Stroke Survivors Tattler

Saturday, April 13, 2013

What Every Caregiver Should Know about SpeechTherapy

Sunday, April 7, 2013

What we are learning from Caregivers who have questions about speech therapy? The following article reviews a questions that was posed today by a Caregiver today. “Many speech therapists believe that you should not “cue” the person with the speaking difficulty or that you should just “wait and let them find the word or the thought they wish to convey.”

My comment: A person with aphasia already has great difficulty recalling words and formulating the language they wish to convey. If that is so, why would anyone want to make a person who has difficulty with recall or thought formulation sit there and try to say what they want to say? (It’s like asking a person who does not swim, to swim across the lake.)

The Teaching of Talking Method purports there should be little or no frustration within the walls of the speech therapy office, or for that matter, at home where they reside. Who wants to be frustrated? I know of no one who wishes that!

The mark of truly successful speech and language stimulation is that there should be little or no frustration and that speaking should be an easy task. The easier the task, the better. When a person who has difficulty speaking is shown a way they can utter speech and language they are happy, relieved and motivated. That is truly what I believe should be happening within a speech therapy interchange. No frustration, and lots of talking.

Some therapists believe there should be no cues, mimicking, or imitation. The person with the speaking difficulty needs a model to imitate. They are seemingly lost when they attempt to speak. When a therapist or caregivers says the word or words clearly and concisely and in an easy manner, the person with the speaking difficulty should be able to closely imitate and replicate the model. The person with the speaking difficulty must be stimulable; by that I mean they must be able to repeat words or sounds with some degree of accuracy to be successful with the Teaching of Talking Method.

When the person with the speaking difficulty says a word or string of words in imitation, the chances of being able to say the utterance again is improved. Why? Because they have been successful with a task and the likelihood of it happening again is higher. When given cues and imitation opportunities the ability to pay attention improves, as well the ability to listen to the sounds of words and the way words are stringed together to express a thought. Success breeds success; frustration breeds avoidance, and dislike for the whole speech and language process.

Remember, to help the person who has a speaking difficulty, say a word or thought by actually saying it with them, and then having them repeat it. Like teaching someone how to swim, don’t just throw them in the water, teach them the strokes; look them directly in the eye, say the word slowly and have them watch your face, lips and tongue. Have them say what needs to be said with you, and then after you. Before long they will be swimming or talking with improvement.

See the original article:
What every Caregiver Should Know RE: SpeechTherapy
at https://www.facebook.com/mark.ittleman
or The Teaching of Talking

NeuroGym - Leading-Edge Rehab Equipment Purchased
for 32 Alberta Hospitals

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (March 26, 2013) - NeuroGym® Technologies Inc. announced today that 32 Alberta hospitals and rehabilitation centres are now equipped with its patented mobility training tools as part of an initiative funded by the Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy to improve outcomes for stroke rehabilitation. The unique line of NeuroGym® therapy equipment, developed and manufactured in Canada, represents the new face of neuro rehabilitation and is helping to change therapeutic outcomes across North America.

Developed and refined over many years by company CTO Avi Nativ PhD PT in his Ottawa neuro rehabilitation clinic, NeuroGym Rehabilitation, the NeuroGym Technologies products are all based upon principals of neuroscience and enable the type of active, intensive practice of motor skills required to increase neural plasticity and improve the ability to move again following brain trauma. Traditionally, rehabilitation after a stroke or brain injury was quite passive in nature, with little or no intensive movement practice. Scientific evidence has since emphasized the importance of increasing a recovering patient’s opportunity to practice motor skills, but for most rehabilitation clinicians this has been difficult to achieve effectively with just the usual parallel bars and exercise balls. With NeuroGym Technologies equipment such as the Sit-to-Stand Trainer and Bungee Mobility Trainer, stroke patients can now safely and actively practice and re-learn motor tasks critical to functional independence such as standing, balancing and walking.

The Association for the Rehabilitation of Brain Injury (ARBI) is a Calgary based facility that provides intensive long-term rehabilitation for Brain Injury and Stroke. The recent Alberta Health Services Stroke Strategy initiative allowed them to acquire this much-needed rehab equipment. According to Program Director, Mary Anne Ostapovitch, “Everyone at ARBI is thrilled to incorporate the NeuroGym® Sit-to-Stand and Bungee Mobility Trainers into daily rehab programs, as this equipment is based on neuroplasticity principles and motivates individuals to become more independent in their transfers and walking. Our clients report that they are working harder and feel extremely safe using this equipment”.

NeuroGym Technologies Inc. doesn’t only supply their unique mobility training equipment to hospitals and clinics. It is also filling a much needed gap by providing more effective options for Seniors to regain and maintain their mobility. “We are proud of the fact that our equipment is now contributing to the improvement of patients in over 600 facilities all over North America including many long term care (LTC) facilities.” says Kevin Mansfield, President & CEO. Governments are now incenting nursing facilities to improve the functional independence of residents through a new funding model. “This not only saves healthcare dollars, as mobile people are less expensive to look after, but has a wonderful quality of life benefit to people in LTC”.

Obtaining state of the art rehabilitation and mobility training tools will continue to be a critical factor for hospitals, clinics and long term care facilities facing the familiar challenges of limited financial resources and increasing patient/resident expectations. The Alberta Health Services Stroke Strategy initiative to provide their facilities with this type of equipment was an important step in that direction. For further information contact: Kevin Mansfield, CEO of NeuroGym Technologies Inc. at 1-877-523-4148 ext. 2.

NeuroGym Technologies is located at: 1644 Bank Street, Suite 103, Ottawa, ON K1V 7Y6. Visit our website at: http://www.neurogymtech.com.

NeuroGym Rehabilitation Ottawa & Comments from Dr. Avi Nativ:

Three Steps Back

Marcelle Greene
Up Stroke

Monday, January 14, 2013

In my recovery each advance has been hard-fought and has brought new freedoms. Walking without a cane meant being able to carry items from point A to point B. Stronger muscles meant more stamina — to run an errand or do a chore. These abilities gave me a sense of usefulness, which helped my mood.

In the last months of 2012, I surrendered these luxuries by agreeing to an experimental treatment designed to improve my lopsided gait. Arbi had the unusual idea of injecting Botox into my peroneous longus and peroneous brevis muscles, essentially immobilizing them. Without them my foot inverts (rotates inward). To walk I was therefore forced to engage my weak extensor muscles, which assist with foot "eversion." This was the objective: to strengthen the minor muscles around my ankle.

By the end of each day, my ankle was so tired and painful, I couldn't stand up even to microwave dinner. I became more dependent on my husband again. I started using a cane again. Friends who had celebrated my progress watched me regress. It was really hard.

But three months later my ankle is stronger, my foot straighter and my gait more even. I now sometimes take a half-dozen steps that feel almost normal. I can envision a time when I will walk without a limp and what that might feel like.

But it won't be within the next few months. Arbi just told me that the experiment has been such a success, he wants to repeat it — to force those tiny ankle muscles to work even harder.
Sigh. Six steps forward, three steps back.

7 comments:

Sara Wilson Etienne Monday, January 14, 2013 - Wow. Talk about brave. Your ability to sacrifice pride and sense of strength for a longer lasting, harder goal is incredibly impressive. This blog post immediately made me think of emotional/writing issues I've been struggling with.

The willingness to look "weak" during the process of growing strong is immensely challenging. But as this post shows, this is often the only path available to us. And many people are unwilling to take it. Unwilling to look weak or foolish to the world. Making the weaker parts (literally or figuratively) do the work is messy and exhausting, but is the only way to transform weakness into strength. Your actions give me the courage to allow myself to be vulnerable in order to grow strong. Thank you, as always!

Sara Wilson Etienne Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - I want to add that obviously doing this physically vs. emotionally are two very different matters. I only mean that your willingness to be brave makes me want to be brave in my own way!

J.L. Murphey Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - I'm scheduled for the same procedure in May. I would gladly take 3 steps back for total progress. It's the back and forth with stroke which is disheartening.

It sounds like this procedure is worth the effort. Thanks!

barbpolan Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - Congrats!

Rebecca Dutton Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - I love the days when my gait almost feels normal. What an amazing journey!

Janet Mc Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I can see that we have to risk being imperfect to grow and get stronger. It is such a pleasure to read your blog!

Grace Carpenter Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - You're brave.

Crabs, Penguins, and Ants - Take the Bus!

Jackie Poff
Stroke Survivors Tattler

Original in Dutch: Duval Guillaume Modem breide een vervolg aan zijn beroemde 'Mieren' spot (560.000 views op YouTube) voor De Lijn. Ook deze keer werd die in synthesebeelden gemaakt door de tovenaars van Creative Conspiracy. We zien een reeks krabben die op hun eigen manier bewijzen dat het slimmer is om je in groep te verplaatsen.

And in English (by Google): Duval Guillaume Modem knitted a sequel to his famous 'Ants' spot (560,000 views on YouTube) for the line. This time it was in synthetic images created by the wizards of Creative Conspiracy. We see a series of crabs in their own way to prove that it is smarter to put you in a group.

Standard YouTube License @ CC - Creative Conspiracy

Standard YouTube License @ Duval Guillaume Modem

Standard YouTube License @ Duval Guillaume Modem

Archie Bunker and the Doctor

Monty Becker
Stroke Survivors Tattler

Published on Mar 31, 2012

Archie gets prepared for his surgery by his doctor. Hilarious scene!

Standard YouTube License @ terrapin227

Ariadne's Gate

John C Anderson
Stroke Survivors Tattler

Citie Ballet presents

Ariadne's Gate

Saturday, Apr 13, 2013

7:30 – 9:30PM

Location: Timms Centre for the Arts
87 Avenue and 112 St NW
City: Edmonton
Venue: University of Alberta
Details: Ballet
Category: Performing Arts / Culture
Cost: $35/person, Service charges apply
Tickets: tixonthesquare.ca or at the door
Phone: 780.420.1757
Link: www.tixonthesquare.ca …

Inspired by the ancient Greek myth of Ariadne and Theseus, Citie Ballet’s new story ballet revisits the compelling tale of a hero who slays a minotaur, and escapes from a labyrinth with a spool of thread provided by his lover. With libretto by Edmonton’s Katherine Koller and choreography by François Chevennement and Laurence Menotti-Chevennement, this epic romance is set to the music of Tchaikovsky.

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Saturday, April 06, 2013

NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission

SSTattler - Look at last spring/2012 as well:
- Recumbent Bike: Human Powered Vehicle
- Cycling Comfort At Its Best

NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission

From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.

NuVinci internal mechanisms

The NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission is a type of roller-based continuously variable transmission (CVT) manufactured and marketed by the American company Fallbrook Technologies Inc. The design saw its initial market application as bicycle gearing system, first available in December 2006 in the Netherlands. NuVinci CVTs are also currently under development for other applications, including wind turbines, light electric vehicles, outdoor power equipment, and automotive front-end accessory drives.

History

Mechanical variators have existed since the 1800s, and they have been used successfully in machinery, particularly the Kopp tilting ball variator. Various attempts have been made to implement them in vehicle transmissions, but commercial success has been elusive.

Technical

Tilting Ball Variator Schematic

The NuVinci CVT gear system uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output discs of a transmission. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio. As a result, the NuVinci CVT system offers seamless and continuous transition to any ratio within its range. The gear ratio is shifted by tilting the axes of the spheres in a continuous fashion, to provide different contact radii, which in turn drive input and output discs. The system has multiple "planets" to transfer torque through multiple fluid patches. The spheres are placed in a circular array around a central idler (sun) and contact separate input and output traction disks. This configuration allows input and output to be concentric and compact. The result is the ability to sweep the transmission through the entire ratio range smoothly, while in motion, under load, or stopped.

Two factors allow the NuVinci CVT to provide a continuously variable ratio range in a compact package:

The first is the geometric configuration of the drive, which is based on differing contact ratio of a sphere. Contacting a rotating sphere at two different locations relative to the sphere’s rotational axis will provide a “gear ratio”, which can range from underdrive to overdrive depending on the location of the contact points for input and output torque and speed.
The second factor is elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL). Transmissions that use EHL to transfer power are known as traction drives. A traction drive transmission operates utilizing a traction fluid that, under normal circumstances, provides lubrication for the drive. When this fluid undergoes high contact pressures under rolling contact between the two very hard elements, the spheres and the disks, the fluid undergoes a near-instantaneous phase transition to an elastic solid. Within this patch of traction the molecules of the fluid stack up and link to form a solid, through which shear force and thus torque can be transferred. Note that the rolling elements are actually not in physical contact.

List of Gears

Brand Product Intro Disc'd Speeds Gear Weight
Fallbrook NuVinci N171 2007 2010 continuous 350% 3.90Kg(8.6lb)
Fallbrook NuVinci N360 2010 continuous 360% 2.45Kg(5.4lb)

Comparison to Conventional Transmissions

The NuVinci CVT system has few parts.

Since any CVT may allow a power plant, human or motorized, to operate at (or closer to) the speed at which its efficiency, output torque or output power is optimal, the NuVinci CVT may improve a system's overall efficiency or performance compared to if a 'conventional' geared transmission were used, but only if such gain in the efficiency or performance of the power plant exceeded any loss in efficiency or performance that may be introduced by replacing the conventional transmission with the NuVinci CVT. For example, if the NuVinci CVT were only 85% as efficient as the conventional transmission it replaced, the gain in operating efficiency from the power plant would have to be 18% (i.e., 1/0.85 - 1 = 0.18 or 18%) before the overall efficiency improved. The company does not provide any numbers relating to efficiency of their transmissions, and has declined to do so when requested.

The NuVinci CVT further offers the ability to accept multiple inputs while varying speed and ratio, managing torque and providing single or multiple power outlets. By supporting a torque-demand rather than a speed-demand control solution, the NuVinci CVT solves the low-speed acceleration problem inherent in some torque-demand vehicles.

The NuVinci CVT is simple design and low part count make it easily scalable, with tooling that can be used across a wide variety of applications.

Comparison to other CVTs

The NuVinci uses rolling traction to transfer torque, just as do toroidal transmissions. However, unlike toroidal CVTs, it distributes the transmitted torque over several spheres, thus lowering total clamping force required.

This arrangement allows the NuVinci CVT to combine the smooth, continuous power transfer of a CVT with the utility of a conventional planetary gear drive.

As with other traction-type CVTs, transmission of torque through the NuVinci CVT involves some relative sliding between the torque-transmitting contact patches. This is because, for any given contact patch, parts of the ball are going in a slightly different direction and at slightly different speeds than the disc (this phenomenon of traction-type CVTs is referred to as "contact spin"). "The spin velocity (or drill speed) is defined as the difference in the rotational speed of the driving and driven rollers in a direction perpendicular to the contact patch plane. It is caused by the relative difference in surface speeds of both elements across the contact patch and is a major source of power loss in traction drive CVT’s." In all traction-type CVTs, this relative sliding necessarily occurs between surfaces which are under the very high clamping pressures required to ensure torques are transmitted reliably. This relative sliding under high pressures cause transmission losses (inefficiency). Fallbrook Technology refuse to publish any efficiency data for the NuVinci CVT. However, The NuVinci is a variant on the "Tilting-ball drive" type of continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the efficiency of "Tilting-ball drive" type CVTs is typically in the range of 70% to 89%. However, its geometry does differ significantly from the Kopp type of tilting ball variator in the reference in that the NuVinci has its torque transfer contacts on the outside diameter rather than the inside diameter.

Torque inputs can be summed or divided, just as in a conventional planetary. Ratio control is stable, and can be actuated down the center line of the transmission, which again is similar to the proven planetary transmission. In most applications, there is no need for high-pressure hydraulics.

Other advantages shared with similar CVT designs include that the input and output shafts may be either in-line, offset, or in a U configuration (input and output both coaxial and coplanar), making the transmission simple, small, light and easy to package.

Fallbrook claims the transmission control is stable, linear and does not require a major control system development effort.

Applications

The 8 pound NuVinci rear hub (newer NuVinci hub weighs 5.4lbs.)

The NuVinci CVT may be applicable to many different products using a mechanical power transmission. The only application currently commercialized is the internally geared bicycle hub. The NuVinci CVT replaces derailleurs and other internally geared hubs, and provides a gear ratio range of about 350%, similar to that on bicycles with 8- or 9-speed hub gears, or with double chain rings (most racing or fast road bicycles). This range is somewhat less than the 526% range found on bicycles with a Rohloff 14-speed hub gear or most mountain/hybrid/touring bicycles with triple chainrings. By conventional standards, a NuVinci bicycle hub is considered heavy. The second generation model N171B weighs between 3.85 and 3.95 kilograms (8.5 and 8.7 lb), including freewheel and mounting hardware. The N360 model announced early September 2010 weighs 2.45 kg (5.4 lb). That same article points out that "the combined weight of Shimano SLX front and rear derailleurs, shifters, freehub and cassette comes out to about 1.3 kg (2.9 lb)". However, the NuVinci CVT is targeted towards the less weight-conscientious (cruiser-, comfort-, and commuter) segments.

The company is also developing products based on the CVT unit for automotive applications.

Awards and Publicity

The system and associated bicycles have been the recipients of several awards. These include Bicycling Magazine's Editor's Choice for Commuter Bike of the Year, 2010 EUROBIKE Award, 2007 R&D 100 Awards, a 2007 Popular Science Best of What’s New, Technology of the Year and Bike of the Year in The Netherlands, and an iF Design EUROBIKE Gold 2008 Award. Bicycles equipped with NuVinci transmissions subsequently won iF Design EUROBIKE awards in 2010 and 2011.

Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles, a manufacturer of bicycle frames and wheels designed a bicycle around the Nuvinci CVT. In 2007, The Ride received top honors in Popular Science magazine’s annual Best of What’s New review of significant new products.

For the full article NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission
From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.

NuVinci® Experience - Fallbrook Technologies.

“It’s smooth. It’s fun.” - Bicycle Manufacturer
“No need to think about shifting” – Recreational Cyclist
“When I rode NuVinci…that was it!” – Industry Analyst
“NuVinci will definitely put more people on bikes!” – Bicycle Retailer
“Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?”- Former Tour de France Professional

Cycling is enjoyable. Except when shifting, that is. Always looking for the right gear. Constant cadence interruptions with every change in the road or terrain. Missed gears. Abrupt step-changes. Jolts to your knees and lower back. Not to mention dropped chains. There had to be a better way.

Enter the NuVinci® N360™ CVP drivetrain. With NuVinci technology, the limitations and complications of conventional geared systems are history!

Because a NuVinci drivetrain is a continuously variable transmission, shifting through its wide 360% ratio range is as seamless and easy as adjusting the volume on a radio. Smooth. Quiet. Always in the right ratio. With a NuVinci drivetrain, it’s easy to maintain the perfect cadence. Add Fallbrook’s latest auto-shifting Harmony™ system, and you’ll never think about shifting again. Simply select a cadence that’s perfect for you and ride. With a NuVinci drivetrain it’s less tiring, easier on your body and more what cycling was meant to be… enjoyable.

But don’t take our word for it. Watch and listen to what cyclists, industry analysts, bicycle makers and retailers alike are saying about the NuVinci experience.

Because nothing shifts like NuVinci, there’s only one way to truly experience the NuVinci difference – with a test ride at your local authorized NuVinci dealer or at a retailer of one of the many brands offering NuVinci-equipped bicycles showcased in our gallery. Once you do, we think you’ll agree… there’s nothing like the “NuVinci Experience.”

The NuVinci® Experience

Uploaded on Sep 22, 2008

Average riders and industry experts talk about the smooth NuVinci continuously variable planetary bike drivetrain.

Standard YouTube License @ gearfreezone's channel (NuVinci®)

Experts Demonstrate NuVinci®CVT

Uploaded on May 14, 2008

Three bike experts ride and describe the breakthrough NuVinci CVT bike drivetrain.

Standard YouTube License @ gearfreezone's channel (NuVinci®)

NuVinci® N360™ Lifestyle Video

Uploaded on Nov 28, 2011

Lifestyle video for NuVinci® N360™

Standard YouTube License @ gearfreezone's channel (NuVinci®)

Selling NuVinci® N360™ -- Video for Dealers

Uploaded on Oct 25, 2011

A video for bike dealers with info on how to sell bicycles equipped with NuVinci® N360™ continuously variable transmissions. Part of Fallbrook's (NuVinci) section on 3Point5.com.

Standard YouTube License @ gearfreezone's channel (NuVinci®)

Bicycle Drivetrain Technology With Nuvinci

Uploaded by DriveLessSaveMore on Aug 2, 2011 Learn about NuVinci's new internally geared bicycle hub.

Standard YouTube License @ Drive Less Save More

NuVinci Technology Demonstration

Get an inside look at how the NuVinci CVP works in this video demonstration of an in-hub bicycle transmission. Viewing time is approximately three minutes.

Standard YouTube License @ dhReno

NuVinci Hub

Nuvinci Hub Being Demos Their Fantastic Hub at Sea Otter Classic 2007.

Standard YouTube License @ imapodaddy

Nuvinci 360 Gear Ratio

Uploaded by parktoolcompany on Aug 2, 2011 This video reviews the shifting of the Nuvinci 360 CVP hub.

Standard YouTube License @ Park Tool Company videos