Kalogon, known for its smart seating solutions, has unveiled a new custom wheelchair cushion, Orbiter Med, which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved for the use of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Code E2609 to bill Medicare. For the first time, Orbiter Med combines Kalogon’s Advanced Pressure Management (APM) system with the individualized postural support of a custom cushion reimbursable by insurance.  Addressing Pressure Injuries Pressure injuries (PI) are one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States, and more than ..read more

Putting on a pair of pants is a daily activity that most people take for granted. However, for the millions of adults and children with disabilities and short-term mobility challenges due to accidents, surgery, or medical conditions, pulling on a pair of pants can be impossible. ZipOns from Befree were created as a solution to this problem. The patented pants are designed with zippers from waist to hem, providing ease and comfort to those who wear them, and making life easier for their caregivers.  Innovative Design for Accessibility Instead of pulling pants up over the legs, Zi ..read more

During Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Ottobock North America reaffirms its commitment to supporting the limb loss and limb difference community not just during April, but every day of the year. This year, Ottobock is announcing the launch of several initiatives aimed at promoting mobility, advocacy, and access to prosthetic and orthotic devices. Running & Mobility Clinics  As part of their ongoing dedication to promoting freedom of movement, Ottobock North America will host a series of Running and Mobility clinics across North America. The series kicks off wi ..read more

AAVAA, known for its practical brain-computer interfaces (BCI), announced the launch of its new technology for incorporating BCI into Smart Glasses. AAVAA’s BCI System for Smart Glasses was created to offer a new level of device control and transform AR/VR, smart home, gaming, and assistive technologies, to improve accessibility and immersive experience technology. The BCI controlled technology is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing eyewear and goggles, offering enhanced convenience and functionality. Further Reading: AAVAA Headband Lets User Gaze, Head Movements Control D ..read more

Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison, NJ, is launching a new music therapy program for patients in its extended recovery unit (ERU). Neurologic Music Therapy for In-Patient Treatment The ERU is a specialized sub-acute in-patient treatment unit designed for patients with brain injuries who have improved enough to move beyond the in-patient brain trauma treatment during the first phase of recovery and rehabilitation following medical stabilization, but still need more rehabilitative services before being discharged back to the community.  This pr ..read more

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is causing significant repercussions in the workforce, leading older adults to retire earlier than anticipated. A recent study from the University of Portsmouth in the UK sheds light on the concerning link between musculoskeletal pain and premature retirement. Study Findings and Insights The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed data from over 1,000 individuals aged 50 and above living in England who took part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, revealing a strong association between musculoskeletal pain and early retirement. Even after con ..read more

Challenges transitioning new clinicians from academic training to professional practice tops ECRI’s 2024 list of top 10 patient safety concerns for 2024 released by one of the nation’s largest patient safety organizations. ECRI researchers compiled the report by drawing on evidence-based research, data, and expert insights. Equitable care for people with physical and intellectual disabilities also made the list, along with the decline of healthcare workers’ wellbeing, and fall prevention. The Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns report serves as a guide for helping providers and systems re ..read more

Women are three times more likely than men to get diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an incurable disease that affects the central nervous system. Now, rates of MS are on the rise among Black women. Research suggests that Black individuals may also be prone to more aggressive disease progression and greater disability, although the reasons are unknown. “MS has historically been thought to affect white individuals, therefore there is a lack of awareness about the disease in other patient populations,” says Tirisham Gyang, MD, a neurologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center ..read more

Black Book Research announced that Netsmart software has swept the physical therapy technology platform ratings for highest customer satisfaction in the annual client experience polling of 20 top competitors. A total of 942 physicians, clinicians, and specialists, as well as administrative, IT, and finance leaders from 903 therapy practices, groups, clinics, and facilities, participated in the 2024 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation EHR PM survey. The Netsmart TheraOffice electronic health record (EHR) and practice management software have advanced functionalities for patient intak ..read more

Sunrise Medical has announced the launch of the Quickie Q50 R Carbon, Quickie’s lightest folding power wheelchair with a transport weight of only 32 pounds. The folding Q50 R Carbon is designed to be easy to transport, store, and maneuver, providing a solution for people who want to remain active and independent without the burden of a heavy and large mobility device.  A carbon fiber frame, magnesium wheels and motors, and breathable upholstery make the Q50 R Carbon lightweight. Though light, it’s made to be incredibly strong and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. And the sleek mod ..read more