Archive | Braceworks Custom Orthotics | Mobility and bracing for children and adults

Energy efficiency with AFO use varies in cerebral palsy patients

Longer strides lead to increased work. Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are regularly prescribed to children with walking disabilities resulting from cerebral palsy, yet the effects of AFOs on energy recovery and work during gait are still … READ MORE

Do I need foot orthotics? What kind?

Many people come to my office complaining of foot pain from conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, a pinched nerve (neuroma), or heel pain (plantar fasciitis). I perform a thorough evaluation and examination, and together we review … READ MORE

Cartilage degeneration algorithm predicts progression of osteoarthritis

A novel cartilage degeneration algorithm can predict the progression of osteoarthritis in individual patients, according to new research from the University of Eastern Finland. The new algorithm could greatly facilitate clinical … READ MORE

Why we’re putting an Xbox controller on display at the V&A

The games console is part of our drive to exhibit modern objects – as a way to make sense of our complex world The Xbox adaptive controller marks an important moment in contemporary design history. Victoria And Albert Museum/PA … READ MORE

Cerebral palsy patients test Canadian researchers’ virtual rehabilitation system

Canadian researchers developed an at-home virtual rehabilitation system for people with weakness on one side of their body, then tested it in a two-month-long cerebral palsy related clinical trial – Functional Engagement in Assisted … READ MORE

He never gives up: Broncos bus crash survivor sets his sights on independence

On eve of Humboldt Broncos home opener, Ryan Straschnitzki talks about his recovery. Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki during a rehab session. ‘He never gives up,’ says his physiotherapist Christin … READ MORE

Jason DaSilva’s “The Disability Trap” is beautiful and infuriating

The acclaimed documentary filmmaker and New Mobility’s 2014 Person of the Year, Jason DaSilva, just released a powerful new documentary in collaboration with The New York Times. Jason DaSilva on Vimeo By Seth McBride, New Mobility … READ MORE

Learning to improve foot control in cerebral palsy

A device to measure foot control is being trialled to improve walking ability for adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy. Learning to improve foot control in Cerebral Palsy, Shari O’Brien. School of Human Movement and … READ MORE

Did Canada break a promise to its disabled citizens?

Despite their differing approaches, both Canada and the U.S. face challenges in keeping their promise to improve the economic wellbeing of their disabled citizens. Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities Carla Qualtrough rises … READ MORE

New research ranks effectiveness of non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis

An estimated 45 percent of people are at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) in their lifetime. According to a network meta-analysis research article published in the May 1, 2018 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of … READ MORE

On bended knees: It’s a prehab, rehab life

SUN Media national lifestyle and food editor Rita DeMontis recently wrote about her struggles with advanced osteoarthritis knee issues, and how she faced the toughest challenge of her life: Bilateral knee surgery. Here, in Part Three … READ MORE

On bended knees: Rita DeMontis tackles surgery day

SUN Media national lifestyle and food editor Rita DeMontis recently wrote about her struggles with advanced osteoarthritis knee issues, and how she faced the toughest challenge of her life: Bilateral knee surgery. Just recently she … READ MORE

On bended knees: Preparing for surgery

I come to you on bended knees. Well, I would if I could bend them – but I can’t. For the last several years, my knees have progressively failed me, and I’ve gone from running to walking to hobbling to using a cane. I’ve had … READ MORE

New study contradicts notion that electronic health records are driving doctors to quit

A medical scribe enters data into a computer as a doctor evaluates a patient nearby at a medical office in Vinton, Va. Research has shown an increasing emphasis on electronic health records has contributed to physician burnout, and … READ MORE

AHS failed to protect health information, privacy commissioner finds

Former Alberta Hospital Edmonton employee looked at private information of nearly 13,000 people. Alberta Health Services failed to ensure an employee of Alberta Hospital Edmonton knew about and followed safeguards to protect health … READ MORE

Intensive physical therapy helps preserve motor skills in children with CP

Children with cerebral palsy may benefit significantly over the long-term from intensive physical training that prevents deterioration of their motor skills. Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Mass Alice Melão, Cerebral … READ MORE

Zimmer Biomet and Apple launch major clinical study detailing patient experience and improving joint replacement journey

Clinical study utilizes the Zimmer Biomet mymobility™ app on Apple Watch and iPhone to guide patients through pre- and post-op care. Art Salzfass, 83, and Rhona Lishinsky, 67, test the Apple Watch Series 4. Geoffrey A. Fowler, … READ MORE

Millions of patients denied use of a wheelchair

Research by the British Red Cross suggests 4 million people miss out due to UK-wide shortages. Everybody desires a degree of independence. Jamie Hale Denis Campbell, The Guardian 27 July 2018 More than 4 million people a year have … READ MORE

Tomorrow’s doctors must be engineers too

The medical profession is changing, and so must medical education. When King Li went to medical school 40 years ago, he sometimes felt like he was trying to memorize the human body. “I’d see these curves in the textbook, and have … READ MORE

If you have MS, exercise means much more than moving

For people with multiple sclerosis, the meaning of exercise stretches way beyond health and keeping fit, shows new research revealing what life’s really like with the condition. Aquatic exercise program. City of Ryde, New South … READ MORE

Mind-controlled robotic third arm gives new meaning to “multitasking”

Need a helping hand? Tell this robotic arm—with your mind—to grasp that thing you need while your own two hands are busy. Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratory, ATR By Emily Waltz, IEEE Spectrum 25 July 2018 Imagine commanding a robotic … READ MORE

Students showcase their award winning accessibility related designs

National competition aims to find innovative, practical and low-cost solutions to make our communities more accessible for persons with disabilities. Innovative Designs for Accessibility – The IDeA competition. Universities Canada … READ MORE

What to expect from knee surgery rehabilitation

A person may have knee surgery to treat pain in the joint due to an injury, such as torn cartilage or a torn ligament. It can also treat other conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. … READ MORE

Universal health coverage can best be achieved by public systems

Expanding coverage by ushering in the private sector results in inequities in access, argue Ramya Kumar and Anne-Emanuelle Birn. A new study on universal health care shows partisans are bad at reading studies. The New Republic The BMJ … READ MORE

Dynamic headrest helps wheelchair users

A dynamic headrest will soon reduce pain and other handicaps for wheelchair users. University of Twente University of Twente 2 October 2018 Anoek Geers constructed the prototype of this new head support within the framework of the … READ MORE

What do we do with all this data?

How joining smart sensors and smart data analysis can make data more useful. The City of Calgary created a bold community proposal to Infrastructure Canada Smart Cities Challenge. Christina Reynolds, University of Calgary August 1, … READ MORE

Alex Elegudin named MTA first accessibility chief

In June, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York City announced that it was hiring Alex Elegudin, an attorney, wheelchair user, long-time disability rights advocate, and New Mobility 2017 Person of the Year, as its first-ever … READ MORE

Physical therapy is highly effective for infants with congenital muscular torticollis

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common postural deformity in infants, and one that can be effectively treated by physical therapy. A set of updated, evidence-based recommendations for physical therapy management of CMT is … READ MORE

Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta honoured for work on Calgary Ability Network

Organization focuses on poverty reduction, affordable, accessible transportation and human rights. Mezaun Lakha-Evin, executive director of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta and daughter, Shari. The association was given a … READ MORE

Pain the main driver of health care use in OA

Pain is the main impetus for seeking medical care among patients with osteoarthritis, with insomnia and depression acting as drivers for increased diversity in the types of health care use, according to recent findings in Arthritis … READ MORE