Thomashilfen NA showed off its
support surface Micro-Stimulation
technology at June’s Cure SMA conference
in Anaheim, Calif.
Dynamic movement doesn’t need to be extreme to be
significant to wheelchair users. Case in point: the Micro-Stimulation
(MiS) technology offered by Thomashilfen.
“Micro-Stimulation is a gentle feedback or response generated by
the individual’s movement,” says Darlene Hawthorne, president of
Thomashilfen North America, who notes that even subtle movements,
such as those caused when taking a deep breath, can start a beneficial,
dynamic cycle of movement. “Originally, MiS was placed in beds to
allow freedom of movement for those who lack mobility and needed
stimulation to prevent pressure wounds. Through years of technology
and science, MiS technology has evolved to [include] tiny spring wings
in the backs of mobility chairs and surfaces that benefit many other
conditions, such as autism, Down syndrome, hypertonic and hypotonic
children, as well as adults with Parkinson’s and dementia.”
Feeling small, physical movements in response to their own
movements can be reassuring and reaffirming to users with sensory
difficulties.
“With the gentle feedback from the MiS or spring wings, each
individual receives a small response to their movements, reconnecting
the neurological and physiological connection, allowing the
individual to relax and improve body perception,” Hawthorne says.
“The stimulation also promotes
blood flow and supports the
freedom of movement for a
more restorative sleep.”
As with the rest of the
dynamic seating and mobility
movement, Hawthorne expects
micro stimulation technology
to continue to expand. “We
have seen some incredible,
positive response with our MiS
technology in our ThevoTwist
pediatric wheelchairs from
kids with various conditions,”
Hawthorne notes. “The challenge
is to provide stabilized seating with the freedom of movement
to encourage independent activities such as reaching and stretching
to further enhance the development of fine motor skills. We continuously
see improvements with micro stimulation, and it is a new
concept in how we traditionally think about seating and stabilizing
all in one. Fortunately, ATPs and therapists are seeing the positive
results of the freedom of movement and are trying to develop other
ways to achieve both stabilization and movement.”
