Proximat

Introducing The Proximat®

Proximat® – a practitioner developed, evidence based solution which provides increased accuracy and greater flexibility of use for the measurement of hip range movement in children with cerebral palsy. In children with cerebral palsy, programmes and interventions aim to reduce deformity, improve comfort and enhance functional skills. Accurate measurements are needed to monitor effectiveness and these need to be taken with easy to use tools in daily clinical practice.

Although using x-rays is the gold standard, it is important to measure hip range movement in between these assessments. Traditionally, these inter-x-ray assessments have been performed using a goniometer, but this hand-held device can be difficult to use and provide inaccurate measurements.


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It was during a particularly awkward assessment that Patsy Pott, a physiotherapist working within Manchester PCT, had the idea for Proximat®.

Soon afterwards the idea progressed to a protractor drawn on to a piece of vinyl and, new colleague, Andrea Selley brought the skills to conduct a reliability study within the local community. The study provided evidence that Proximat®, as well as being easier and simpler in use than a goniometer, proved to be a more reliable tool for measuring range of movement.

Through analysis of test/retest (testing on separate days) inter tester reliability (testing repeated with different testers) and random order testing the results showed that the error on test/retest using a goniometer of 15°to 28° was reduced to 3°to 12° with the Proximat®.

Proximat® as a product is the result of an NHS-industry collaboration, facilitated by TrusTECH® (NHS Innovations North West) and is manufactured under licence by JCM Seating Solutions Limited, a specialist manufacturer of paediatric disability products.

The Proximat® is child friendly, lightweight, and versatile. Intended for use in either a clinic on a mat or plinth or in the home on a carpet, portability and flexibility are built in.

The mat is supplied in a canvas bag with a pack of pens, poster, tape measure, user manual, record sheet and CD (containing electronic versions of the user manual and record sheet)

If you would like to place an order please download and fill in the order form above and either fax or post to:

JCM Seating Solutions Ltd

15 - 18 Maxwell Road,

Woodston Industrial Estate,

Peterborough

Cabridgeshire

PE2 7HU

Fax: 01733 405838