A new study commissioned by Dynavox Group demonstrated that the use of high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can enormously impact the functionality and quality of life for both the AAC users and their caregivers. “Exploring the Benefits of Assistive Communication” was described as a health economic study conducted in the United States by Augur…
Study: High-Tech AAC Dramatically Improves Outcomes for Users with CP, ALS
Study: Researchers Examine Link Between Pressure Injuries, UTIs in Surgical Patients
The authors noted the prevalence in urinary tract infections for people living with spinal cord injury.
A study this spring about the relationship between pressure injuries and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) underlines the need for close monitoring for infections. The study — Microbial and inflammatory profiling of pressure injuries and urinary tract infections in spinal cord injury: a prospective cohort study — was published…
Research: Combination of Nickel-Zinc Batteries, Supercapacitors Successfully Powers PMDs
A new study from University of Pittsburgh authors discusses improved battery range with less environmental impact.
A new study has examined the feasibility of using nickel-zinc batteries (NiZn) batteries accompanied by supercapacitors on power mobility devices. The research — Design and Feasibility of a Nickel–Zinc Battery-to-Supercapacitor Hybrid Power System with Active Voltage-Gap Control for Powered Mobility Devices — was published by Basel, Switzerland-based Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) on June 12.…
Manual Wheelchair Skills Peer-Coaching Study Seeks Participants
The University of Pittsburgh project is being led by Principal Investigator Lynn Worobey.
A new research study using virtual coaching to teach manual wheelchair skills is seeking participants. The University of Pittsburgh project, led by Principal Investigator Lynn Worobey, Ph.D., DPT, ATP, will match peer coaches with participants who are at least 18 years old; have a non-progressive spinal cord injury; can speak and read English; reside in…
Research: Walker Designs, Physical Requirements Don’t Support Some Seniors
A Cornell University study revealed a disconnect between the walking aids and health care professionals, as well.
A Cornell University study showed a considerable gap between many of today’s walkers and what seniors actually want and need in an assistive device. “Reimagining Assistive Walkers: An Exploration of Challenges and Preferences in Older Adults,” published this spring, used data from questionnaires completed by 24 older adults, 30 caregivers, and 27 health care professionals.…
Not So Rare: Study Says Number of People Living with ALS Will Jump in Next 15 Years
The ALS Association-funded research noted that improving ALS treatments will cause the global number of patients to rise.
The aging of the world’s population along with improved survival rates will cause the number of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to rise sharply over the next 15 years, according to a new study published in Annals of Clinical and Transitional Neurology. The study — Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Prevalence Projection in 2040: A…
Study Calculates First-Year Costs for Newly Diagnosed ALS Medicare Beneficiaries
New ALS patients had higher costs for acute care, prescription medications and durable medical equipment.
A new study has revealed the financial costs for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the first year after diagnosis. The research led by the ALS Association and published in the October edition of The American Journal of Managed Care said the average Medicare beneficiary diagnosed with ALS racked up first-year medical expenses of…
Researchers: ALS Patients with Diabetes Quicker to Lose Ability to Walk
The study’s authors recommended “early implementation” of walking aids for ALS patients with a history of diabetes.
Patients who had diabetes when diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were on average quicker to lose their ability to walk compared to ALS patients without diabetes. Japanese researchers published their study — Factors Influencing the Loss of Ambulation in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study — in Health Science Reports in…
Research: Smith+Nephew’s ALLEVYN Dressing Reduces Shear, Heel Pressure Injury Risk
The study’s authors were Darla Orlova, Aleksei, Orlov, and Amit Gefen.
Shear forces might be an inescapable part of life and movement — but what if large portions of those shear forces were absorbed by a multi-layer dressing that keeps skin and underlying tissues safe? That’s the investigation at the core of new research published in International Wound Journal. The study discusses the efficacy of Smith+Nephew’s…
Briefly: Southwest Changes Wheelchair Rules; Biotechnology Company Wins $5M Parkinson’s Grant
Featuring Southwest Airlines, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Lys Therapeutics.
Southwest Changes Wheelchair Battery, Size Policies Southwest Airlines has changed its policies for transporting wheelchairs and mobility devices, with new rules going into effect Sept. 25, 2025. Starting on that date, “wheelchairs and devices with a height that exceeds 34 inches (86.36 cm) or a width or depth that exceeds 45 inches (114.2 cm) will…