This issue of Canada DIRECTIONS highlights innovative products and research emerging in Canada that have the potential to influence the provision of CRT, whether through new approaches, technological advancements or product development.

This article is presented into two sections: Research and Product.

Research innovation in Canada

Finding all the research occurring related to Complex Rehab Technology in Canada is challenging as there isn’t a central repository describing all the current research initiatives, but that doesn’t mean that innovation isn’t happening.  Research related to CRT in Canada is occurring in many areas, including smart wheelchair and assistive mobility research, seating and pressure injury prevention research, wheelchair skills training, and spinal cord injury and rehabilitation. While not a comprehensive list, below are several innovations that are being explored.

Smart wheelchair and assistive mobility research

Seating and pressure injury prevention research

Wheelchair Skills Program research

The program is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with members contributing from multiple continents. Their research (https://wheelchairskillsprogram.ca/en/publications-impact/) spans many areas of wheelchair skills testing and training including design, training and provision of wheelchairs in varied geographical and living environments.

Currently there are ongoing studies investigating wheelchair service providers perspectives on a rear anti-tip device in enhancing participation without compromising safety. The device self-deploys through an arc when needed. It is designed for use with rigid or folding manual wheelchairs and is intended to improve skill and access level by assisting in skills such as weight shifting in an aided-wheelie and increasing abilities to overcome curbs and inclines as well as avoiding the issue of conventional rear anti-tips interfering with care providers feet and increasing the rear length of the wheelchair.

Research and development also continue with the training program. In addition to the free manuals, videos and other resources (please review conditions of use) supplemental supports are being researched and developed to target specific groups such as caregivers, users of languages other than English (https://wheelchairskillsprogram.ca/en/related-sites/#lang ) and pediatric wheelchair users (https://wheelchairskillsprogram.ca/en/pediatric/ ).  Specific propulsion patterns of manual wheelchairs are also being studied. These self-directed online courses were designed to complement the existing resources by providing structured tutorials to help manual wheelchair users develop practical skills for everyday life.

(https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0cVklB2FgDwpC0C)

All inquiries regarding the team’s research can be directed to: wsp@dal.ca

Spinal cord injury and rehabilitation

Other research

Imagine a world where clothing could deliver electrical stimulation to improve postural control, a textile that promotes wound healing or a garment/seat cushion cover that could detect the early signs of skin damage, especially for those with darkly pigmented skin for whom early detection of pressure injuries is often missed.  This information could be sent to the individual and/or their care team to prompt proactive interventions.

Another example is SkiinTM Osmotex. (https://www.myantx.com/osmotex/)  This material is “self-drying” not just wicking moisture away but actively transporting moisture away from the body.

Product innovation in Canada

The ASL 504 Remote Stop Switch for R-Net

How it Works: Users can say “Hello Sunrise” to activate, followed by commands like “Sunrise 1” through “Sunrise 10” to tilt, recline, or elevate the legs.

Most suppliers have struggled to provide independence to the client who can activate a switch or their joystick when in an upright position, but once they are tilted, they lose the ability to access the switch and then lose the ability of reposition themselves. “Hello Sunrise” is the first voice activated system that would allow a client to control their power seat functions with simply their voice. There is some training and set up required, but this technology has the potential to allow clients more independence, even as they are losing motor control of their body.

Hello Sunrise

The client still drives their power wheelchair and has autonomy as they drive; however, the LUCI system will slow down the chair and avoid obstacles in the user’s path. The intent of this technology is to preserve the client’s driving independence while improving the client’s safety. It is an exciting technology as it offers the opportunity for independence for clients who may have difficulty steering around obstacles and may have been denied power mobility in the past.

LUCI
Braze Mobility

These self-driving units allow users to enter their gate number, and the chair drives them autonomously, returning to a docking station when finished. This innovation will enhance the independence of these travelers with reduced mobility and make traveling as easy as possible for them.

WHILL autonomous powerchairs

Three innovative products are described above to help draw attention to innovations we can access in Canada. The products featured, doesn’t necessarily denote a recommendation, but do illustrate that innovation is happening in Canada.

Although this amazing technology is available, lack of awareness by suppliers may make this technology unavailable to our clients.

Dissemination of this innovative research and products is challenging. Perhaps there is an opportunity for iNRRTS to collaborate and provide input, so we can bring these opportunities to the CRT community.

Linda may be reached at linda.norton@motioncares.ca

Linda Norton, B.Sc.OT, MSc.CH, Ph.D., OT Reg (ONT), is an occupational therapist passionate about the provision of appropriate seating and mobility equipment and the prevention of chronic wounds. Her diverse experience in various settings including hospital, community and industry, and in various roles including clinician, educator, manager and researcher, gives Norton a unique perspective. She has completed the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC), a master’s in community health focusing on pressure injury prevention and a Ph.D. in occupational science focusing on chronic wounds.

Michelle may be reached at michelle.harvey@hmebc.com

Michelle Harvey, B.Sc. Hons OT, RRTS®, is an iNRRTS board member and serves on the Canadian Advisory Committee. She became an iNRRTS Registrant in July 2021. Harvey is vice president of sales and product for HME Home Health.

 

 

 

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