Things to Make Life Easier
By Moninger, Justin; New Mobility, Vol. 21, No. 207, pp. 13-14Publication Date: December 2010
Article describes 5 assistive devices and services that helped its author get back to an active life after his spinal cord injury. (1) Receiving a service dog from Canine Partners of the Rockies entailed a training and placement process ending with a two-week workshop including the selection of a dog which had spent the traditional 18 months with a puppy raiser and 6 months with an advanced trainer. The service dog performs practical tasks such as opening doors and picking up dropped objects and also provides emotional support. Other service dog organizations mentioned are Assistance Dogs International and Canine Companions for Independence. (2) A supportive Tempur-Pedic memory foam mattress with an adjustable mattress frame is recommended to prevent bedsores and elevate the feet to reduce swelling. An alternative also mentioned is the Sleep Number adjustable airbag bed. (3) The acquisition of a functional electrical stimulation (FES) exercise cycle enables the author to pedal using his own leg muscles when stimulated with the technology. FES bikes are expensive at about 15,000 dollars and are generally not covered by insurance, but access to one can be found through an SCI rehab clinic or exercise center. Models mentioned are the Ergys by Therapeutic Alliances and the Restorative Therapies RT300. (4) Power-assist wheels, which are activated from the push rim and help with propulsion and braking, offer benefits including increased arm strength and less wear and tear on shoulder muscles. Models discussed are the Quickie Xtender chair and wheel setup and e-motion wheels, which can be mounted on manual chairs from several manufacturers. (5) Applications for smartphones and tablets, the iPhone, iPad, and Android, that help wheelchair users include apps ranging from voice recognition and environmental controls to wheelchair-focused travel guides.
Assistive Products Discussed: E-MOTION
ERGYS 1 HOME REHABILITATION SYSTEM
FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (FES) MOTORIZED ERGOMETER (MODELS RT300-SL & RT300-SLP )
FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (FES) ARM AND LEG ERGOMETER (MODELS RT300-SLSA & RT300-SLSAP))
ERGYS 2 REHABILITATION SYSTEM (MODELS E2-1 & E2-19)
Published by: No Limits Communications Inc. (Website:http://www.newmobility.com)
