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818 roduct news This feature brings to your attention news from manufacturers of products which may be of use to physiotherapists. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has not tested the items shown and its Journal in no way endorses any of the products. Further inquiries should be directed to the manufacturers. Single-handed Scooter A one-handed ‘aviation tiller’ enables the Cat electric scooter to be used by people with impaired function on one side. It can also be used by people with full use of both hands, although a two-handed tiller is available. The Cat goes up to 20 miles on one battery charge at a maximum speed of 4 mph. The driver controls a variable switch speed. A double front wheel assembly provides stability. A padded adjustable seat swivels through 360° for easy transfers. For transport, the seat, batteries and shopping basket lift off and the tiller folds flat. The scooter comes in a range of colours. Suppliers: Gerald Slmonds Healthcare Ltd, 9 March Place, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury. Bucks HP19 3UG (tel 0296 433273). Plastic Soccer Studs Thermographic studies have shown that soccer boots with plastic studs produce significantly less heat and blood flow in the feet than those with metal threads. The inference is that there is less irritation to the soles of the feet when plastic studs are worn. The Trisport plastic-threaded screw-in soccer stud system in Du Pont acetal resin uses much wider diameter threads to secure studs to their receptaclesin the sole of the boot, which spreads the load or shock to the player’s feet. The plastic studs are half the weight of metal-threaded studs and because they cannot rust are easier to replace. Copies of a comparative evaluation carried out at the department of clinical measurement in the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases are available in printed form, and there is also a video of the thermographic study. Suppliers: Trisport Ltd, Amber Close, Tamworth Business Park, Amington, Tamworth, Staffordshire 877 4RP (tei 0827 56544). Saddle Seat Developed as a result of health care professionals’ involvement with riding for the disabled, the Bambach saddle seat ensures that the hip joints are not loaded in an extreme position, and maintains the lumbar curve. Drawing on the work of Dr A C Mandal, it has been produced for a wide range of uses, including desk work and playing the drums and other musical instruments. The height and angle are adjustable and the seat, which originates from Australia, is available with or without a backrest and castors. Distributors: The Australian Saddle Seat Co Ltd, 5 Denshire Court, Baston, Peterborough PE6 9QL (tel 0778 560 769, fax 0778 560 783). Skeleton Repairs Educational + Scientific Products Ltd sells a wide range of charts, model organs, and part and whole skeletons. It also offers a comprehensive repair and spares service - typical prices are €5.24 for replacing a missing ear drum, or €57.28 for restoring a skull to a headless skeleton. The firm will try to repair any other make of model or skeleton as well as its own brand, but warns that fixings and replace- ments may differ from the originals, and procuring parts may take longer than the usual seven to 14 days. Suppliers: ESP Ltd, A2 Dominion Way, Rustlngton, West Sussex BN16 3HQ (tel 0903 773340, fax 0903 771108). Heat-reflecting Belt The BackSure belt incorporates a pa6 of infra-red reflective entangled fibre network which redirects a large proportion of body heat back towards the body. It is shaped so that heat does not escape when the wearer bends forward, is lightweight and claimed to be comfortable. The belt also has support elements which alert the user to detrimental postures or movements. It is fastened and adjusted with Velcro straps. Claiming that the device will benefit ‘nearly everybody in the UK’ the manufacturers can provide scientific evidence of its effectiveness, and it has won a RoSPA award for innovation in safety and health. Available only from: Spine-lssimus, Blythburgh House, Wendens Ambo, Saffron Walden CBll 4JU (tel 0799 541 625). . Manoeuvrable Chair The Carousel chair is the result of collaboration between Sue Franklyn, a physiotherapist, who researched and initiated the need for this type of seating and designed the prototype model, and JCM Seating which further developed and produced the design. The act of sitting on a chair, pulling it nearer the table, then pushing it back, standing up and walking away from it, are complex manoeuvres which require good muscle power and co-ordination and a good range of joint movement, particularly in the lower limbs. The swivel-slide mechanism of the Carousel is designed to allow those with limited mobility to sit at a table more comfortably and easily. Instead of the individual, or the carer, trying to pull or push the chair to the table, the Carousel swivels and slides the individual to the table with ease. Both facilities have separate braking systems for safety. The frame and upholstery come in a choice of various colours. The latter is available either in a wipeable fabric or a non-washable tweedy material which is more suitable for domestic use. Other materials can be used for an extra charge. Other options include removable armrests, controls on the left or right, footrests, lateral supports and lap straps. Price: f 192 excluding VAT but including delivery within the UK. Further information: JCM Seating Services, Lantana, Monks House Lane, Spalding, Lincs P E l l 3LH (tel 0775 766664, fax 0775 760032). Physiotherapy,November 1994, vol80, no 11
