AbleThrive partnered with Numotion to host a virtual panel discussion about using lifestyle mobility products to enhance one’s life. The discussion is centered around three products that Numotion shares which are innovative mobility solutions that enable freedom and independence. Those products are the Softwheel, TEK RMD, and the Kinova Robotic Arm.
The goals of the webinar are for people to receive practical information about the products, hear three real-life accounts from people using these products, and to give one the tools to know if these products could work for them and to provide resources to reach out to Numotion if they are.
Softwheel (Starts at 5:00)
Overview
- Manufactured by Softwheel, LTD in Tel Aviv, Israel
- In-Wheel suspension technology (shock absorber): Replaces the traditional spoke-and-rim wheel
- Adaptive Rigidity: Absorbs shock over uneven terrain only when needed
- Rapid-Shock Reset: Engage quickly upon impact, giving more comfort and control
Benefits
- Increased durability of wheelchair and wheel
- More energy user efficiency
- Reduction in vibration and impact forces
- Less Bounce, better handling
- Reduction in back and neck pain
- Decrease in fear avoidance
- More freedom and independence
- Compatible with most K5 manual chairs
Potential Users
- K5 manual chair users (everyday and active wheelchairs)
- Adaptive sport wheelchair users
- Assisted wheelchair users
- Anyone seeking improved ride quality and comfort across varied terrain
In the video, at 23:50, Karen Roy who is a T10 paraplegic discusses some of the benefits she has experienced from using SoftWheels on her wheelchair. She says using the product has alleviated her back pain because the wheels absorb the shock of going over rough terrain, going over cracks in sidewalks, and up or down curbs. Karen credits Softwheels for also improving the efficiency of her push.
“To have a wheel that is innovative and new technology available is amazing.”
At 25:35, David Poole, a T6 paraplegic, discusses the benefits he has from being a Softwheel user. David loves the outdoors and says the in-suspension from the Softwheels really helps him in his adventures.
Hear how David got introduced to the Softwheels and what his demo process was like at 27:15. At 39:00 he talks about the benefits of using Softwheels as an extreme athlete.
TEK RMD (Starts at 10:00)
Overview
- Manufactured by Matia Robotics n Salt Lake City, Utah
- A motorized standing powered device that offers the ability for those who are in a manual chair to participate in everyday activities from a standing position, at eye level
- Unlike other standers
- A complementary device, not an alternative to a wheelchair
Benefits
- Upright mobility and accessibility to perform MRADLs
- The user can independently sit, stand, and navigate
- Boarding from the back, safe mount/dismount
- Lift with ease: assisted gas spring lifting
- Remote controlled to increase independence
- Small footprint: 16.5” wide and 29.5” long
- Ability to stand in a true vertical position
- Benefits of standing: RESNA position paper
Potential Users
- K5 manual chair users
- T4 paraplegics and below
- Higher injuries or neuromuscular diseases may benefit, but depends on hand and arm function
- Multiple Sclerosis
- TEK RMD is a custom-prescribed device
“If I can combine standing and working, or standing and cooking, I have more time in my day.”
Karen is also a user of the TEK RMD. Jump to 21:30 in the video to hear her perspective on why she decided to go with the TEK RMD as opposed to other standing devices. She says the TEK RMD not only has health benefits but allows her to function in her home environment from a standing environment. This makes doing activities like cooking easier for her.
Karen is an employee of Numotion and was able to demo the TEK RMD at a national conference.
Jump to 33:20 to hear the process of how Karen transfers into the TEK RMD. She says it is much easier to transfer into compared to other standing devices.
JACO Robotic Arm (Starts at 13:40)
Overview
- Manufactured By Kinova Robotics
- Restores freedom of movement to people with upper body mobility impairment
- Resembles a full human arm — smooth 6-movement axis, corresponding to the shoulder, elbow, and wrist — 16 movements in all
Benefits
- More independence and freedom with less dependence on caregivers
- Carry out everyday tasks at home or work
- Easy to install — Mount on almost any power wheelchair
- Controlled by your chair’s onboard system ( joystick, head control, etc.)
- Lightweight yet strong — carbon fiber
Potential Users
- For people who have limited abilities in their arms and upper extremities.
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cerebral Palsy
“Having a robotic arm has helped me become less dependent on other people.”
In the video, at 19:45, Gabriella Garbero (who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy) discusses how the Kinova Robotics Arm has allowed her to become more independent and not have to rely solely on a caregiver. Gabriella proclaims it feels amazing to do things like feed herself and open doors without assistance.
At 29:40, Gabriella talks about how her dad found the robotic arm on social media. She invited people from all over the Midwest for a demo session of the robotic arm and to learn more about it.
Be sure to watch the full video for more information on these products!
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