Page 12 - Mobility Management, May/June 2021

ATP Series
Power Move: Rethinking Proactive Power Assist
environment: People who are in manual chairs are going to just sit lower than most people, so when they reach, they inherently have to reach above 90° to be able to reach things. Where does most shoulder impingement happen? Above 90°. But I can’t change all those environments.
“What’s the one thing I can change? How many times some- body has to push.”
Power assist’s ripple effects could even impact the type of primary mobility device, Merring added. “Here’s one scenario, that you can no longer get over those thresholds or it’s hard
for you to get from one room to another,” he explained. “So
you would [change] to a power chair. But a lot of people get to the point that if they can’t get from room to room or they can’t carry things or it gets to be too much for the family, they start to consider: Do we need to go to assisted living? Do we need go to long- term care?
“But I can give you a mobility aid within your home — it’s the
same thing as a cane or walker or wheelchair, a power assist or a power chair. It’s just another one of those opportunities for a therapist and a provider and the user to think about: If I were to implement this, what are some things that I could keep doing? What more can I get out of my daily mobility activity that keeps me in the home, that keeps me safe and keeps me active as much as possible, whether it’s going over the threshold or going to Disney World?”
PICK YOUR POWER ASSIST
The number of power-assist devices on the market continues to grow (see sidebar), as does power assist’s functionality, adjusta- bility and customizability.
That gives seating and wheeled mobility clinicians more options when choosing the best system for each client. Alber, for example, currently has four power-assist devices: SMOOV one (active user), twion (medium active user), the newly launched e-motion M25 (medium active user), and the e-fix (low active user).
Even More Powerful: What’s New in Power Assist
PERMOBIL STREAMLINES SMARTDRIVE OPERATION
The SmartDrive power-assist system from Permobil keeps getting easier and quicker to set up and use. Late last year, Permobil announced that the PushTracker E2, the wearable companion device for the SmartDrive MX2+, would include pre-installed apps. Ben Hemkens, Permobil’s
Director of Product Management, said in the December 2020 announcement, “The PushTracker E2 that controls the SmartDrive device can now be set up in just minutes without needing Wi-Fi or a phone — that’s 90 percent quicker than before. Thanks to feedback, we’ve also improved the wireless updates and overall performance of the smart wearable and app.”
The MX2+ and PushTracker apps
deliver notifications to the consumer
“to promote optimal health for manual
wheelchair users,” Permobil said.
The apps will alert a user when new
“personal records” for distance traveled
and coast time are set, and will also
notify wheelchair users if their push
count is above average. Making wheel-
chair users aware of how much they’re
pushing can help them to make more informed decisions on how to use their SmartDrive units to conserve energy. permobil.com
BATEC UPDATES ITS SCRAMBLER 2 HANDBIKE
In June, Spanish manufacturer Batec announced upgrades to its Batec Scrambler 2, including new electronics “that optimize engine performance and always provide maximum power at any speed and
on any terrain, allowing high speeds to be maintained even on very steep climbs.” Batec added the new version of the Scrambler has “even more biker aesthetic,” as well as “improved safety.” Batec’s other models include the compact Batec Mini
2 and the Batec Rapid 2,
reduced in footprint compared to its predecessor. Batec is head- quartered in Barcelona: batec-mobility.com/en
CHEELCARE LAUNCHES COMPANION PLUS
This Canadian manufacturer introduced the Companion Plus front-mount power-assist device in May. Cheelcare says the new model is an “enhanced version” of its original Companion system and is designed to fit pediatric and adult folding or rigid manual wheelchairs.
Companion Plus features a larger 350W motor capable of a 16-mph top speed, a new controller
for greater range (up to
18.6 miles/30 km on a full
three-hour charge), a new
display with a five-speed
selector, a non-marking tire
for improved use indoors, and a new parking brake for added safety. Soft-grip handles are available in a range of colors, and Companion Plus owners can further customize their device by choosing from a selection of optional vinyl wraps. Cheelcare is based in Ontario: www.cheelcare.com/companion. m
Batec Scrambler 2
Permobil SmartDrive MX2+ and PushTracker E2
Cheelcare Companion Plus
12 MAY-JUNE2021|MOBILITYMANAGEMENT
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