Member Article

Gosforth entrepreneur launches seated walking machine to help transform the lives of the elderly and disabled

A seated walking machine with the potential to transform the lives of the elderly and disabled, has been launched in the UK by Gosforth businessman, Angus Long.

Happylegs - endorsed by healthcare professionals and supported by a therapeutic report from the Foundation for the Study and Prevention of Venous Diseases - allows users to go for a walk from the comfort of their own chair.

Angus, who is owner and founder of Embryonyx Ltd, a supplier of healthcare and homecare products, has spent 30 years working in the healthcare sector holding senior positions at Vickers Medical, Johnson & Johnson and LiftAble.

Embryonyx Ltd, was originally set up as a specialist healthcare business consultancy. However, in 2010, Angus identified a very specific gap in UK healthcare provision for a product to address the problem of poor circulation in the legs of disabled and chronically ill people.

Angus, said: “Having spent the majority of my career in a healthcare environment, it became apparent there was a gap in the market for a device that could really help improve the lifestyle of people suffering from poor circulation – as a result of illness, disability or a sedentary lifestyle.

“It is a well-known medical fact that poor circulation can cause or exacerbate illnesses such as swollen feet, thrombosis, vascular ulcers, diabetic neuropathy and joint problems.

“These conditions are not only uncomfortable and debilitating, but they present a considerable cost to the NHS to treat. For example, the health care costs of treating diabetic neuropathy alone are estimated at around £765 million a year. One thing clinicians agree on is that poor blood circulation in the lower limbs can be greatly assisted by exercise.

“However, many of the people afflicted by poor circulation find walking extremely difficult or not even possible due to their particular illness or disability. While there are foot rockers and mini-cycle machines on the market many people, for variety of reasons, can’t use them. I identified a real need for a product that dosen’t require the user to physically operate it.

“We approached the University of Northumbria sports science department to commission a study into the vascular anatomy of the lower leg and its relationship to aiding the heart and the wider circulatory system. The study also looked at the various differing technological solutions to aid individuals whose physical capabilities were impaired.

“The results of the report were very informative and laid the foundation to the next phase of the project which was a period of 18 months of market analysis and product testing, we realised we had a product that would stimulate the limbs of the disabled or immobile very easily with little effort.”

Disability North, based at the Dene Centre, near Freeman Hospital, is the recipient of a Happylegs device. The charity, which gives free advice and assessments to elderly and disabled people, is offering members of the public the opportunity to trial the product under the guidance of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

Unlike other devices, Happylegs is not powered through electrical muscle stimulators ensuring that people with pacemakers or heart problems can use it without concern.

Angus, added: “Happylegs is so easy to use, you simply go for a walk from the comfort of your chair. Just sit down, place your feet on the machine and using the remote control, let it take you for a walk. It is a patented passive exercise device that functions using the same principles as walking. It alternatively moves the legs and gently massages the feet while the user remains seated.

“At the same time, it stimulates the leg muscles and the sole of the feet to help blood circulation. The movement is gentle, consistent and vibration free.

“In the UK alone, 10 million people suffer arthritis, over three million have diabetes and thousands suffer from vascular ulcers. So, there are an awful lot of people looking for a solution to their health problems.

“The product was officially launched at the Mobility Roadshow Exhibition Telford on 27 June 2013. Following the launch, interest in the Happylegs Seated Walking Machine has been phenomenal and sales have continued to exceed forecasts.

“2014 sees plans to enter new markets and expand our retailer network and over the coming months we are looking to invest in further studies from the Institute of Ageing and Health in Newcastle so that we can be aligned as much as possible to these very important heath care issues.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Happylegs .