Jennifer McCahill

The African Disability Scooter: Preliminary analysis of a new mobility aid

Purpose. In many resource poor African countries there is no effective prosthetic service. The African Disability Scooter (ADS) was developed for use by amputees in such countries, as a positive alternative to crutches or sticks. The aim of this study was to compare the energy expenditure of the ADS to walking with crutches over a fixed distance at a self-selected speed in a normal population. Method. Speed and efficiency of the scooter were assessed by field tests with 10 volunteers using a portable, energy consumption measuring device. In addition, the comfort of the scooter was assessed with visual analogue scales. Results. It was found that the scooter was twice as efficient, and twice as fast as crutches over level ground. The scooter was also rated highly on comfort and usability scores, although some suggested refinements are likely to improve this further. Conclusions. The results suggest that the ADS is a potentially useful method of transport by people with amputations or a wide spectrum of unilateral lower limb disabilities in developed and developing countries.

Use of the Oxford Foot Model in clinical practice

The Oxford Foot Model (OFM) [1] has been used routinely in clinical practice to assess foot deformity during gait in our laboratory since 2004. Over this time, 163 patients with various pathologies have been assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the OFMs clinical relevance in defining dynamic foot deformity thereby assisting management decisions in two populations: idiopathic clubfoot and cerebral palsy/hemiplegia.

The African disability scooter: efficiency testing in paediatric amputees in Malawi

Abstract Purpose: The African Disability Scooter (ADS) was developed for lower limb amputees, to improve mobility and provide access to different terrains. The aim of this study was to test the efficiency of the ADS in Africa over different terrains. Method: Eight subjects with a mean age of 12 years participated. Energy expenditure and speed were calculated over different terrains using the ADS, a prosthetic limb, and crutches. Repeated testing was completed on different days to assess learning effect. Results: Speed was significantly faster with the ADS on a level surface compared to crutch walking. This difference was maintained when using the scooter on rough terrain. Oxygen cost was halved with the scooter on level ground compared to crutch walking. There were no significant differences in oxygen consumption or heart rate. There were significant differences in oxygen cost and speed between days using the scooter over level ground, suggesting the presence of a learning effect. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the ADS is faster and more energy efficient than crutch walking in young individuals with amputations, and should be considered as an alternative to a prosthesis where this is not available. The presence of a learning effect suggests supervision and training is required when the scooter is first issued. Implications for Rehabilitation The African Disability Scooter: is faster than crutch walking in amputees; is more energy efficient than walking with crutches; supervised use is needed when learning to use the device; is a good alternative/adjunct for mobility.