Orthotist Munawar: ReGrasp, Keeogo and Ceriter Insole

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Recare’s product Q&A with Clinical Orthotist, Munawar Osman

ReGrasp

In simple terms, how would you describe the product?

It's an FES (functional electrical stimulation) wearable device for the hand. An Orthotist can help you determine if this device is suited to your needs.

What does it do?

It enables users to regain some hand function. Indeed, the Orthotist will explain the best way to use it for optimal results.

What common questions do you get asked about it?

I supply and demonstrate the ReGrasp to clinicians and patients. Most questions they ask are about how it works. It uses electrical impulses and water-based sensors to stimulate the hand, giving it an advantage over gel-based systems, which need replacing. Instead, with the ReGrasp, the sensors can simply be moistened each time they are used. 

I also get asked, 'Is this to give function or rehabilitation?' The answer is both. It can be worn around the house to open and close the hand for gripping items, and there are rehab settings for building strength and cardio. An Orthotist will frequently advise on the rehabilitation settings.

What type of person does the product help?

It's mainly stroke patients and individuals with hand weakness, not arm or shoulder weakness. As it is an FES product, it's only suitable for patients who do not have a pacemaker, fractures or skin issues. Furthermore, consulting an Orthotist is important to ensure it's appropriate for each individual.

In your opinion, why is it better than similar products?

I'd say it is more cost-effective than alternative solutions and performs better. It's also versatile when the user or clinician is properly trained. Its main advantage is the Bluetooth headset: instead of tapping a button to activate it, you can nod your head. It's an excellent, low-profile, functional device to help people use their hands again without the need for a cumbersome product. 

Keeogo

In simple terms, how would you describe the product?

It's a bilateral, knee-powered lower limb suit. The brand name is an abbreviation for 'Keep on going'.

What does it do?

It helps semi-ambulant users with lower-limb weakness sit, squat, walk, and use stairs. 

What common questions do you get asked about it?

Mainly, I get asked about the suitability of the patient profile, i.e., who can use it? Users do need some power in their legs and a good amount of balance, and they shouldn't have too much tone or contractures.  

What type of person does the product help?

People with MS, stroke, brain injury, and cerebral palsy, to a certain extent. Basically, any lower limb weakness. 

In your opinion, why is it better than similar products?

It is a bilateral solution, so you don't need to purchase two separate units if both legs need assistance. Because it uses actuators (motors) rather than hydraulics or pneumatics, it is more effective and quieter. Plus, the power provides support throughout the entire gait phase, not just one aspect of walking. 

Ceriter Insole

In simple terms, how would you describe the product?

It's an insole for clinicians and patients to assess and improve walking gait.

What does it do?

Basically, each sole has eight sensors that monitor how a user places their foot in stance and generate mapping data. This can be used to gain insight into someone's gait, enabling improvement through audio feedback.

What common questions do you get asked about it?

Again, most of the questions I get focus on how the product works. So, what you do is you put the insoles on, record the user's walking, assess the output and then identify what is wrong with their foot placement. You can then adjust the insole to give an audio cue, so users understand when and where to place their feet in a healthy gait sequence. This cue can be set to different parts of the foot. It is also suitable for patients who can 'freeze' when walking, such as people with Parkinson's. If a user becomes motionless involuntarily, the Ceriter Insole can be programmed to emit an audible beep to assist with brain reactivation and help the user continue walking. 

What type of person does the product help?

This solution should be suitable for anyone with gait deviation. These can include prosthetic users, people with neurological conditions, basically anyone who puts too much pressure on their feet. 

In your opinion, why is it better than similar products?

This is a retraining tool that you can wear every day to help improve gait. Other products tend to only be for pressure mapping and assessment. It’s also connected to an app on your phone, which makes reading output and tracking improvement easier. Consulting an Orthotist, especially for complex gait cases, is advisable.