Arne van Gils, Annemarie der Kinderen, Wouter Akkerman, Jan Willem van der Windt
LIVIT ORTHOPEDIE
Figuur 1: photo pf teh upper limb and lower limb swimming prosthesis
For people with an amputated leg, it is important that the muscles and stump are strong. When swimming during rehabilitation, however, it turned out that they hardly moved the stump. In order to make better use of the affected leg and to strengthen the muscles, Libra R&A's movement specialist, Peter Verhoeven, developed the universal swimming flipper together with Livit.
Paralympic swimmers are also interested in the universal swimming prostesis
3 April, 2018 [Edition 2, Volume 1]
The universal prosthetic flipper is ideal for use as a training aid in both top-level sports and recreational sports. In order to better train the arm stroke, it is desirable that more swimming speed can be achieved in training situations. The universal prosthetic flipper is an excellent training aid. Customization is, therefore, not necessary in most cases.
Universal swimming prosthesis
Universal swimming prosthesis strengthens amputated leg
Starting point of the innovation The starting point was a swimming prosthesis that could be used by several rehabilitation patients. So, a universal sleeve had to be developed. Livit solved this with a locking liner and click straps, as we know from skates. The prototype is suitable for stumps from 26 cm to 35 cm in circumference so that 90% of people with a stump can swim with these flippers. The universal flipper is currently being developed further. For example, experiments are being carried out on the size of the flipper and it is being investigated which closures are the most suitable. We are also looking at the possibilities of only purchasing a flipper in the future if one has an extra sleeve of their own. Positive result The results that people have achieved by using the swimming flipper are positive. For example, a rehabilitant has been training every day for three weeks with the flipper. In terms of muscle development, she gained 2 cm. But even better: she has built up so much strength in her stump that she can now keep walking up and down the stairs instead of constantly adding her other leg on the same step before being able to move to the next. Paralympic swimmers Paralympic swimmers are also interested in the universal swimming flipper. The prosthesis is not allowed in competitions, but it is a good tool for training. Due to the higher speed that the swimmers can achieve with it, they also increase their stroke rhythm, which they may also be able to maintain without a flipper. That's where the true gain is. Together with the specialist team of the Ir. Otten Fieldlab in the Blixembosch in Eindhoven (see box), Livit examines what the other possibilities are and what they can contribute to swimming sports. Evidenced based In order to demonstrate the added value of the swimming prosthesis in a rehabilitation setting in an evidence-based manner, student of orthopedic technology, Max Halm, is preparing the determinants and how these can subsequently be analyzed. Which factors are influenced (negatively or positively) by the use of the swimming prosthesis, and how can these factors be measured? In a follow-up thesis, the measurements will be carried out and analyzed in practice. Libra now has two universal swimming flippers that are used for rehabilitation. One is also in use in The Hague and Hoensbroek, and several rehabilitation centers will follow. The aim is to develop the universal flipper into a market-oriented product so that it can be widely used for rehabilitation and athletes. supports both physically and psychologically In addition to rehabilitation, it is also extremely suitable for recreational sports. The advantages of using the universal swimming flipper are easy to apply for leg amputees in recreational sports. The prosthetic flipper may have its largest area of application there, as well as in a rehabilitation setting. People who have just had an amputation often have to deal with a reduction in muscle strength and a tendency towards movement restrictions in joints. Swimming support is an excellent way of promoting movement. The practice has shown that the prosthetic flipper not only provides physical added value but also psychological support because a faster swimming speed provides added value to the swimming experience. Making the swimming flipper universal also has the added value of helping the majority of the target group with a single device. It is, therefore, not necessary to measure and make new custom-made prosthetic flippers each time. This increases working speed and reduces costs. Better Rehabilitation Every year, more than 3,000 Dutch people undergo an amputation, 85% of which concerns the legs. A traumatic experience, not only for the amputee and their immediate environment. Both physically and mentally, amputation is a heavy burden. Not only does someone lose the functions of a body part, but the visibility of it also sometimes evokes strong emotions. The swimming prosthesis contributes to better rehabilitation in the water and the recovery of (sports) opportunities that are otherwise more difficult to realize, both physically and mentally. After all, exercising is one of the most popular ways to spend free time; more than 40% of the Dutch population take part in some form of sports. Of the number of people with a physical disability (9% of the Dutch population), including amputees, this percentage is much lower: 1.4%. Better acceptance of the disability Apart from the fact that exercise is an enjoyable activity for people with physical disabilities, research shows that regular physical activity can lead to an increase in a positive mood, increased self-confidence and a better acceptance of the disability. In addition, sports can prevent or break through isolation and have positive effects on overall physical health. For example, the risk of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and osteoporosis decreases and endurance will increase. The positive effects of sports as described above can already be pursued during the rehabilitation process. One of these patient groups for whom sports can be of great importance is the group with an amputation of (part of) the leg. The development of new prosthetic techniques and materials increases the active participation in sports among this group. No customization required Prosthetics are custom-made and, therefore, an expensive solution. It has thus far proved too expensive to develop appropriate prostheses/devices that support training in swimming. With this universal swim prosthesis, this limitation is removed and the flipper can be used widely. There are approximately 10,000 people in the Netherlands with a leg amputation who would benefit from this unique innovation. Want to know more? For more information about the possibilities of the Swimming Flipper, please contact Wouter Akkerman, Operational Manager Prostheses and Orthoses via wakkerman@livit.nl. For an appointment with Livit, please call 088 - 245 2000.
More swimming speed for better training
The universal prosthetic flipper is ideal for use as a training aid in both top-level sports and recreational sports. In order to better train the arm stroke, it is desirable that more swimming speed can be achieved in training situations. The universal prosthetic flipper is an excellent training aid. Customization is, therefore, not necessary in most cases. Grant for the development of the Sports Innovator Center The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) has awarded the Ir. Otten Fieldlab has been awarded a subsidy of 75,000 euros for 2017 and also a further 175,000 euros reserved for the years 2018 and 2019. With this subsidy, the fieldlab will have the opportunity to develop into a Sports Innovator Center. At the moment there are eighteen of these centers in our country. These centers are meeting and breeding places where researchers, entrepreneurs, governments and sports organizations work together structurally on innovations that contribute to top sport, sport participation and / or an active lifestyle. And those are precisely the objectives that the field lab had set for the opening in 2013.
Figure 3
research into patient participation in normal life
The universal prosthetic flipper is ideal for use as a training aid in both top-level sports and recreational sports. Due to its unique closure, it can be universally used and adapted to the individual sizes of the stump.
unique swimminhgsocket ®
Swimming with a prosthesis becomes a lot easier, more pleasant and faster. Swimming training with the flipper makes the stump proven stronger
Collaboration with Ir. Otten Fieldlab
About Livit Livit wants to make mobility possible for everyone for whom this is no longer possible. By listening. By thinking along. By helping. With our orthopedic knowledge, expertise and tools. Just until we find a solution so you can move and live freely again. . You will find us at more than 400 locations in the Netherlands, where we offer the best orthopedic care together with healthcare professionals from hospitals and institutions. You can come to us for orthopedic shoes, therapeutic stockings, prostheses and (sports) braces.
Arne van Gils (CPO), Annemarie der Kinderen (CPO) Wouter Akkerman (Operationeel Manager P&O), Jan Willem van der Windt (CEO)
Makes mobility Possible.
