Archive for the ‘Education/Information’ Category
The BiOM Powerfoot by iWalk; promising new techology!
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011SGM Chris Self recently put the new BiOM Powerfoot by iWalk to the test. It’s the world’s first bionic lower leg system to replace the action of the foot, achilles tendon and calf muscle. The BiOM generates power during plantar flexion, propelling the prosthesis forward. This allows the amputee to use less energy when walking. Very exciting and promising technology!
Tags: Add new tag, BiOM Powerfoot, bionic foot, iWalk, microprocessor foot, new prosthetic technology
Posted in Amputee Athletes, Amputee News, Amputee Videos, Articles, Education/Information, Featured Products, New Prosthetic Products, POA Patients in the News!, prosthetic news
The Newly Released Genium Prosthetic Knee, 7/28/2011
Thursday, July 28th, 2011After years of research and development, the Genium Bionic Prosthetic System is now available at select prosthetic facilities in the United States. Developed by Otto Bock Healthcare in partnership with the U.S. Military, the Genium was subjected to rigorous beta testing by wounded soldiers with varying levels of above-knee amputations. POA is one of the select facilities that have been authorized and trained to fit patients with it. The Genium has been proven to function as close to a natural leg as possible, making it the most sophisticated knee of its kind.
The Genium utilizes state-of-the-art technology which has never before been used in prosthetic limbs. The heart of the system is the gyroscope which collects data in three dimensions to identify where it is in space at all times, while an accelerometer simultaneously tracks the speed. The Genium can anticipate your movements and adapt instantaneously during ambulation, allowing you to concentrate on the task at hand instead of how to control your prosthesis.
Four sensors provide data to three microprocessors to predict what will happen next. The microprocessors intuitively move the prosthesis much the way a human leg would, allowing you to walk backwards, ascend stairs, step sideways or over obstacles without having to think about it. This is possible because the fluid motion allows the knee to get in front of the body rapidly and supports it, even in a bent position.
Magnetic charging (no open ports) makes the Genium more water resistant than the C-Leg. It can be charged through a cosmetic cover, and will remain charged for up to 5 days. Physically, it is shorter than the C-Leg, which will allow additional foot options for some users.
The unique features of the Genium and its natural, multidirectional movement will smooth out your gait, allow you to walk confidently in your prosthesis, and to try some things you would otherwise not be able to do. This is possible for amputees with any level of above-knee amputation, including hip and hemi-pelvectomy. The higher your level of amputation, the more life-changing this technology could be for you.
Tags: amputee knee, Genium prosthetic knee, new prosthetic product, Otto Bock Genium Knee, Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates, prosthetic knee
Posted in Amputee News, Articles, Education/Information, New Prosthetic Products
Amputee Coalition National Conference, June 2-5, 2011 — Join Us!
Monday, May 23rd, 2011Hope to see you at the Amputee Coalition National Conference June 2-5 in Kansas City! In addition to our booth in the exhibit hall, we will be sponsoring three clinics - “First Climb” (adaptive climbing using a climbing wall) on Friday, 6/3 from 1-5pm, and “First Volley” (adaptive tennis) on Saturday, 6/4 from 8-10am, and “First Swim” (adaptive swimming) on Saturday, 6/4 from 2-4pm.
Tags: amputee, Amputee Coalition, Amputee Events
Posted in Amputee Athletes, Amputee Events, Amputee News, Education/Information
“Bionic limbs are no longer science fiction,” ABC News, 5/19/2011
Monday, May 23rd, 2011POA patient Cheryl Douglass (quadruple amputee) demonstrated new arm technology in this ABC news segment. Great job, Cheryl! Dr. Herr and his team are doing some great work. A few of our patients have been able to test drive the new “bionic foot” featured and were very impressed with this promising technology! Click here to view interview and read article >>
Tags: bionic limbs, Cheryl Douglass, Dr. Herr, prosthetic leg, prosthetic news, prosthetic technology
Posted in Amputee News, Amputee Videos, Articles, Education/Information, POA Patients in the News!
Report on Mobility Clinic with Bob Gailey PT in Florida, 5/2011
Monday, May 16th, 2011POA resident Ronnie Dickson (who is also an above knee amputee), reports on the recent Mobility Clinic featuring Bob Gailey, PT on his blog, “Take a Leg Off.” He also writes about other Bob Gailey mobility clinics he has participated in. Click here to read blog >>
Tags: Amputee Athletes, amputee clinics, amputee education, Amputee Events, amputee running, Bob Gailey PT, Challenged Athletes, Florida, mobility clinic, POA, Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates, Ronnie Dickson
Posted in Amputee Athletes, Amputee Events, Articles, Education/Information, POA Patients in the News!
