Know more with Munawar: ReGrasp, Keeogo and Ceriter Insole

Recare’s product Q&A with our resident Clinical Orthotist, Munawar Osman

ReGrasp

In simple terms, how would you describe the product?

It’s an FES (functional electrical stimulation) wearable device for the hand.

What does it do?

It enables users to regain some hand function.

What common questions do you get asked about it?

I supply and demonstrate the ReGrasp to clinicians and patients. Most questions they ask are around how it works. It employs electrical impulses using water-based sensors to stimulate the hand – this gives an advantage over gel-based systems which need replacing. Instead, with the ReGrasp, the sensors can simply be moistened every time for use. 

I also get asked ‘is this to give function or rehabilitation?’ The answer is both. It can be worn around the house to open and close the hand to grip items and there are rehab settings for building up strength and cardio. 

What type of person does the product help?

It’s mainly stroke patients and individuals with hand weakness, not arm or shoulder weakness. As it is an FES product, it’s only suitable for patients who do not have a pacemaker, fractures or skin issues.

In your opinion, why is it better than similar products?

I’d say it is more cost effective than alternative solutions and performs better. It’s also versatile if the user or clinician is trained correctly. Its main advantage is the Bluetooth headset so instead of tapping a button to activate it, you can nod your head. It’s an excellent low profile, functional device to help people use their hand again without the need for a cumbersome product. 

Keeogo

In simple terms, how would you describe the product?

It’s a bi-lateral, knee powered lower limb suit. The brand name is an abbreviation for ‘Keep on going’.

What does it do?

It helps semi-ambulant users with lower limb weakness to sit, squat, walk and use the stairs. 

What common questions do you get asked about it?

Mainly I get asked about its suitability in terms of patient profile ie. who can use it? Users do need some power in their legs and a good amount of balance, and they shouldn’t have too much tone or contractures.  

What type of person does the product help?

People with MS, stroke, brain injury, and cerebral palsy to a certain extent. Basically, any lower limb weakness. 

In your opinion, why is it better than similar products?

It is a bi-lateral solution, so you don’t need to purchase two separate units if both legs need assistance. As it uses actuators (motors) instead of hydraulics or pneumatic movement, it is more effective and quieter. Plus, the power offers support throughout the whole phase of the user’s gait, not just one aspect of walking. 

Ceriter Insole

In simple terms, how would you describe the product?

It’s an insole for clinicians and patients to assess and improve walking gait.

What does it do?

Basically, each sole has eight sensors that monitor how a user places their foot in stance and generates mapping data. This can be used to gain insight into someone’s gait so it can be improved through audio feedback.

What common questions do you get asked about it?

Again, most questions I get asked focus on how the product works. So, what you do is you put the insoles on, record the user’s walking, assess the output and then identify what is wrong with their feet placement. You can then adjust the insole to give an audio cue, so users understand when and where to place their feet in a healthy gait sequence. This cue can be set to different parts of the foot. It is also suitable for patients who can ‘freeze’ when walking, such as people with Parkinson’s. If a user becomes motionless involuntarily, then the Ceriter Insole can be programmed to output an audible beep to assist with brain reactivation and to continue walking. 

What type of person does the product help?

This solution should be suitable for anyone with gait deviation. These can include prosthetic users, people with neurological conditions, basically anyone who puts too much pressure on their feet. 

In your opinion, why is it better than similar products?

This is a retraining tool that you can wear every day to help improve gait. Other products tend to only be for pressure mapping and assessment. It’s also connected to an app on your phone which makes reading output and tracking improvement easier.