All control in a grip
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder syndrome in which sustained or repetitive muscle contractions result in twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal fixed postures.
Dystonia
Symptoms vary according to the kind of dystonia involved. In most cases, dystonia tends to lead to abnormal posturing, in particular on movement. Many patients of all ages have relentless muscle spasms due to involuntary muscle movements.
Obtain control on a power chair and maintain control while driving is extremely difficult for them. The combination of some mo-vis devices can offer most dystonia patients a complete functional solution and opens new perspectives for a better quality of life.
A reinforced and enlarged proportional joystick, combined with a multi-functional switch allows more controlled abilities.
Heavy Duty Joystick
For some customers the mounting of a mechanical reinforcement part on the standard R-net, CJSM2 or Curtis standard joystick will help. But customers with severe dystonia or spasticity need a customized and more flexible solution.
The All-round Heavy Duty Joystick is a durable All-round Joystick with enlarged throw (40 mm) and force (650 gr) and has been developed for persons with excessive force development like spasticity, dystonia or users with extreme hypertonicity. This fully proportional joystick has a compact and solid housing with 2 jack inputs for switches.
The increased force needed to control and to move the joystick in combination with the enlarged amplitude inhibits the uncontrolled and hypertonic movements.
Multi Switch
A durable switch, mounted on a solid base and well placed is essential to acquire the ability to control all functions of the power chair. However, operating multiple switches in a coordinated way is not feasible from a motor point of view. Here the use of the Multi Switch is a welcome alternative.
The Multi Switch makes it possible to control up to 4 outputs/functions with only one switch. Different select modes are available, but for most customers with dystonia, scanning with a single button will be the most appropriate.
Twisters
The Twister Button is a small but durable switch which - thanks to its small size - makes it possible to position the switch in an adequate way on the most appropriate place. In combination with the Multi Switch, up to 4 functions can be controlled.
For example:
- control the on/off button of the power chair
- control the mode button of the power chair
- together with the select click of a communication aid in scanning mode
- control of the operating button of the motorized mounting arm of the communication aid
With the Twister Button and the configurable Multi Switch, the 4 above-mentioned functions are easy to operate.
Road Compensation
Finally, the Road Compensation feature can be very helpful for people who suffer from extremely uncontrolled or spastic movements and force, such as dystonia and spasticity.
With the Road Compensation the user no longer has to reduce the speed of the wheelchair themselves on a bumpy road (someone suffering from dystonia will instantly lose even more stability and control at that moment), but the wheelchair itself will automatically adjust to the situation. This means that the user can continue to hold the All-round Heavy Duty Joystick at the maximum (and by doing so, can stabilize his upper limbs and global posture) on rugged terrain, all without losing control of the powered wheelchair.
When it reaches a better surface, the wheelchair automatically speeds up again according to the improvement of the road. So, when on a flat and well maintained road, the wheelchair will reach its highest speed again.
With the Configurator Software it is possible to adjust the working of the mo-vis devices according to the users’ needs.
Almost all settings of the different devices are fully adjustable.
Learn more about the Heavy Duty Joystick, the Multi Switch and/or the Twisters