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Glasgow Caledonian University researchers have dramatically changed the manufacture of custom ankle-foot and foot orthoses through additive manufacturing (3D printing) combined with improved design personalisation. The research has beneficially impacted on health and well-being as new 3D printed orthoses have been designed and trialled with patients with positive outcomes reported. Moreover, European SME companies in the orthotic design and manufacture sector have benefitted through the commercialisation of new orthotic products and computer-based design optimisation software. The research has also led to raised global awareness of the capabilities of additive manufacturing for the orthotic sector and beneficially influenced manufacturing research and development funding at the European policy level.
Research carried out by the SESRC has resulted in a new category of health and wellness footwear which has been commercialised by FitFlop Ltd.
Since 2008, the Company has:
Since 1998 the University of Leeds has developed the Leeds Foot and Ankle STudies in Rheumatology (FASTER) programme — to drive improvements in UK musculoskeletal foot care services. Results from FASTER clinical trials and a national survey of podiatry services directly informed NICE guidelines on foot care in arthritis. FASTER's research also provided key evidence for a national consensus on standards of care and aided a shift in the treatment paradigm for foot care in arthritis patients. These standards and NICE recommendations are included in the latest Royal College of GPs curriculum. They have also informed government policies on commissioning for podiatry services throughout England. Since the inception of the FASTER programme independent reports suggest that access to foot health services for people with rheumatoid arthritis has increased from less than 50% immediately prior to FASTER, to nearly 80% of patients today.
The Orthotic Research & Locomotor Assessment Unit (ORLAU) (http://www.rjah.nhs.uk/ORLAU) has run multidisciplinary services to improve the function and lifestyle of severely disabled patients since 1975. New specialist clinical services have been established, based on research and development activity. The effectiveness of these services has been the subject of further investigations. Work has focused on the development of novel technology (in gait analysis and orthotics) and increasing understanding of human movement. Conditions treated include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disorders, arthritis and stroke. Technological developments have led to licencing within the commercial sector. ORLAU has also contributed to the development of national and international clinical education and guidelines.
Ground breaking and unique research carried out at the Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford has led to the realization of commercial opportunities in two very high-value consumer brands. Technologies developed in collaboration with multi-national personal-care and cosmetic companies for the treatment of skin hyper-pigmentation have been launched on the market and have reached thousands of consumers. The first product launched by Alliance-Boots (April 2012) is sold within the UK's premier skincare range (No. 7). Success in Britain led to its launch in the US, Finland and Thailand. A second product within the Diorsnow range has been launched by Parfum Dior — a branch of LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton S.A.
Research carried out by the SESRC has resulted in the development of three novel devices that improve foot and lower limb circulation. These have been commercialised by Actegy Health Ltd.
Since 2008, impact arising from this research includes,
The key driver for this research is to provide clinicians with robust tools that they can use to evaluate, treat and therefore improve the clinical outcome in their patients. Our research has assisted the development of the evidence base of many clinical treatments and assessment tools. This has led to the design and development of new rehabilitation products and medical devices in partnership with both large companies and small to medium sized enterprises. The core impact of this work has been improvements in patient care and quality of life by improving the efficacy and effectiveness in these areas with a particular focus on the advancement of conservative management and lower limb rehabilitation.
Research at Swansea University on light therapy has contributed to an extensive market in laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) products for the therapeutic and cosmetic treatment of skin conditions. Impacts include: globally registered intellectual property; local manufacturing of a wide range of laser and IPL products; their distribution to over 40 countries; and resulting benefits to health in treating acne, rejuvenating skin and removing hair. The research undertaken by Swansea University and its companies pioneered this market in partnership with Procter & Gamble and Unilever; and established a joint venture with Sony UK to manufacture these laser and IPL products in South Wales. The Welsh government views this collaboration as an exemplar for the resurgence of UK specialist manufacturing.
The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire is a clinical and research tool, which has fundamentally shifted dermatology from being doctor-centred to patient-centred. Previously, no standard method to quantify the impact of skin disease on patients existed. The DLQI was created by interviewing people with skin disease and made clinically useful through development and validation of score bands. NICE/SIGN require UK dermatologists to use the DLQI when assessing severe psoriasis and hand eczema. DLQI is used in national psoriasis guidelines in 14 countries, is available in 91 language translations, has been used in 678 clinical research studies and generated £881,236 in royalties to Cardiff University.