Hall, J, Clarke, A K and Harrison, R (1990). 'Guide lines for I ACKNOWLEDGMENTS prescription of walking frames', Phwio theraw, 76, 2, 118-120.

Hollis, M (1977). Practical Exercise Therapy, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford.

British Medical Journal, 296, 475-476.

British Medical Journal, 300. 925-926.

elderly', British Medical Journal, 284, 1751.

M'JlleV, G p (1988). 'Everyday aids and appliances: Walking sticks'.

Mulley, G (1990). 'Everyday aids and appliances: Walking frames',

Sainsbury, R and Mulley, G P (1982). 'Walking sticks used by the

Williamson, J (1989). Falls in Old Age, Age Concern, Scotland.

Thanks to Elizabeth Parker MCSP, Una Simpson MCSP, Patricia McGowan MCSP, Alan Yorston Bsc and Tom Shaw MCSP for their help w i th data collection.

Godfrey, consultant physician in geriatric medicine, for their support and assistance with this project,

To Dave Roggie, Information Services, for help in the preparation of figures,

Especial thanks to Rosemary Philips for typing the manuscript.

T~ ~~~~k ~ ~ ~ ~ f f ~ ~ ~ , advlsor, physiotherapy, and D~ james

EQUIPMENT NOTES

A Trouser Leg Adaptation for Amputees

DURING m y work experience in Australia, I had several below-knee amputation patients w h o made use of a simple adaptation t o a pair of trousers. To date I have not seen this used by amputees in Britain.

A long zip is sewn into the inner seam of the trousers or slacks (patients state that a nylon zip is more comfortable). This cosmetically acceptable adaptation provides the amputee w i th rapid easy access to hisiher prosthesis without having t o remove the trousers or roll up the trouser leg.

This can increase independence at home or aid gait re- education by the physiotherapist.

Cycloidal Vibration

ELMA J BELLMCSP

I HAVE used Vibro-Medico equipment for ten years with considerable success. We found that by using vibration, muscle tone was reduced

~ only temporarily - but effectively. The large boards produced by Vibro-Medico were useful since the

vibration produced by them is finer and more comfortable. If necessary, a child plus chair, or standing board, can be placed upon the board to achieve the desired effect.

As children grow, the larger boards become more useful. More than one child can be placed on a board and therefore play

can be introduced. The patients can lie, sit or stand upon the board depending upon which group or groups of muscles are to be involved.

Sensory stimulation can be effected by use of the hand unit and chest conditions can be treated either on pad or board.

Supplier and further information: Clifford Black, Proprietor, Vibro- Medico, 20 Church Road, Hadleigh, Essex SS7 2DQ (tel 0702 557966)

234 Physiotherapy, March 1991, vol 77, no 3