OT Bio: Mandy Shintani

Occupational Therapists & Device Design

 

Mandy Shintani is an occupational therapist with a Masters degree in Gerontology.

Like all therapists, she discovered that one of the biggest challenges is convincing clients to use devices for greater independence and safety. Early on she realized that assistive devices can have both benefits and limitations, and, unfortunately, too often these devices are associated with the negative stigma of disability, dependency and the effects of aging. Mandy’s goal became to design a better alternative for clients.

Mandy firmly believes that OTs can and should be involved in the process of device design, as it allows them to address the issues they feel are integral to their client’s safety and wellbeing. By sharing her story, Mandy hopes that other OTs will be inspired by her journey to become more involved with device design with her company Urban Poling Inc.

The Activator walking poles she co-developed are based on the poles and techniques of Urban Poling aka Nordic walking. They are now recognized as a tool for those with arthritis, post hip and knee surgery, Parkinson’s, cardiac rehab, CVA and mental health issues, and older adults living in residential care. The growing popularity of walking poles as a fitness technique has attracted a lot of positive media attention (over 200 articles to date). This popularity has worked to the Activator’s advantage by minimizing the stigma attached to using walking poles as an assistive device (they are perceived as a fitness tool). Mandy feels the positive media coverage (some of it specific to the Activator poles) has also served to showcase to the public what OTs can do.

The process of designing or modifying an assistive device can be both challenging and rewarding. These are the basic steps that Mandy followed to achieve her success:

Inspiration: Mandy’s inspiration came from a discussion she had with a Swedish neighbour about the popularity of Nordic walking throughout the Scandinavian countries and its numerous health benefits. She asked herself: Was there potential for poles to be used for rehabilitation, especially those with stability and balance issues?

Evidence-based research to ensure therapy goals can be met: Mandy found 52 studies on the use of walking poles (now there are well over 60) which reported improved posture, stability, balance, reduced impact on the knee joints, faster gait speed and greater conditioning compared to regular walking – all key goals for therapists. She also observed favourable outcomes compared to the use of canes and walkers (assistive devices often prescribed for the older population): better posture, engagement of core strength, greater shoulder ROM, fluid arm movement similar to regular walking, and bilateral weight bearing.

Find a starting point for development: Mandy’s company (Urban Poling Inc) tested many of the Nordic walking poles available in the marketplace to find a design that could work to help her achieve her therapy goals. She felt a different design was needed to accommodate to the needs of our clients.

Modify the design to achieve therapy goals: With input from therapists and end users, nine features were added to the Activator pole design to increase comfort and safety. Over 10 prototypes were produced and tested with end users as well as with therapists.

Develop a technique for therapeutic use: The basic Nordic walking technique was modified to achieve greater balance and stability, to promote an upright posture and to allow more and safer weight bearing on the poles and thus off loading from lower extremity joints. The Activator walking technique is also easier to learn and requires less strength, effort and balance than other walking techniques used to promote fitness.

In addition to co-developing the Activator poles as an assistive device, Mandy’s company, with input from rehabilitation professionals, has also developed a four-hour training program for professionals who want to incorporate the Urban Poling or Activator program into their therapy or fitness practice.  The courses have been approved for CECs by 10 health and fitness associations and has close to 2,000 graduates. 

To find out more about Mandy or Urban Poling, please review the website.