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Acai Fruits Juice is Better than Coffe

Each individual has his or her own dailyactivity. There are those individuals who drink coffee in the morning while there are also individuals who prefer to drink soda at the start of their day. Both practices can be especially if done in moderation; however when either is taken in overindulgence the consequence might not be that ideal. Too much coffee can lead people to become hyperactive to the point that they cant sleep, the same thing can be said with sodas because it also contains caffeine. On the other hand, if you really want to be healthy then you might want to kick off your day with acai fruit juice.

Acai fruit juice is like a conventional juice, the kind of juice we drink day in and day out, but acai fruit juice is filled with more vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. The acai fruit juice has been found to contain high levels of Vitamin C, which helps keep our immune system strong; calcium which helps keep our bones strong; amino acids which are the building blocks of protein essential in muscle building. Sipping acai fruit juice each day is indeed a great way to keep us healthy and also give us the energy we need throughout the day.

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Tasty Natural Colon Cleansing Recipes

Food tastes heavenly that is why we cant resist it. People cant say no to delectable meals. this is the culprit behind our tendency to eat almost anything and cholesterol is something we dont pay much attention to simply because we are enjoying the taste too much. The mere thought of fine dining and delicious food can already put a smile on our face. However, if you take into consideration the potential for diseases and the role that natural colon cleansing recipes can have on it, send a lot of us packing. There is this belief that natural colon cleansing recipes are often bitter and taste really, really bad.

Such misconception has to be corrected, because there are a lot of natural colon cleansing recipes that are not only attractive but tasty as well. These recipes usually include fruits, vegetables, herbs and other foods that can enable the body to rid of waste products.

foods that contain high fiber are good in cleaning your colon. the way each colon cleansing recipe is made will depend on the user, this because each one of us have our own preferences. So if you prefer spicy, you can make spicy natural colon cleansing recipes or sweet or sour if like those too.

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Proving The Claims Through the Acai Berry Study

There are a lot of products being sold in the market that are claiming several health benefits. These products often claim of being capable of providing more than the usual level of a particular vitamin or mineral. These products also claim to aid in weight loss effectively. Moreover, some of these products claim to be able to prevent cancer and other diseases. Claims will remain claims until it is backed by research and several scientific studies. Such is the case of the acai berry. The acai berry study was conducted in order to prove that the acai berry do have a lot of benefits.

Manufacturers of acai berry products will use the acai berry study as proof to their claims. It is important that the acai berry study be conducted by scientists that have no hidden agenda in order to make the results reliable. In addition, subjects should be selected randomly using a reliable method. The safety and efficacy of acai berry products is ensured by the acai berry study. The acai berry study proves to be a reliable tool in our quest for knowledge.

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Acai Nutrition Your Way to Perfect Health

Acai berry is probably the most famous fruit to date. Ever since it made its public debut the popularity of this fruit has never dwindled. In fact each day it becomes more and more popular as more and more people are beginning to make it a part of their health regime.Acai nutrition is one to option that people can choose in order to keep them healthy.People take acai berry supplements everyday in order to achieve the so called acai nutrition. Acai berries are found in this acai berry supplement, a lot of health benefits is said to be found in this fruit. The benefits you can get from these supplements is the same amount as with the fruit. Acai nutritionhas truly come a long way.

Acai nutrition can be the solution people with weight problems have been waiting for. Part of acai nutrition is aiding weight loss this is due to the fact that the acai berry is efficient in helping someone lose weight. The acai nutrition can indeed be beneficial for people that are overweight. Acai berry supplements can be helpful and beneficial if taken at a regular basis and according to instructions. Despite the fact that the ingredients are natural it is still best that instructions should be followed even when taking acai berry.

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Readily Available Homemade Colon Cleanse

the world is currently struggling against the economic crisis, it is only natural for you to try save up. However, just because you are saving up doesnt mean you should take your health for granted
. You have to realize that in order to work more and earn more a healthy body is indeed necessary. If you continue getting sick, you will miss more days at work and you will make less money. That is why no matter how you save, you must not totally forget about your health.

A good way to stay in tiptop shape is through colon cleansing and it can be done through the use of home made colon cleanse products which is more cheaper.

common household ingredients can be used for homemade colon cleanse in order to make a powerful, effective yet natural colon cleanser. It is even way cheaper than going to colonic hydrotherapy sessions or buying colonic hydrotherapy kits. In fact you can successfully make a homemade colon cleanse simply by changing your diet. For example, if you are used to eating meat at all times, you might want to change that by adding high fiber foods in your daily menu along with increasingadding toFor a homemade colon cleanse to be effective ingredients of high caliber must be use. Use a homemade colon cleanse product today.

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The Perry
Belcher Scam Changing The Life OF Perry Belcher

A husband and father thats what Perry Belcher is. What he desires the most is to
provide for his family. Attending seminars and trainings is his
stepping stone to success. Yaik Silver was one of his mentors. When he acquired the knowledge he needed he then
started his own business. To no surprise it was a huge success. A self-made millionaire, thats what Perry Belcher is. Mr.
Belcher is not only a copywriter but he is also a web designer and
teacher as well. Since 1998 Perry Belchers internet marketing
business has been a complete success, up to the point when the Perry Belcher Scam became
public.

People who thought that Mr. Belcher was a fraud
and fake were obviously the ones behind the Perry Belcher Scam. Doubts against Mr. Belcher has been made public by a group
of sceptics. Not only that people behind the Perry Belcher Scam have
pushed Mr. Belcher to quit his internet marketing business not because
the scams are true but because he is starting to fear for his familys
safety. What transpired has provided him with an
opportunity to spend time with his family.The internet marketing business may be worth
millions but Mr. Belcher is not going to risk his family just to save
the business and prove his critics wrong. <a href=”http://www.vimeo.com/perrybelcher/”>
Perry Belcher Scam</a> is no more.

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Acai Berries as the Best Antioxidant

With its numerous benefits and its high levels of antioxidants, the acai berries are often called the best antioxidant. Experts have been telling us for years to ingest berries simply because these fruits have antioxidants. We need antioxidants in order to protect our bodies from free radicals we usually get from the food that we eat or from the environment that we are exposed to. However the acai berries contain more antioxidants than those contained in other berries, this is the primary reason why more and more people use acai supplements: antioxidant is its main component.

Without a doubt acai berry is the best antioxidant especially if you take into account the number of antioxidant it contains. Acai berries contain Vitamins like A C and E and even folic acid. It also contains iron which can also work hand in hand with antioxidants in keeping the body healthy and strong.

It is essential that we keep our bodies healthy from inside out and the best way to do that aside from changing our risky lifestyle, is adding exercise to our life as well as to use supplements like acai berry products, which contain high levels of antioxidants.

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Perry Belcher: Quitting

The unparalleled knowledge of Perry
Belcher is the secret behind his success.
A designer, copywriter and a mentor, that is what he
is. Perry Belcher decided to share his knowledge to
others after his huge success. Internet marketing is the
best way to earn big money. Internet
marketing has been mastered by Perry Belcher. People considered Perry Blecher as their mentor and they
look up to him. However, there are also people who doubt
his interests and even doubt his company.

After
a barrage of criticism Perry Belcher has finally decided to quit. One of his many reasons for quitting includes
spending time with his family. After becoming an internet marketer
and trainer he barely had time for his family. Safety is another reason.
He said that a group of critics is becoming more vocal and harsh and
that he is concerned for his familys safety. <a href=”http://www.perrybelcherimporting.com /”>Perry Belcher Arrested</a> is no more.

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Alternative to a Healthy Life: Colon Herbal Cleanse

There has been an alarming rise in the number of people suffering from colon cancer. Just like any other cancer, it is lethal. It can take your life in a matter of weeks or it can take your life in a matter of months, either way if colon cancer progresses death is imminent. There are several contributing factor for colon cancer, but many believe that the food we take in speeds up the process of cancer.Everyone knows that there are things in our food that just build up in the colon and make us sick. That is why colon cleansing is so important. There are several ways to do colon cleansing one is through the use of commercial colon cleansing products another is through herbal colon cleanse. So, when you cleanse your body, it is safer to use natural methods.

How does colon herbal cleanse do its job? It works by expelling the contents which are in the colon. In addition, it also works by converting and neutralizing toxic wastes inside the body before finally flushing it out.Being all natural, herbal colon cleansing is a lot safer to use. Lastly, herbal colon cleanse is cheaper than the commercial products.

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Get to Know the Colon Cleansing Benefits

Colon cleansing has been around for generations. People living during the ancient times have employed this process in order to cleanse themselves. It also maintains their health. Everyone may not be aware of colon cleansing but there are several people who still practice this. Colon cleansing can by sessions or through colon cleansing diet recipes. Colon cleansing can still be beneficial. There are a lot of colon cleansing benefits. One colon cleansing benefit people with constipation can get from colon cleansing is improved bowel movement. Colon cleansing helps flush out stored waste products so these people wont have to strain anymore.

Another colon cleansing benefit that you can get is weight loss. The diet that we have today can result to weight gain. Waste products are not the only ones that is being flushed out by colon cleansing but excess weight as well. Regular colon cleansing can help you maintain weight. So, find more ways to cleanse your body.

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Advantages of Herbal Colon Cleanse

When you cleanse your colon, you are keeping yourself healthy. Performing this regularly can do wonders for you. There are several ways to cleanse your colon and a common way is the herbal colon cleanse. This type of colon cleansing has been practiced by more and more people.

The herbal colon cleanse functions by converting or neutralizing the bodys toxic wastes in to safer products. However, most medical professionals would like to stress that a healthy colon is a clean colon. It is of great importance that we cleanse our colon because if we neglect to cleanse our colon the toxins in our body will accumulate and later cause problems for us.

There are several benefits you can get from using herbal colon cleanse. One benefit is that the results are immediate; second is that we can incorporate it in our daily routine and third, herbal colon cleanse utilizes materials that are naturally occurring.

If you decide to pursue using herbal colon cleanse make sure to do it faithfully and regularly in order for you to get the maximum effects. On top of that, use only the best ingredients or materials for herbal colon cleanse.

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The clinical decision-making process of prescribing power mobility for a child with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE: Powered mobility has been shown to be an effective method for children with disabilities to achieve independent mobility. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapist’s clinical decision making related to power mobility for a child with multiple disabilities. CASE DESCRIPTION: Power wheelchair evaluation for a nine-year-old child was conducted using Furumasu’s tasks for wheelchair readiness moving through a doorway, maneuvering through three cones, and medicare power wheelchairs driving in a hallway. Ongoing team assessment with family consultation informed clinical decision-making. OUTCOMES: A mid-wheel-drive chair afforded improved performance on Furumasu’s tasks compared with a rear-wheel-drive chair. SUMMARY: This case describes the clinician’s role in prescribing power wheelchairs to affect the user’s functional skills, as well as how, in the absence of evidence, clinical experience and patients’ needs can guide clinical decision-making.

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Considering powered mobility for individuals with stroke

medical scooters and power wheelchairs is an option that provides many disabled individuals with a means of locomotion. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in this country. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of published material that expounds on power mobility as it relates to clients who have had a stroke. We will present the benefits and considerations for choosing power wheelchairs for this client population. A brief review of seating and mobility evaluation and funding considerations is included with an emphasis on specific issues concerning stroke clients. Finally, a call for further research on this topic is presented.

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Real-time head movement system and embedded Linux implementation for the control of power wheelchairs

medicare power wheelchairs has become very important for our quality of life. A loss of mobility due to an injury is usually accompanied by a loss of self-confidence. For many individuals, independent mobility is an important aspect of self-esteem. Head movement is a natural form of pointing and can be used to directly replace the joystick whilst still allowing for similar control. Through the use of embedded LINUX and artificial intelligence, a hands-free head movement wheelchair controller has been designed and implemented successfully. This system provides for severely disabled users an effective power wheelchairs control method with improved posture, ease of use and attractiveness.

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Technological advances in powered wheelchairs

During the last 40 years, there have been revolutionary advances in power wheelchairs. These unique wheelchair systems and handicap scooters, designed for the physically immobile patient, have become extremely diversified, allowing the user to achieve different positions, including tilt, recline, and, more recently, passive standing. Because of this wide diversity of powered wheelchair products, there is a growing realization of the need for certification of wheeled mobility suppliers. Legislation in Tennessee (Consumer Protection Act for Wheeled Mobility) passed in 2003 will ensure that wheeled mobility suppliers must have Assistive Technology Supplier certification and maintain their continuing education credits when fitting individuals in wheelchairs for long-term use. Fifteen other legislative efforts are currently underway in general assemblies throughout the US. Manufacturers, dealers, hospitals, and legislators are working toward the ultimate goal of passing federal legislation delineating the certification process of wheeled mobility suppliers. The most recent advance in the design of powered wheelchairs is the development of passive standing positions. The beneficial effects of passive standing have been documented by comprehensive scientific studies. These benefits include reduction of seating pressure, decreased bone demineralization, increased bladder pressure, enhanced orthostatic circulatory regulation, reduction in muscular tone, decrease in upper extremity muscle stress, and enhanced functional status in general. In February 2003, Permobil, Inc., introduced the powered Permobil Chairman 2K Stander wheelchair, which can tilt, recline, and stand. Other companies are now manufacturing powered wheelchairs that can achieve a passive standing position. These wheelchairs include the Chief SR Powerchair, VERTRAN, and LifeStand Compact. Another new addition to the wheelchair industry is the iBOT, which can elevate the user to reach cupboards and climb stairs but has no passive standing capabilities. In addition, the physically immobile patient must be seated on an ERGODYNAMIC Seating System 2000, which is inflated by the alternating pressure compressor 8080. This seating system has a deep center seam between the two ischial-support chambers, which provides a recess for the coccyx. The pre-ischial crossbar compartment inflates during each cycle to prevent the pelvis from slipping forward. It is essential that the physician of the immobile patient order two ERGODYNAMIC Seating Systems 2000 because the patient must have an additional seating system in the case one leaks. Moreover, two compressors are necessary because each compressor must be serviced after 2500 hours of use. For the protection of the consumer, these pressure relief systems must be supplied and serviced by a Certified Rehabilitation Technology Supplier such as Wheelchair Works Inc. Despite the indisputable scientific evidence of the medical benefits of passive standing for the immobile user, few individuals have access to these revolutionary wheelchairs. Consequently, it is mandatory that the medical community, headed by specialists in physical and occupational therapy as well as rehabilitation medicine, CRTS, and manufacturers collaborate in a national education campaign to convince Medicare/Medicaid and all commercial insurance companies to approve immediately these assisted technologies. This program is essential so that the physically immobilized patient can achieve the undisputed physical benefits of passive standing.

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The ANSI/RESNA wheelchair standards: sample evaluation and guide to interpreting test data for prescribing power wheelchairs

This study is a joint project of ECRI and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR, U.S. Department of Education, Agreement No. H133E80016). ECRI is the first independent laboratory to test power wheelchairs and medicare power wheelchairs according to the standards of the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA), now known as the Association for the Advancement of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (AART); these standards will ultimately be distributed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). We tested 10 power wheelchairs, which are similar in size and configuration, from seven manufacturers; all units are intended for adult use. Our testing showed that none of the sample wheelchairs are ideal for all environments in which these devices are typically needed. Each unit has advantages that should be carefully considered when specifying a power wheelchair. Numerous factors are involved in prescribing power wheelchairs, and learning the subtle differences in features and performance of a particular model and how they will affect the user is difficult. In addition, acquiring objective information about power wheelchairs from manufacturers is not typically easy. Considering these factors, and because the standards on which we based our testing do not generally provide criteria for passing or failing models under test, we did not rate the units. The purpose of this article is to present the data collected in our study, using wheelchair performance characteristics based on some parts of the ANSI/RESNA wheelchair standards, as an example of what prescribers can expect to receive from manufacturers and to provide guidance in interpreting and applying the data in writing power wheelchair prescriptions. Thus, this article provides an overview of the types of problems faced by those who specify power wheelchairs for users, the problems faced by the users themselves, and the components that are most susceptible to damage during use.

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Medicare program; conditions for payment of power mobility devices, including power wheelchairs and power-operated vehicles. Final rule

This final rule conforms our regulations to section 302(a)(2)(E)(iv) of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. This rule defines the term power mobility devices (PMDs) as power wheelchairs and medical scooters power operated vehicles (POVs or scooters). It sets forth revised conditions for Medicare payment of PMDs and defines who may prescribe PMDs. This rule also requires a face-to-face examination of the beneficiary by the physician or treating practitioner, a written prescription, and receipt of pertinent parts of the medical record by the supplier within 45 days after the face-to-face examination that the durable medical equipment suppliers maintain in their records and make available to CMS or its agents upon request. Finally, this rule discusses CMS’ policy on documentation that may be requested by CMS or its agents to support a Medicare claim for payment, as well as the elimination of the Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) for PMDs.

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Wheelchairs, walkers, and canes: what does Medicare pay for, and who benefits

Medicare’s role in the distribution of mobility-related assistive technology has not been well documented, yet rapid growth and regional variation in spending, and concerns over “in-the-home” coverage criteria, highlight the need for facts. Using the 2001 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, we find that 6.2 percent percent of beneficiaries obtained mobility assistive technology under the Medicare durable medical equipment (DME) benefit. These beneficiaries were disproportionately poor, disabled, and users of both acute and postacute services. Average per item spending ranged from $52 for canes to $6,208 for power wheelchairs and handicap scooters. Among beneficiaries who acquired such technology through the DME benefit, these devices comprised just 2 percent of overall Medicare spending.

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Satisfaction with technological equipment in individuals with tetraplegia following spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To measure the acquisition, use and satisfaction with high technology equipment by spinal cord injured tetraplegic subjects. DESIGN AND SETTING: A questionnaire was mailed to 102 tetraplegic subjects who were hospitalised in the rehabilitation center of Kerpape (Ploemeur, France) between 1998 and 2004, and 59 subjects responded. The questionnaire asked about the use of telephones, computers, wheelchairs and environmental controls at home. RESULTS: When a piece of equipment was acquired, it was very often used. Patient satisfaction with equipment was 79.3%. Home phones and mobile phones were often used with options such as hands-free devices (78 and 59% respectively). A total of 64.4% of subjects acquired a manual wheelchair and 61% a power wheelchair. The most commonly acquired options on the power wheelchairs were the powered recline (73,7%) and tilt (71,1%) systems. All options were used but all were more desired than acquired. A total of 27.1% of subjects desired a pushrim-activated handicap scooters, but only 15.3% had acquired one; 695% of subjects had a computer. Communication was the first use for the computer (82.5%); 49.2% of subjects had acquired an environmental control system, but 20% desired one. The first reason for lack of acquisition was financial difficulties but also accessibility and information problems. The factor that influenced the acquisition and need for equipment was the degree of spinal cord injury. No other factor reduced patient satisfaction with equipment. CONCLUSION: Patients were satisfied with the equipment they acquired. But their needs, especially wheelchair options and environmental control systems, were not satisfied.

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Perceptions of power mobility use and safety within residential facilities

BACKGROUND: power wheelchairs and medical scooters enhance quality of life by enabling occupation, improving self-esteem and facilitating social interaction. Despite these benefits, the risks associated with power mobility use raise serious concerns in residential facilities. PURPOSE: As there is no gold standard to assess when a client is unsafe, a two-phase study was conducted to develop client-centred guidelines for power mobility use. METHOD: In the first phase of the study, presented here, 18 in-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with a variety of stakeholders, including power mobility users, other residents, staff and family members. RESULTS: A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed four main themes: 1) the meaning of power mobility, 2) learning the rules of the road, 3) red flags: concerns about safety, and 4) solutions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Given the importance of power mobility, safety measures need to address issues of mobility and safety for power mobility drivers and those around them.

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Reliability and validity of the power-mobility community driving assessment

The Power-Mobility Community Driving Assessment (PCDA) is a performance-based measure designed to assess driving performance of individuals using power wheelchairs or handicap scooters in community environments. This article reports the results of pilot testing and an evaluation of the assessment’s reliability and validity. Pilot testing was conducted with a random selection of Canadian occupational therapists working in the area of mobility. Although the response rate was very low, feedback confirmed the utility of the measure and contributed to one substantive scoring revision. Reliability and validity testing was conducted with a sample of 34 drivers. Internal consistency results were positive. Interrater reliability was fair to high but limited by the lack of variability in the scores. Construct validity hypotheses were tested on the relationships between PCDA scores and vision, perception, cognition, and environmental accessibility. Results indicated no relationships between the PCDA and perceptual and cognitive function and only a weak trend for a relationship with environmental accessibility. Concurrent validity was established: PCDA scores were positively associated with the judgments of therapists familiar with the driving performance of participants. In summary, the PCDA has moderate to good reliability, and content and concurrent validity results were found. More research is needed, particularly on the underlying constructs of successful driving performance. At this point, rehabilitation professionals and their clients are urged to use this assessment to establish driving performance rather than relying on assessments of perception, cognition, or environmental accessibility to predetermine whether someone will receive power mobility. Clinicians may find this a useful tool to identify where clients are able to drive safely in community settings, to identify specific learning needs, and, through those, to promote independent living for drivers of power-mobility devices.

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Power wheelchair range testing and energy consumption during fatigue testing

The range of a power wheelchairs and medicare power wheelchairs depends on many factors including: battery type, battery state, wheelchair/rider weight, terrain, the efficiency of the drive train, and driving behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of three methods of estimating power wheelchair range. Another significant purpose was to compare the current draw on pavement to current draw on an International Standards Organization (ISO) Double Drum tester at one m/sec. Tests were performed on seven different power wheelchairs unloaded, and loaded with an ISO 100 kg test dummy. Each chair was configured according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and tires were properly inflated. Experienced test technicians were used for the tennis court tests, and treadmill tests. An ISO 100 kg test dummy was used for the ISO Double Drum test. Energy consumption was measured over a distance of 1500 m for each of the three test conditions. The rolling surface was level in all cases. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference (p = 0.0001) between the predicted range at maximum speed for the three tests. Post hoc analysis demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.01) in estimated range at maximum speed between the Double Drum test and the treadmill test, as well as between the Double Drum test and the tennis court test. Our results indicate no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the predicted range at maximal speed between the treadmill and tennis court tests. A simple relationship does not exist between the results of range testing with the Double Drum tester and the tennis court. An alternative would be to permit the use of a treadmill for range testing as simple relationships between all pertinent treadmill and tennis court range data were found. For the Double Drum tester used, the current demand is higher than under normal usage. This presents a problem as current is related to load torque in a power wheelchair. Hence, the Double Drum tester friction must be reduced. The predicted range for the tennis court test at maximum speed ranges from a low of 23.6 km to a high of 57.7 km. The range of the power wheelchair can be improved by the use of wet lead acid batteries in place of gel lead acid batteries.

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Demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with disparity in wheelchair customizability among people with traumatic spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVES: To determine if a standard of care for wheelchair provision exists within the participating centers and if there is disparity in wheelchair customizability among the study sample. DESIGN: Convenience sample survey. SETTING: Thirteen Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems that provide comprehensive rehabilitation for people with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and that are part of the national database funded through the US Department of Education. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 412 people with SCI who use wheelchairs over 40 hours a week. INTERVENTION: Survey information was obtained from subjects via telephone and in-person interviews and from the national database. Collected information included age, race, education, level of injury, and wheelchair funding source. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number and type (manual or power) of wheelchairs. Wheelchair customizability as defined by design features (eg, adjustable axle position, programmable controls). RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent of manual wheelchair users and 54% of power wheelchairs users had customizable wheelchairs. No power wheelchair user received a wheelchair without programmable controls. Minorities with low socioeconomic backgrounds (low income, Medicaid/Medicare recipients, less educated) were more likely to have standard manual and standard programmable power wheelchairs. Older subjects were also more likely to have standard programmable power wheelchairs and handicap scooters. CONCLUSIONS: The standard of care for manual wheelchair users with SCI is a lightweight and customizable wheelchair. The standard of care for power wheelchairs users has programmable controls. Unfortunately, socioeconomically disadvantaged people were less likely to receive customizable wheelchairs.

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Testing of gel-electrolyte batteries for wheelchairs

A simple test rig was developed to measure the capacity of the lead-acid gel-electrolyte batteries used to power wheelchairs and medical scooters. Results of 166 tests revealed a wide scatter of battery life with different users and also showed that, in many cases, the two batteries used in a wheelchair became unequal in charge capacity after some time in use. It is recommended that pairs of batteries should be charged in series to overcome this problem.

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Integrated control and related technology of assistive devices

Assistive devices are now available that allow persons with severe physical disabilities to complete tasks independently. When the user has severe physical limitations, it may be advantageous to have an integrated control system where a single control interface (e.g., joystick, head switches, voice recognition system, keypad) is used to operate two or more assistive devices (e.g., power wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices, handicap scooters, computers, environmental control units, and other devices that are controlled electronically). The advantages of integrated control are that persons with limited motor control can access several devices with one access site without assistance, and the user does not need to learn a different operating mechanism for each device. The purpose of this review is to convey the depth and breadth of the research that has been conducted on integrated control systems, as well as to provide some insights into future directions. We reviewed research works pertaining to communication and environmental control, computer access, and wheelchair guidance systems. Information gathered in this study will help people become fully aware of the status of contemporary integrated control technology in order to increase the quality of life of people who use electronic assistive devices.

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Pediatric power wheelchairs: evaluation of function in the home and school environments

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of four power wheelchairs and handicap scooters when used by children to perform a variety of indoor activities. Eight boys and eight girls performed a series of 11 functional tasks when positioned in each of four different power wheelchairs reflecting different design classes. There were no significant differences for many of the dependent variables. However, the Everaid Turbo was significantly better for functional positioning at a standard kitchen table and at school desks and for accessing objects at different heights. By contrast the Invacare Jaguar was better for straight-line driving speed. Other findings include children’s subjective impressions of the four power wheelchairs.

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The Hephaestus Smart Wheelchair System

The Hephaestus Smart Wheelchair System is envisioned as a series of components that clinicians and wheelchair manufacturers will be able to attach to standard power wheelchairs to convert them into “smart wheelchairs.” A prototype of the system has been developed and mounted on an Everest and Jennings Lancer2000 wheelchair. The prototype bases its navigation assistance behavior on the behavior developed for the NavChair Assistive Wheelchair Navigation System, but the underlying hardware and software are being designed to facilitate commercialization. This paper describes our design goals for the Hephaestus system and discusses the current status of the system prototype as well as plans for future work for medical scooters.

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Epidemiology of Medicare abuse: the example of power wheelchairs

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of neighborhood ethnic composition on power wheelchairs prescriptions. DESIGN: The 5% noncancer sample of Medicare recipients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database, from 1994 to 2001. SETTING: SEER regions. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals covered by Medicare living in SEER regions without a cancer diagnosis. MEASUREMENTS: Individual characteristics (age, sex, ethnicity, justifying diagnosis, and comorbidity), primary diagnoses, neighborhood characteristics (percentage black, percentage Hispanic, percentage with <12 years education, and median income), and SEER region. RESULTS: The rate of power wheelchair prescriptions was 33 times greater in 2001 than in 1994, with a shift over time from justifying diagnoses more closely tied to mobility impairment, such as strokes, to less-specific medical diagnoses, such as osteoarthritis. In multilevel, multivariate analyses, individuals living in neighborhoods with higher percentages of blacks or Hispanics were more likely to receive power wheelchairs (odds ratios=1.09 for each 10% increase in black residents and 1.23 for each 10% increase in Hispanic residents) after controlling for ethnicity and other characteristics at the individual level. CONCLUSION: These results support allegations that marketers promoting power wheelchairs and handicap scooters have specifically targeted minority neighborhoods.

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Comparative evaluation of chargers for wheelchair gel cell batteries

This study was undertaken as part of our ongoing work to upgrade wheelchair quality. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine which battery chargers would ensure that the user’s batteries are fully charged each night and also ensure that the battery lifetime was not diminished. Five commercial chargers were tested on a standardised pair of gel cell batteries of a type commonly used to power wheelchairs and medical scooters. Results of this study indicate a clear preference between chargers. As a result, we have changed the chargers we purchase. We anticipate that our clients will now experience longer life from their wheelchair gel cell batteries.

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Medicare program; conditions for payment of power mobility devices, including power wheelchairs and power-operated vehicles. Interim final rule with comment period

This interim final rule conforms our regulations to section 302(a)(2)(E)(iv) of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-173). This rule defines the term power mobility devices (PMDs) as power wheelchairs and
medicare power wheelchairs. It sets forth revised conditions for Medicare payment of PMDs and defines who may prescribe PMDs. This rule also requires a face-to-face examination of the beneficiary by the physician or treating practitioner and a PMD prescription and pertinent parts of the medical record that the durable medical equipment supplier maintains in records and makes available to CMS or its agents upon request. Finally, this rule discusses CMS’ policy on documentation that may be requested by CMS or its agents to support a Medicare claim for payment, as well as the elimination for the Certificate of Medical Necessity for PMDs.

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The smart wheelchair component system

While the needs of many individuals with disabilities can be satisfied with power wheelchairs and medicare power wheelchairs, some members of the disabled community find it difficult or impossible to operate a standard power wheelchair. To accommodate this population, several researchers have used technologies originally developed for mobile robots to create “smart wheelchairs” that reduce the physical, perceptual, and cognitive skills necessary to operate a power wheelchair. We are developing a Smart Wheelchair Component System (SWCS) that can be added to a variety of commercial power wheelchairs with minimal modification. This paper describes the design of a prototype of the SWCS, which has been evaluated on wheelchairs from four different manufacturers.

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Logo Design Information

Since 1995, the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) has made use of the teal and gold running man logo graphic design. While the corporate logo design served TCA well for thirteen years, the agency has evolved and it is time to update the brand to better reflect changes at the agency. TCA is under new leadership and moving in a new direction.

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Consumer participation in identifying research and development priorities for power wheelchair input devices and controllers

A focus group comprised of persons who use power wheelchairs, handicap scooters and professionals working in the field were asked to participate in a brainstorming session to determine priorities for the development and application of power mobility input devices and control concepts. The group consensus was that durability and reliability are the most important criteria. Essentially, the expectation is that a power wheelchair must work everyday in the way a person needs it and wants it. At the same time, there is a desire to enhance and advance the features of input devices and control systems. Many would say these changes constitute designing “smarter” power wheelchairs, such as systems that can independently detect obstacles and can provide users with more feedback. This paper presents the rationale behind forming this focus group and details of the results of a brainstorming session where ideas were generated and prioritized. The five most important issues as determined by the group are discussed in depth.

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