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Method |
What is the unique idea that SoM implements?
Existing methods of movement training and
rehabilitation are based on movement repetition
and correction but not on problem solving
for active walking. The method that underlies
most developments of SoM aims to cause a
user’s brain to solve the problems of balance
and gait regulation while walking. The method
uses mathematical equations to change the
environment in order to achieve better results
of motor learning. |
What links Chaos theory to walking?
Chaos theory describes the systems that
respond disproportionately (non-linearly)
to initial conditions or perturbing stimuli.
Human walking is variable as other functions
in our body. At a first glance walk steps
look periodic and “clock-like” regular.
However, more sensitive instruments reveal
that normal walking shows variability. Healthy
variability is diminished in pathology and
with aging, becoming less chaotic. The purpose
of SoM products is to enhance variability
and to bring back degrees of freedom that
will improve walking and allow the person
to navigate well in his community.
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SoM-TOUR |
What is SoM-TOUR?
SoM-TOUR is a training system via a sandal
that modifies the environment during walking
and is aimed to improve stability and walking
in children and teenagers with Cerebral
Palsy in their home and community environments.
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Who can benefit from SoM-TOUR?
The system was developed initially for the
needs of children with Cerebral Palsy. The
Company is now working on future models
th at will fit grown-ups and will also be
effective for motor rehabilitation of grown-ups
with Cerebral Palsy, persons after stroke
(hemiplegia), and traumatic brain injury.
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How does SoM-TOUR system work?
The system consists of a pair of wearable
training sandals that change their surface
and facilitate a reaction from the person
in real time. The wearable devices communicate
with a PC in a feedback loop.
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What types of treatment can SoM-TOUR
offer?
Two major modes of the system may be implemented:
- chaotic perturbation mode for weakening
stiff abnormal templates of walking;
- training mode with permanent configuration
of the device or its ordered changes.
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Can I use the SoM-TOUR for uses other
than rehabilitation?
Yes, if you have no motor disturbances,
you can use it for training and not therapeutically.
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When will SoM-TOUR system be available
to buy?
The Company is at present performing an
initial clinical study of SoM-TOUR. It will
be on the market as soon as all the tests
are completed and after fine-tuning of the
system.
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Are there the same exercises and tasks
for all users of SoM-TOUR?
No, the training program and specific tasks
will be matched individually for each user
and will be changed according to progress.
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SMILING |
What is SMILING?
SMILING is a wearable training system for
the improvement of walking and mobility
of aging populations at risk of falling.
It implements the SoM problem-solving approach.
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Who can benefit from SMILING?
The potential users of SMILING are people
of age 60 years and older, especially those
who have a history of falling, or those
who feel unstable, unsafe, and have fears
of falling. top
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What is the difference between SMILING
HC and SMILING Pro?
SMILING HC is a simplified version of SMILING
Pro for use at home and community centers.
SMILING Pro is intended for use in clinics,
in-patient and out-patient departments.
SMILING Pro has more capabilities than SMILING
HC, including diagnostic features, and is
for operation by a professional doctor or
physiotherapist. |
I am not a faller, will the use of SMILING
help me?
Yes, you can use it for training to prevent
balance and gait disturbances that appear
with age. |
What is the role of Step of Mind Ltd
in SMILING?
SMILING is under development
by an international consortium in the frame
of EU-FP7. The consortium was initiated
by Step of Mind Ltd in order to implement
the SoM’s theoretical and practical experience
to counteract falls in the elderly. Top
companies, universities and hospitals from
Italy, Israel, Netherlands, Slovakia, Switzerland,
and the UK participate in the consortium
along with SoM.
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SWAN |
What is SWAN?
SWAN is an elegant wearable device relieving
neck pain. It is wearable on the user’s
neck and provides chaotic pressure/vibration
to the painful regions and thus breaks the
vicious circle of sustained low-level muscle
activity, and muscle contraction that results
in muscle pain. |
To whom can SWAN be of help?
SWAN is intended for those who sit and perform
repetitive work such as: computer programmers,
office workers, phone operators, computer
graphics workers, laboratory microscope
operator, or workbench workers. Anyone who
has a desk job, particularly those who have
or had a painful neck or shoulders, or a
headache that origins in neck muscles.
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What is the advantage of SWAN over neck
massaging devices?
The SWAN device is completely innovative.
No device with similar characteristics currently
exists on the market. The main disadvantage
of the existing devices is permanent mode
of operation and poor ergonomic usability,
resulting in short duration of each episode
of the devices and very low motivation for
continuation of use. SWAN uses a new approach
of chaotic variability of the operational
mode of the device, and high ergonomic level.
SWAN is a device that is a part of the working
environment and not just a medical solution
for reducing pain.
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