PRAFO, Pressure Ulcers, Guidelines Derek Jones PRAFO, Pressure Ulcers, Guidelines Derek Jones

The NHS is updating its pressure ulcer pathways - here's what's changed

Recent NHS pathway updates include important changes to pressure ulcer prevention guidance, particularly around heel protection and offloading. This article explains the key updates, how they align with current evidence, and the practical implications for services reviewing prevention strategies. It also clarifies the difference between products that reduce pressure and those that fully offload the heel.

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tSCS, Electrotherapy Derek Jones tSCS, Electrotherapy Derek Jones

Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS) - An Introduction for Non-Clinicians

This article provides an overview of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), a non-invasive spinal stimulation therapy used in neurorehabilitation to support spasticity reduction, neuropathic pain management, and rehabilitation alongside therapy. It explains how tSCS works, reviews current research evidence, outlines safety considerations, and explores the growing availability of commercial tSCS devices for clinical and home-based use.

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tSCS, FES Cycling, Stim2Go Derek Jones tSCS, FES Cycling, Stim2Go Derek Jones

Stim2Go and Support for Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) is an exciting and evolving area of neurorehabilitation, and having the right support is essential to get the most from it. This article introduces Stim2Go and explains how it can be used to support TSCS programmes in practice. It outlines the importance of correct set-up, guidance, and ongoing input to help clinicians and services implement TSCS safely and effectively. A helpful overview for anyone exploring TSCS delivery and the practical considerations around support and use.

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Key findings from the Neurokinex trial of the Onward Medical ARC-ex device

The Neurokinex-led Pathfinder2 Study, sponsored by Spinal Research and published in Neuromodulation: Technology at Neural Interface on February 25, 2025, represents a landmark investigation into the long-term efficacy of ONWARD Medicalʼs ARC-EX Therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. This one-year trial demonstrated sustained functional improvements in chronic SCI patients, challenging historical assumptions about recovery plateaus and redefining expectations for neurorehabilitation outcomes.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical currents through surface electrodes positioned over the spinous processes, modulating spinal circuit excitability. Unlike invasive epidural stimulation, tSCS non-invasively targets dorsal roots and interneuronal networks, facilitating neuromodulation of both ascending sensory and descending motor pathways. The stimulation parameters (typically 30-50 Hz) are designed to enhance residual supraspinal connectivity while activating latent central pattern generators (CPGs) responsible for rhythmic motor outputs. Recent studies suggest that tSCS amplifies sensorimotor integration, enabling volitional movement by lowering activation thresholds for preserved neural pathways.

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rehabilitation, recovery Derek Jones rehabilitation, recovery Derek Jones

Systems thinking and its relevance to rehabilitation

In the intricate world of rehabilitation, the challenges posed by human complexity exceed those found in high-performance systems like Formula 1 cars. This article explores the multifaceted nature of rehabilitation, emphasising the importance of systems thinking in addressing individual variability and interconnected factors that impact recovery. As we delve into how each person's unique biological and psychological makeup influences their path to recovery, we will uncover the critical need for tailored treatment approaches. By recognising the interrelationships among various components—be it physiological, psychological, or social—healthcare providers can optimise rehabilitation strategies and enhance patients' recovery outcomes.

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Is 20 minutes of FES Cycling good enough for health gains?

Functional Electrical Stimulation cycling, also known as FES cycling or using an FES bike, is a rehabilitation technique that uses electrical stimulation to activate skeletal muscle in individuals with spinal cord injury or other types of neurological injury. This technique is well established in the homes of hundreds of people in the UK as well as in NHS and private facilities. In this article we address the topic of how often you should exercise with this technology. For example, is 20 minutes, three times per week really enough?

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