Millions of people have lower-limb paralysis – the most common causes being strokes, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
Now, users of wheelchairs and other devices to assist lower limb mobility say they need more money to be invested in innovation and development. And, as a wheelchair user, I agree totally.
This is the result of an international study of wheelchair users across the UK, USA, Japan, Brazil and India. It was carried out by ComRes on behalf of the Toyota Mobility Foundation.
Key findings include:
• Nine out of 10 (89%) wheelchair users experience pain as a result of their mobility device;
• Nearly a quarter (23%) say they have been declined entry to public transport because of their mobility device;
• 43% say they have been unable to find an accessible toilet when they needed one;
• 30% of say they have felt frustrated because the design of their mobility device felt outdated.
The study also found that wheelchair users experience repetitive strain injury (RSI) and pressure sores (29% and 22% say this respectively).
The survey found that nearly a third (30%) of wheelchair users say they have felt frustrated because they design of their mobility device feels outdated. The top five improvements that would be most helpful to them, they say, are to enable them to:
• move around faster (41%);
• perform regular day-to-day tasks more easily (37%);
• feel more relaxed & comfortable with a device that feels more natural and like an extension of themselves (37%);
• feel more confident and able to socialise and meet with friends (34%);
• feel a sense of spontaneity, freedom and independence (32%).
Innovation: Where we go from here
People with lower-limb paralysis are now being encouraged to take part in a global conversation about the types of mobility technology innovations they would like to see, using the hashtag #MyMobilityUnlimited.
Toyota Mobility Foundation’s director of programs Ryan Klem said: “This research expresses the urgent need for innovation in this area. It’s surprising that with all the technology we have today, we still have people in constant pain as a result of their mobility devices. The comments we are receiving through social media show the kinds of developments that people want to see, and we hope the Challenge will result in genuinely life-changing technologies.”
Nesta Challenge Prize Centre’s Charlotte Macken commented: “While the focus of this Challenge is lower-limb paralysis, we absolutely do expect that the technology developed as a result will be transferable and have the potential to improve the lives of a much wider group of people. This Challenge is about achieving impact, and for that reason, we needed to narrow the focus. However, we recognise that people have a wide range of mobility needs and hope to be able to help them too.”
For more information please visit mobilityunlimited.org
* * * * *
Affiliate disclaimer: This affiliate disclosure details the affiliate relationships of MS, Health & Disability at 50shadesofsun.com with other companies and products. Read more.
* * * * *
50shadesofsun.com is the personal website of Ian Franks, a freelance medical writer and editor for various health information sites. He enjoyed a successful career as a journalist, from reporter to editor in the print media. He gained a Journalist of the Year award in his native UK. Ian received a diagnosis of MS in 2002 and now lives in the south of Spain. He uses a wheelchair and advocates on mobility and accessibility issues.
* * * * *
Note: Health-related information available on 50shadesofsun website is for your general knowledge only. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. I am not a doctor, so cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues. Also, consult a doctor before starting a new diet or exercise programme. Any opinions expressed are purely my own unless otherwise stat
50shadesofsun 