Children who are severely disabled may benefit from a MedLINK research project that has recently been given the green light. Conducted by Regional Medical Physics Department bioengineer, Richard Major, who is based at Newcastle General, the project will look at the physical effort required by a cater to help a severely disabled child move from a sitting to a standing position.
A method to develop a lightweight frame up to chest level will be devised which will include a low level, easily accessible platform and support structure for the patient to stand on. A way will also be developed to enable the patient to move prom a standing position to a sitting position (with or without assistance - depending on their capabilities). The device will be thoroughly monitored and a volunteer from the project will be used to test the process. Mr Major said: "we hope that we will enable more children to reap the benefits of upright walking currently being denied."
Regional Medical Physics Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
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Regional Medical Physics Department, a Clinical Directorate of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
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