Breakthrough In Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Developed & Launched In The UK

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Breakthrough In Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Developed And Launched

In The UK

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/124960.php

A number of prominent people in the disability industry were present

at the launch of NuDrive - the world's first lever-drive propulsion

accessory for manual wheelchairs. NuDrive reduces the force needed to

self-propel by up to 40% and was launched on 7th October by

Gage, Chairman of the NHS National Wheelchair Managers' Forum, at the

Aspire National Training Centre.

The revolutionary NuDrive system was conceived by Orford when

he was just 19. Now, after six years of research and development,

NuDrive is available in the UK. This breakthrough technology for

improving wheelchair propulsion is set to increase independence for

millions of wheelchair users around the world, enabling them to

propel themselves further with greater ease, and with less strain on

the body.

Professor Craggs, Director of the Royal National Orthopaedic

Hospital has been involved in the development of NuDrive and spoke

about the medical, social and mechanical benefits of lever-drive

propulsion. Disabled writer and BBC presenter Lara Masters, spoke

about the challenges disabled people face and the need to be

resourceful: " I try to see my physical restrictions as creative

challenges and NuDrive symbolises my philosophy by presenting an

opportunity for wheelchair users to maximise the potential of

their " pushing power " , said Lara. Gage spoke about the issues

facing wheelchair provision in the UK before officially launching

NuDrive, saying " This is a brilliant product. "

With NuDrive, the user can propel themselves forwards and backwards,

manoeuvre and brake, simply by pushing the levers - there's no need

to spin the wheel rims by hand. This improves posture and shifts the

shoulder loading, helping to prevent shoulder degradation and injury.

The ergonomically designed Drive Units allow users with arthritic or

weak hands to self-propel as it requires no finger of hand dexterity.

By removing the need to grip and release the wheel rims, NuDrive also

eliminates the threat of Repetitive Strain Injury in hands, protects

hands from abrasion, and maintains cleanliness and hygiene. NuDrive

attaches in seconds to almost any manual wheelchair with 24inch metal

spoked wheels so there's no need to buy a new chair.

Steward (18) has Spina Bifida and is the star of the NuDrive

mini documentary " Shops London " which premiered at the launch.

This short film gives valuable insight into what it's like for a

young disabled woman to spend the day shopping with friends in

London. has this to say: " It is a lot easier to get up slopes

with NuDrive, I can sit up straight, I don't have to strain and I can

get more power behind the stroke. It helps me keep going for longer. "

NuDrive can be used by both long-term and occasional wheelchair users

who have some degree of strength in both arms. It is great both

indoors and outdoors and can help the user tackle inclines and more

difficult or uneven terrains.

The concept is simple, but the technology is cutting edge. NuDrive

has been developed for Pure Global by one of the UK's leading product

designers, London Associates, in association with the Aspire Centre

for Disability Sciences. Wheelchair users with a range of medical

conditions and disabilities were involved throughout the research to

ensure a high level of medical efficacy.

Orford founded Pure Global Ltd in 2003 when he was just 20.

won the Young Designer of the Year Award in 2002 for his

initial prototype and has since raised more than £1million of

investment to develop NuDrive and bring it to market.

Speaking about his journey said: " was the catalyst that

inspired me to take the idea from being an A-Level project into a

commercial reality. Seeing how my early prototype gave her so much

more independence gave me the conviction to take the plunge and

devote myself to making the idea a reality. "

" I have learned a lot over the past six years and it's been hard

work, but I'm truly delighted to be able to make this technology

available and both me and my team hope it will be a real blessing, "

said .

Pure Global donated a number of products to UK disability charities

at the launch, including Aspire, the Spinal Injuries Association and

the Back Up Trust. The launch concluded with a bang when the

acclaimed CandoCo Dance Company of disabled and non-disabled dancers

performed excerpts from their new show, fresh home from performing at

both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For more information about NuDrive and to watch the promo and

demonstration videos visit http://www.nu-drive.com.