24.10.2006
The University of Brighton needs volunteers to test the latest design in wheelchairs for stroke sufferers and hemiplegic patients (those with the use of only one arm and leg). Dr Anne Mandy, Principal Research Fellow and Samuel Lesley, engineer who are based at the university's Clinical Research Centre in Eastbourne have been awarded £90,000 from the Department of Health to develop a kit which will convert a standard wheelchair.
The Ergonomic Self Propelled Wheelchair Kits (ESP) pictured right, will enable the wheelchair to be propelled using only one hand and steered by the foot.
ESP will provide patients, including children, with an affordable alternative to a manual wheelchair which is easier and more efficient to use. This will mean that users are less reliant on their carers. The wheelchair's driving and steering work independently for maximum ease of use and the kit can be attached to either side of the wheelchair, for use by either right or left handed users.
Currently the NHS provides basic manual wheelchairs free of charge, alternatively users can buy a higher specification wheelchair which can cost up to £2,000, but these aren't funded by the NHS. It is estimated that the ESP kit will cost only £500. It is also anticipated that this cost will reduce as more are manufactured.
Dr Mandy is currently refining the design of the kit and will undertake a user evaluation of the ESP at the university's laboratory, in patients' homes and in NHS stroke units. People will be asked to measure comfort, ease of use and ergonomics. A carers' evaluation of use will also be undertaken.
Dr Mandy said: "Stroke sufferers and hemiplegic patients often feel very reliant on their carers but this new development will help to give them independence and at the same time it is cost effective."
Anyone who would like to be involved in the trials should contact Dr Mandy on 01273 643946 and the project will start in January next year.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
