L-R the students are: Liane Daiter, Mallory Kent, Season Kam and Alin Khodaverdian.
October 17 - This year, a research team from Holland Bloorview headed by scientist Jan Andrysek successfully secured funding from the Government of Canada through Grand Challenges Canada for the LC knee, an artificial knee joint.
The LC knee is a functional and low cost prosthetic knee joint, which has the potential to enable mobility for the millions of individuals around the world living with lower limb amputations. To better understand how to most effectively deliver this technology to those in need, Dr. Andrysek is collaborating with a team from the department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.
The team consists of:
- Dr. Debra Cameron
- Dr. Janet Njelesani
- Mallory Kent (Masters student)
- Alin Khodaverdian (Masters student)
- Season Kam (Masters student)
- Liane Daiter (Masters student)
Three of the students will travel to a rehabilitation hospital in Moshi, Tanzania for a two-month clinical placement during which they will conduct a research study.
“As student occupational therapists, we are hoping to contribute to occupational justice and meaningful participation for prosthetic users in low-income countries”, said team member Season Kam.
The study involves in-depth interviews with those who treat individuals with amputations, as well as prosthetic users themselves.
“The results of our study will be used to inform adaptations for prosthetic users in low-income countries. Our ultimate goal is to help people with amputations engage in the activities that are most important to them”, said Liane Daiter, team member and Masters student from the University of Toronto.
Gaining an in-depth understanding of the social issues associated with prosthetic rehabilitation is key to ensuring that technologies such as the LC knee meet the patient's needs by enabling independence, and a productive participation in the community including the pursuit of social activities, education and work.
