Human factors/ergonomics to support the design and testing of rapidly manufactured ventilators in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: This paper describes a rapid response project from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF) to support the design, development, usability testing and operation of new ventilators as part of the UK response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: A five-step approach was taken to (1) assess the COVID-19 situation and decide to formulate a response; (2) mobilise and coordinate Human Factors/Ergonomics (HFE) specialists; (3) ideate, with HFE specialists collaborating to identify, analyse the issues and opportunities, and develop strategies, plans and processes; (4) generate outputs and solutions; and (5) respond to the COVID-19 situation via targeted support and guidance.

Results: The response for the rapidly manufactured ventilator systems (RMVS) has been used to influence both strategy and practice to address concerns about changing safety standards and the detailed design procedure with RMVS manufacturers.

Long-Term Effects of Orthoses Use on the Changes of Foot and Ankle Joint Motions of Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Background: Orthoses commonly are prescribed to children with cerebral palsy (CP) to provide foot correction and to improve ambulatory function. Immediate effects of ankle foot orthosis (AFOs) have been investigated, but long-term kinematic effects are lacking clinical evidence.

Objective: To determine changes in 3-dimensional ankle and foot segment motion in pediatric patients with CP between initial and follow-up visits (18-month average time differences) in both barefoot gait and gait with their AFO.

Functional electrical stimulation improves quality of life by reducing intermittent claudication.

Objective: To determine if Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) would improve ischemic pain, walking distance, and quality of life of patients with intermittent claudication.

Design: Single blind, randomized block, two factorial design.

Patients: Patients diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC).

Foot and ankle joint movements inside orthoses for children with spastic CP.

We compared the ankle joint and foot segment kinematics of pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) participants walking with and without orthoses. A six segment foot model (6SF) was used to track foot motion. Holes were cut in the study orthoses so that electromagnetic markers could be directly placed on the skin.

Functional electrical stimulation to dorsiflexors and plantar flexors during gait to improve walking in adults with chronic hemiplegia.

Objective: To determine whether functional electrical stimulation (FES) timed to activate the dorsiflexors and plantar flexors during gait improves the walking of adults with hemiplegia.

Design: Randomized crossover trial.

Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation clinic.

Efficacy Studies in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

No abstract available for this article.