New Technology for Sister
Kenny Rehab Services
by
David Hadlich
Chosen as one of thirteen
sites across the country, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Services
is now an outlet for one of the newest and most technologically
advanced wheelchairs available today. The IBot, a product of Independence
Technologies, a division of Johnson & Johnson,
uses a series of six gyroscopes, and three redundant computers to
allow the user to climb curbs, go up and down stairs, and even balance
on two wheels. Approved as a Class III medical device, this wheelchair
requires a specific assessment, and a prescription for use. Mike
Krivich, of Independence Technologies, states that the technology
used in the I-Bot is similar to that of the Segway, the two wheel
transportation device seen on the news a couple of years ago. In
fact, the inventor of the technology, Dean Kaman, first intended
it for individuals with mobility issues, but the testing required
by the FDA, and the process of creating a wheelchair to surround
it, took time. In the meanwhile, the Segway came to the market.
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation
Services and Advanced Rehabilitative Technologies was a commitment
made by Sister Kenny 10 years ago to bring the best and latest
technologies available to the disability community. Tim Bowman,
Project Director; “It was our intention
to be an incubator; a place where ideas, needs, research and innovation
come together.” Since then, Sister Kenny has partnered with
the University of Minnesota and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
on different projects. To visit the second floor at Sister Kenny
is to see the latest forms of technology, and treatment coming together
for a wide variety of consumers. From Biofeedback technology, to
green screen exercise programs, Sister Kenny is at the leading edge,
making rehabilitation services both fun and effective.
While I-Bot is amazing
technology, it is not for everyone. A pre-assessment, a doctor’s prescription, and further assessments are needed
for someone to be fitted. The most unique and innovative feature
is the I-Bot’s ability to balance on two wheels. If one is
to lean forward or backward, the gyroscopes inside rapidly adjust
the wheels to keep the user upright and safe. If pushed past a certain
point, the I-Bot simply lowers itself to all four wheels, quickly
and safely. The ability to traverse stairs can be accomplished with
only a small amount of force by the user, backing into a stairway
and pulling either up or down on the rail. The chair seat adjusts
to keep the user upright and balanced. All of these functions and
more can be taught and practiced at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Services.
In addition to the conventional
types of services offered, such as Physical and Occupational Therapy,
the technology arm brings new and exciting methods, all designed
to make recovery and rehabilitation the best available. As part
of the Allina Hospitals and Clinics, Sister Kenny is available
to many consumers throughout the state, and beyond. Using webcam
and video conferencing, Sister Kenny is working with America Samoa,
an island on the Pacific Rim, to bring the latest to the 30,000
people living there. “On an island
where there is one physical therapist to serve everyone, all sorts
of consumers are seen, requiring a broad spectrum of expertise, that
we, with the help of the therapist, are able to provide.” It
is collaborations such as this, along with the willingness to share
information and ideas with others for the advancement of the disability
community that we are fortunate to have Sister Kenny.
Keep an eye on our Upcoming Events section for dates and times of
test-drives for the I-Bot.
