Neuroplasticity

‘A whirlwind journey’: Sit-skier Kurt Oatway’s fight to return to the Paralympics

From a tiny Saskatchewan ski hill to winning gold, Oatway’s journey marked by resilience. Kurt Oatway of Canada competes in the men’s downhill, sitting, at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Jeongseon, South Korea, Saturday, … READ MORE

Prescribed Precision: Dosing AFO Stiffness for Maximum Outcomes

Henning with WalkOn Reaction AFO. Otto Bock by Kendall Brice, MS, CPO The O&P Edge November 1, 2025 An AFO’s fundamental function is to manipulate the orientation and progression of force about the body to improve alignment and … READ MORE

The Bowhead Ranger is a Highly-Capable Adaptive Mountain Bike Built for Quads 

Bowhead has expanded its line of adaptive off-road bikes with the launch of the Ranger, a fully electric bike specifically designed for those with limited hand function and higher-level spinal cord injuries. Michael Franz, New … READ MORE

Physio at 3 months old – or even earlier – can really help babies with cerebral palsy

Physiotherapy isn’t just for adults recovering from injuries. Physiotherapists can help babies and children, too – including babies with, or at high risk of, cerebral palsy. Research has shown physiotherapy improves their physical … READ MORE

Alberta leads country in employing people with disabilities, but some still fall through the cracks

‘This is an area where we think we need to continue to increase investment’: province Cindy Kobler, who has autism, has secured employment at an accounting firm in Lethbridge thanks to support from the Southern Alberta … READ MORE

Canadian Para cyclist Mel Pemble turns the page on Paralympic heartbreak with historic world title

Victoria native wins new C-class sprint event as part of 4-medal haul on the track in Rio. Canadian Para-cyclist Mel Pemble burst onto the scene last month in France at her first Para-cycling track world championships, where she broke … READ MORE

WestJet weight cap on power wheelchairs leaves some Canadians grounded, advocates say

Mobility aids capped at 136 kg for most flights, airline says. WestJet passengers deplane on the tarmac at Yellowknife Airport on July 22, 2025. Travellers and advocates say a limit on the weight of mobility aids aboard most WestJet … READ MORE

Saskatoon family confused after WestJet cancels tickets due to wheelchair’s weight

14-year-old Georgia Nataraj has flown with WestJet from Saskatoon before, in the same wheelchair. Georgia Nataraj says she loves playing piano, but is even more interested in travelling. Halyna Mihalik/CBC Halyna Mihalik, CBC News … READ MORE

Older adults can bounce back to thriving health, study finds

Older age is not all about decline, it can also be a time when people can get healthier and stronger according to research by Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work researchers Mabel Ho and Esme Fuller-Thomson. Kampus Production from … READ MORE

Boosting Mobility With the Evoke™ Bespoke 3D-Printed Knee Brace

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide, impairing daily activities and active lifestyles. Characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, knee OA leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced … READ MORE

3D-Printed Orthoses Show Clinical Improvements

Otto Bock WalkOn Reaction AFO by The O&P EDGE, September 2, 2025 A team of researchers conducted a literature review across six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Sage) to evaluate the clinical … READ MORE

Cosgriffe claims 100m backstroke silver as Canada caps Para swimming worlds with 12 medals

Burlington, Ont., native wins 2nd medal of meet after taking bronze in 100m butterfly. Canada’s Katie Cosgriffe, who races in the S10 classification, posted the fastest time of her career in Saturday’s 100-metre backstroke … READ MORE

Digital Tools Measure AFO Alignment Accurately

A study evaluating pediatric AFO alignment and shape differences of live scanned versus casted lower-limb models found that AFO users can be scanned in a nearly corrected position, and that digital tools can be used to measure and … READ MORE

Robot helps children walk as part of pilot project at Calgary schools

Robotic walking device will support students with neurodevelopmental disabilities. A University of Calgary project is exploring the use of robot-assisted walking devices called Trexos. The project’s director says such devices … READ MORE

Reactive-dynamic AFOs demonstrate gait, comfort benefits

A study published in the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics evaluates the effectiveness of ankle-foot orthoses for patients with neurological conditions causing muscle weakness. WalkOn® Family of AFOs. Ottobock Researchers found … READ MORE

Why do some autistic people walk differently?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people’s brains develop and function, impacting behavior, communication and socializing. It can also involve differences in the way you move and walk—known as your … READ MORE

Canada’s Stefan Daniel wins World Triathlon Para Series race in Montréal

Calgary native claims 1st victory of season in a time of 56 minutes 25 seconds. Calgary’s Stefan Daniel is a six-time world champion and two-time Paralympic medallist. The Canadian Press/HO-Canadian Paralympic Committee-Dave … READ MORE

Teen’s Patent-Pending Invention Was Inspired By His Uncle With Cerebral Palsy

Newington 13-year-old Nolan Kosciukiewicz stands next to his invention presentation at the 2025 Invention Convention U.S. Nationals in Dearborn, Michigan last week. Hartford Courant. by Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant/TNS, June 13, … READ MORE

Surestep SMOs (Supramalleolar Orthosis)

Surestep Surestep’s dynamic SMOs (supramalleolar orthoses) use compression to stabilize the foot and ankle, allowing for the development of intrinsic muscles, muscle strategies, and movement patterns. Surestep is the most effective … READ MORE

Calgary athletes bring home 10 medals from Special Olympics World Winter Games

They brought home three gold, one silver and six bronze medals from Turin, Italy. Cross country skier Sarah McCarthy, second from the left, was one of three Calgary area athletes who won gold. Submitted by Sarah McCarthy. CBC Karina … READ MORE

Alberta publishes new accessibility design guide, but minister says more needs to be done

First major update to the document since 2017. A file photo of Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver. McIver, whose portfolio includes the provincial building code, said the changes will be helpful to some, but more can be … READ MORE

Disability Rights Activist Receives MacArthur Fellowship

San Francisco-based writer, editor and disability justice activist Alice Wong was recognized by the MacArthur Foundation this month with one of its prestigious fellowships for her work on increasing representation of people with … READ MORE

Prescribed Precision: Dosing AFO Stiffness for Maximum Outcomes

An AFO’s fundamental function is to manipulate the orientation and progression of force about the body to improve alignment and gait. Allard Photo by Kendall Brice, MS, CPO, The O&P EDGE November 1, 2025 Biomechanics is the core … READ MORE

Local therapy facility for disabled children attracting families from all over the world

Kate McLelland is almost three years old and was born with a rare genetic condition. Her parents have found hope to improve her quality of life through the Canadian Centre for Development in Calgary. CTV News Kevin Fleming, Video … READ MORE

Dynamic AFOs may improve gait outcomes in stroke patients

A study of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis who used a dynamic ankle-foot orthosis with plantar flexion resistance found that a medium PFR grade showed near-normal maximal peak ankle dorsiflexion. Researchers noted in the journal … READ MORE

Painful truth about knee osteoarthritis: Why inactivity may be more complex than we think

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and joint stiffness. And while physical activity is known to ease symptoms, only one in 10 people regularly exercise. Evoke™ knee brace. OssKin University of South Australia 12 … READ MORE

Children with special health needs are more likely to come from poorer neighbourhoods

Policymakers must ensure robust resources are in place where they are needed most. Unsplash CC0 Public Domain By Caroline Reid-Westoby and Magdalena Janus, The Conversation June 5, 2024 via Medical Xpress Children’s health depends … READ MORE

Kinesiologists could be part of solution for overwhelmed health-care system

Moncton professor says kinesiology grads ready and able to keep patients out of hospital. Natalie Arsenault says kinesiologists graduate with a degree that prepares them to help people prevent injuries, remain active and improve their … READ MORE

Happiness may not correlate with mobility in pediatric patients with physical disabilities

Key takeaways: Pediatric patients with physical disabilities had limited mobility and higher pain scores vs. typically developing youth. Results showed happiness did not correlate with motor function. Surestep By Casey Tingle, Fact … READ MORE

Movement is key to supporting adults with Down syndrome

UNLV professor Thessa Hilgenkamp addresses the unique anatomy in adults with Down syndrome that makes being active more challenging. UNLV physical therapy professor Thessa Hilgenkamp works with a patient inside the Cardiovascular … READ MORE

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