Category Archives: MarketMechanics
October 2020
First-in-Human Trial Completed for a Novel Treatment for Osteoporosis
Haoma Medica, London, England, announced the completion of a first-in-human trial for NaQuinate, a naphthoquinone carboxylic acid, which is being developed as a novel orally administered therapeutic for osteoporosis. The first-in-human trial initiated last year in healthy adults studied single and multiple doses of the drug. Continue reading
October 2020
AFO Puts Spring-cam Back into Stroke Patients’ Steps
A research group from Tohoku University in Japan has developed a new, lightweight and motor-less device to aid stroke patients in their rehabilitation, improving their gait, and preventing falls. The new device can be easily attached to an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). Continue reading
September 2020
FIRST-EVER RESEARCH NETWORK TACKLES DFU COMPLICATIONS
Six research institutions are launching the first-ever multicenter network to study diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are the leading cause of lower-limb amputations in the United States. The Diabetic Foot Consortium (DFC) aims to lay the foundation for a clinical trial network to test how to improve diabetic wound healing… Continue reading
September 2020
UT SOUTHWESTERN SCIENTISTS DEVELOP COOLING INSOLE
A new cooling insole developed by University of Texas Southwestern (UT Southwestern) scientists reduced the foot temperature of patients with diabetic neuropathy by several degrees, diminishing a significant risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Continue reading
September 2020
SIMPLE TEST HELPS TO PREDICT, PREVENT FALLS
The “enhanced paper grip test,” validated by researchers from the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies (CBRT) at Staffordshire University, England, involves pulling a small card from underneath the participant’s foot while asking them to grip with their big toe (hallux). Continue reading
September 2020
DOD GRANTS $2M TO STUDY FALL-RELATED HEALTH OUTCOMES IN LOWER-LIMB PROSTHESIS USERS, MPKS
A $2,000,000 grant from the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program has been awarded to a group of institutional collaborators to study fall-related health outcomes in lower-limb prosthesis users, including… Continue reading
August 2020
GAITREC: A Data Treasure for Gait Analysis
To facilitate research, therapy, and diagnosis, FH-Prof. Dr. Brian Horsak and his colleagues at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (UAS), Austria, and the Austrian insurance institution AUVA have published one of the biggest data records worldwide on gait analysis. The data include anonymized information on over 2,000 patients after joint transplantations, fractures, and ligament injuries… Continue reading
August 2020
New Approach to Improving Gait of Children with CP
Ben Conner, a third-year MD/PhD student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, is studying a robotic walking therapy for children with cerebral palsy (CP). His research is part of an interdisciplinary team housed at Northern Arizona University’s Biomechatronics Lab, which is led by Zachary Lerner, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Continue reading
August 2020
30 Years Post-ADA, People Who Use Wheelchairs Still Excluded
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law 30 years ago, but the needs of people with mobility disabilities continue to be overlooked and unheard, according to the 2020 Drive for Inclusion Report Card published by BraunAbility, a manufacturer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and lifts. In their recent survey, only 15% of this population is satisfied with the current effectiveness of ADA laws, and nearly half feel excluded from… Continue reading
August 2020
James Hanna, DPM, Named NYSPMA’s 78th President
The New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) has named James Hanna, DPM, as its 78th president; he was installed July 23 during a Zoom ceremony. Hanna succeeds Daniel B. Keating, DPM. Hanna has been in practice in the Western New York area for over 25 years and has served on the NYSPMA Board of Trustees since 2013; he has held other leadership positions. Continue reading
July 2020
Honda Walking Assist Device Studied in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients, Children with CP
The Honda Walking Assist Device (HWAD) powered exoskeleton consists of a lumbar frame with motors on both sides to transfer force to the legs via thigh frames. This training device supports walking, based on the inverted pendulum model. Honda has been conducting research on the device since 1999. Continue reading
July 2020
SMART KNEE BANDAGE FOR ARTHROSIS PATIENTS
A multidisciplinary team of researchers and industry partners have collaborated on the development of a sensor-equipped prototype smart knee bandage that uses self-learning algorithms to estimate strain. Dubbed “Anthrokinemat,” this smart bandage was designed to support arthrosis patients in determining the right amount of daily exercise. Continue reading
July 2020
SQAIRZ ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ICONIC GOLFER SIR NICK FALDO
SQAIRZ, Windham, NH, a company whose new line of golf shoes was engineered around a patented square toe and other performance innovations, announced it has entered into a long-term partnership with legendary golfer Sir Nick Faldo. Continue reading
July 2020
NOW AVAILABLE: GUIDELINE FOR PREVENTION, TREATMENT OF PRESSURE ULCERS/INJURIES
The 2019 Clinical Practice Guideline for Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries is now available for purchase. Developed and published by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, and the… Continue reading
July 2020
CMS TO RESUME PRE- AND POST-PAYMENT AUDITS
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has authorized Medicare contractors (eg, DME MACs, RACS, SMRCs, etc.) to once again perform pre-payment and post-payment audits as part of their medical review responsibilities. Continue reading
July 2020
CYCLING CME ROAD BIKE TOUR, ITALY 2021
Cycling CME will run a 7-day continuing medical education road bike trip June 5-12, 2021, through Italy’s Tuscany region mixing CME, cycling, food, and culture. The base will be at Villa Nonno Fernando, a 19th century stone farmhouse. Continue reading
June 2020
APP HELPS REDUCE OA PAIN
By performing a few simple physical exercises daily and receiving information about their disease regularly, 500 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were able to, on average, halve their pain in 6 months—and improve their physical function. Continue reading
June 2020
VR SHOWS PROMISE FOR EARLY DETECTION OF MS BALANCE ISSUES
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often have a greatly increased risk of falling and injuring themselves even when they feel they’re able to walk normally. Now a team led by scientists from The University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill School of Medicine has… Continue reading
June 2020
WILLOWWOOD WELCOMES NEW CFO
Prosthetic solution provider WillowWood, Mount Sterling, OH, announced that Craig Higgins is the company’s new chief financial officer. His focus will be on financial planning, operating budgets, and decision support analysis to guide the leadership team with investments and… Continue reading
June 2020
SUBIOMED APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
SubioMed, Bloomington, MN, the inventor/developer of Suspension Biomechanics technology addressing elements of gait and balance, announced that the company’s chief executive officer and co-founder, Patrick Kullman, has also been appointed chairman of its board. Continue reading
June 2020
ÖSSUR ACQUIRES SCANNING, DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Össur, Foothill Ranch, CA, has purchased the rights to proprietary design and visualization software used in the shape capture, design, and manufacture of orthoses and prostheses (O&P) from Standard Cyborg, San Francisco, CA, a privately held startup company that develops computer vision tools. Continue reading
May 2020
FDA CLEARS EXTERNAL ELECTROSTIMULATION DEVICE FOR PERIPHERAL BLOOD CLOTS
Sky Medical Technology, Daresbury, England, has received US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its geko electrosimulation device, which is designed to stimulate the calf muscles to increase blood flow in the deep veins of the calf, thereby preventing blood clots in at-risk non-surgical patients. Continue reading
May 2020
HERSCO PARTNERS WITH IORTHOTICSUSA IN NEW 3D PRINTING HUB
iOrthoticsUSA, Astoria, NY, announced its launch as a 3D-printing central fabrication hub to supply custom orthotics to orthotic labs. This is a new venture between iOrthotics Australia, a 5-year veteran in 3D printing, and Hersco Ortho Labs, Long Island City, NY, an experienced US manufacturer. Continue reading
May 2020
ALLARD USA PARTNERS WITH FSHD SOCIETY TO EDUCATE ON FOOT DROP MANAGEMENT
Allard USA, Rockaway, NJ, is partnering with the FSHD (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy) Society. Together they will work to educate the population served by the FSHD Society on how to best manage foot drop, including discussing the use of orthoses. FSHD is a genetic disorder that leads to weakening of the skeletal muscles Continue reading
May 2020
VIRTUAL GAMES HELP PEOPLE STAND, WALK IN REHAB
Virtual reality video games, activity monitors, and handheld computer devices can help people stand as well as walk, the largest trial worldwide into the effects of digital devices in rehabilitation has found. The study was undertaken at hospitals in Sydney and Adelaide, Australia, and had 300 participants ranging from… Continue reading
