Occupational therapy

Sophisticated human biomechanics from smartphone video

With synchronous video from a pair of smartphones, engineers at Stanford have created an open-source motion-capture app that democratizes the once-exclusive science of human movement – at 1% of the cost. OpenCap: Sophisticated human … READ MORE

Why are these scientists teaching seniors how to fall?

Rather than focus on avoiding tumbles, researchers at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute are using high-tech, hands-on trials to teach how to fall. Cathrin Bradbury walks on sensor plates in the reactive balance training room at the … READ MORE

Equine-facilitated therapy improved the functioning of patients with low back pain

Patients with chronic low back pain may benefit from equine-facilitated therapy (EFT), a new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows. During a 12-week intervention, the perceived amount of pain decreased, and the ability of … READ MORE

Soft robotic wearable restores arm function for people with ALS

Proof-of-concept device is comfortable, safe, easy to use. This soft robotic wearable is capable of significantly assisting upper arm and shoulder movement in people with ALS. Photo credit: Walsh Lab, Harvard SEAS By Kat J. McAlpine, … READ MORE

Improving the accuracy of markerless gait analysis

Researchers combine RGB camera-based pose estimation and an inertial measurement unit sensor to reduce errors in gait analysis A more accurate markerless gait analysis tool. TUS researchers develop a method that enables accurate gait … READ MORE

Calgary girl with Down syndrome stuck at home due to lack of school supports

Calgary Board of Education says it’s working with the family to address concerns. Shawna Risdon says it feels like no one seems to care that her seven-year-old daughter Sadie isn’t able to attend school because of a lack … READ MORE

Student’s invention gives children with Cerebral palsy freedom in the pool

Sandra Saavedra (left), associate professor of physical therapy, and Josh Breighner ’20 with the Water Strider, which allows children with cerebral palsy to play in the pool independently. University of Hartford Mary DiLeo, … READ MORE

Smart textiles sense how their users are moving

Researchers develop a comfortable, form-fitting fabric that recognizes its wearer’s activities, like walking, running, and jumping. Using a novel fabrication process, MIT researchers have produced smart textiles that snugly conform … READ MORE

Using ergonomics to help reduce pain from technology use

Study indicates interventions are needed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders from using smartphones. Students across Europe learn Swift to unlock new opportunities. Apple photo Tim Schnettler, Texas A&M University School of … READ MORE

Rehab device enables stroke survivors with arm disabilities to do more training

A rehabilitation device can increase the amount of arm exercises stroke patients do without professional supervision, according to a new study. Patient playing the Balloons Buddies video game which aims to boost rehabilitation of … READ MORE

Short take on AFO effectiveness

Meta-analysis demonstrates AFOs improve gait, balance in stroke. Henning with WalkOn Reaction AFO. Otto Bock. Lower Extremity Review November 2021 In a recently published systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers from Korea … READ MORE

Horse riding confirmed as a viable mobility treatment for cerebral palsy

The study shows that functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy can be improved through physical interaction with horses. Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Mt. Kisco, NY. Endeavor provides a wide scope of fun filled … READ MORE

Large dose of intensive therapy better for children with Cerebral palsy

Children with cerebral palsy can gain greater use of an impaired arm and hand with larger doses of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy. Scientific findings have supported the benefits of pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, … READ MORE

Motor imagery improves MS

Motor imagery (MI) is a useful tool in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS), with the potential to improve balance, walking, and even cognitive function and mental health. It’s a technique that many think of as the realm of … READ MORE

Erin helps her sister with Cerebral palsy

When someone communicates using a computerized voice, it can feel like, well, not their own. This family got the chance to create a more authentic voice for their daughter with cerebral palsy, and it’s pretty incredible. Abilities … READ MORE

Markerless motion capture could help skeleton athletes’ training

Researchers from CAMERA have developed the first non-invasive way of measuring athletes’ push start performance. The research was done at the University’s push-track training facility on campus. University of Bath Vicky … READ MORE

Tobii TD Pilot brings gaze-based typing, text-to-speech and app navigation to iPad

TD Pilot is an eye-controlled communication device for iPad. Designed to empower people with conditions such as ALS/MND, spinal cord injury or cerebral palsy to communicate and use their favourite apps, this iPadOS-based speech … READ MORE

New treatment to regain hand and arm function after spinal cord injury

Using physical therapy combined with a noninvasive method of stimulating nerve cells in the spinal cord, University of Washington researchers helped six Seattle area participants regain some hand and arm mobility. That increased … READ MORE

Like polio, the long-term impact of COVID will be measured in disability

Will the large numbers of people with disabilities from COVID make our society more accessible and inclusive? Polio causes paralysis is about one in 200 patients. Survivors like Gifford, shown here age 2 at the Sudbury General … READ MORE

Older adults with Cerebral palsy need more, receive less physical therapy for painful medical conditions

The findings reveal a significant burden on a clinically underserved population. Surrey, B.C., resident Jenny Taylor, 55, says one of her caregivers (not pictured) recently abandoned her and left her in a vulnerable position for … READ MORE

‘Some people describe it as being magical’: Horses provide a unique form of relaxation therapy for front-line workers

Gravel roads crunching under tires; chirping birds overhead silencing the highway hum; and a dozen well-groomed horses, manes braided, picking at their nets of hay – those are the sights and sounds that greet stressed-out … READ MORE

Disabled researcher calls for better support for faculty

Academic institutions need to do much more to support faculty members with disabilities and to create an environment in which they can thrive, argues a commentary published May 18 in the journal Trends in Neurosciences. Breaking … READ MORE

What’s ahead for people with disabilities in the post-pandemic workplace?

Experts report on employment and vocational rehabilitation considerations for people with disabilities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic across health, work, and education in this special issue of the Journal of Vocational … READ MORE

Student develops low-cost device to help people with speech disorders

Individuals with speech disorders often rely on expensive devices to help them communicate with others, but an Illinois Institute of Technology student has developed a cheaper, yet equally effective, alternative. The device will be … READ MORE

Equity in access and use of rehabilitation services in Canada

Two Canadians, equal under the law. Only one gets rehabilitation services. What gives? By Nivetha Chandran, rehabinkmag February 4, 2021 To answer this question, we must start by understanding what the Canadian healthcare system is … READ MORE

Student awarded NIH Fellowship to examine balance, walking in children with cerebral palsy

Hassan Farah, a Virginia Tech translational biology, medicine, and health graduate student, has been awarded a $98,000 National Institutes of Health grant that will fund his remaining predoctoral research. The award supports … READ MORE

An engineer explains how to forge a career designing for disabilities

Blessin Varkey develops tech to help Indian students with cognitive disabilities. Screen Time: A Tamana student uses tablet-based software to improve a variety of skills. Blessin Varkey IEEE Spectrum By Dinsa Sachan, IEEE Spectrum 25 … READ MORE

Parkinson’s results beyond researchers’ wildest dreams

A treatment that has restored the movement of patients with chronic Parkinson’s disease has been developed by Canadian researchers. Parkinson’s results beyond researchers’ wildest dreams. treatment that has restored … READ MORE

Standing frame intervention improves life for people with MS

John Kendrick, from Sparkwell, near Plymouth, has progressive multiple sclerosis, and never thought he’d be able to walk any distance again. Now, thanks to taking part in a clinical trial at the University of Plymouth, he can … READ MORE

Parents modeling physical activity help kids with developmental disabilities improve motor skills

Parents can make a big difference by modeling and supporting physical activity in daily life, especially with younger children. A parent plays a game with her child. OSU Molly Rosbach, Oregon State University March 24, 2020 Corvallis, … READ MORE

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