Wheelchairs News and Research

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Noninvasive brain computer interface could turn thoughts into motion

"Brain cap" technology being developed at the University of Maryland allows users to turn their thoughts into motion. Associate Professor of Kinesiology José 'Pepe' L. Contreras-Vidal and his team have created a non-invasive, sensor-lined cap with neural interface software that soon could be used to control computers, robotic prosthetic limbs, motorized wheelchairs and even digital avatars.

28 Jul 2011

TMS rolls out MUNI for law enforcement and other government agencies

Total Medical Solutions (TMS), specializing in complex care for workers' compensation, has rolled out MUNI for municipalities, law enforcement and other government agencies.

27 Jul 2011

Underwater-treadmill improves mobility following spinal-cord injury

The result of research often is shown in hard and fast metrics. For Janette Rodgers, the only metric she cares about is that her wheelchair, once her prison day in and day out, now sits empty 90 percent of the time— in large part because of the hours she spent in 270 gallons of water.

27 Jul 2011

Elite task force provides insights and guidance on deep brain stimulation for dystonia

Neurologist Michele Tagliati, MD, director of the Movement Disorders Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, served on an elite international task force commissioned by the Movement Disorder Society to provide insights and guidance on deep brain stimulation for dystonia, an uncommon condition that causes sustained, sometimes crippling muscle contractions.

22 Jul 2011

State roundup: Maine, Minn. GOP want insurance changes

Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) told an enthusiastic crowd at the Heritage Foundation on Monday that his Republican administration thinks "taking off the shackles" from insurers is the way to keep healthcare costs low for rural residents.

20 Jul 2011

Feds stepping up action on medical scooter fraud

The federal government is cracking down on medical-equipment providers who either overcharge Medicare for motorized wheelchairs or obtain them for people who don't need them, Medicare and Justice Department records show.

14 Jul 2011

First Edition: July 13, 2011

Today's headlines detail the next moves in the ongoing budget discussion, including a "last-choice option" proposed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and reports about how the health industry is lining up against possible cuts.

13 Jul 2011

Rush scientist receives NIH grant to evaluate whether cinnamon may treat MS

A neurological scientist at Rush University Medical Center has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to evaluate whether cinnamon, a common food spice and flavoring material, may stop the destructive process of multiple sclerosis.

23 Jun 2011

WKK Heide hospital uses Ekahau technology to assure staff safety, track available wheelchairs

Ekahau Inc., the world's leading provider of high-performance Wi-Fi based real-time locating systems (RTLS) and tools, announced today that German hospital Westküstenklinikum Heide (WKK) is using Ekahau technology to assure the safety of its psychiatric- and night-duty staff, and to track the locations of wheelchairs.

14 Jun 2011

Who’s pushing Granny over the cliff?

The latest Mediscare ad shows Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) pushing an old woman in a wheelchair off a cliff. The Republicans are allegedly killing “Medicare as we know it.” But this is a diversion from the real question: What will “healthcare reform” or ObamaCare do to Granny? Democrats may hope to keep Americans from figuring that out until after the 2012 election.

6 Jun 2011

Consumer groups, market experts support repeal of Medicare bidding program

Providers of home medical equipment and services in Oregon support H.R. 1041, a bipartisan bill in Congress that would repeal the controversial Medicare "competitive" bidding program for certain medically required equipment and services used at home.

4 Jun 2011

Welch Allyn announces availability of co-branded Health o meter Professional Scales in Europe

Welch Allyn, a leading global provider of medical diagnostic equipment, announced today that its co-branded Health o meter Professional Scales are now available in Europe.

23 May 2011

Paralyzed man walks again

Three years ago, baseball champion Rob Summers was hit by a speeding car in Portland, Oregon which smashed into his legs and left him with appalling injuries. He was told he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair at best. However the 25 year old has become the first person paralyzed from the chest down to stand and take a step unaided.

22 May 2011

Pregnant women warned not to eat for two: Study

According to health experts, there is a “life-long obesity risk of 'eating for two' in pregnancy”. The common advice is reinforced by the results of a study that followed women for a number of years.

19 May 2011

Restrictive gadolinium-based contrast agent guidelines help prevent nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

A simple blood test may help prevent a serious complication associated with a contrast agent commonly used in MRI exams, according to a study published in the July issue of Radiology.

18 May 2011

HASCO Medical acquires Wheelchair Vans of America and Mobility Freedom

HASCO Medical, Inc., a managed healthcare provider that serves patients in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, announced today its acquisition of Mobility Freedom Inc. and Wheelchair Vans of America.

17 May 2011

HHS announces new initiatives to improve patient care and reduce Medicaid costs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced a series of initiatives to work with states to save money and better coordinate care for the 9 million Americans enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.

12 May 2011

Engineers develop novel hybrid HMI for hands-free control of electric powered wheelchairs

For people with severe physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injury, quadriplegia and hemiplegia or amputation, current technology for controlling a wheelchair or mobility scooter is wholly inadequate.

11 May 2011

First pelvic reconstruction surgery in cancer patient performed at Ohio State's Medical Center

In a rare and medically remarkable operation, a multi-disciplinary team of surgeons at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute removed the left leg, hip and pelvis of a cancer patient, and used the healthy, living bones from his amputated leg to completely rebuild the connection between his spine and remaining right pelvis to support a high-tech prosthetic leg.

6 May 2011

Scientists identify biochemical abnormality behind Machado-Joseph disease

Scientists in Portugal have identified a biochemical abnormality behind the potentially fatal neurodegenerative Machado-Joseph disease and using several models of the disease were able to reverse the problem in what can be a crucial step towards a cure for humans .

2 May 2011