Keynotes at the ISPO 19th World Congress

Rosielena Jovane – Knud Jansen Lecture

Art & Science: an Equation that Requires Passion!

Rosielena Jované C. holds a degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics (1981) and she is licensed as a Panamanian Prosthetist/Orthotist by the Ministry of Health, Panama (1982).

Rosie was a member of the ISPO Board of Directors from 2013 to 2017 and served for two years as the Chair of the ISPO-USAID Steering Committee. She was the guiding hand in bringing together various ISPO members from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean to found the now well-established Uniting Frontiers Forum a highly recognised regional event.

She is the recipient of a number of awards, including the ISPO Fellowship in recognition for her professional performance and contributions in the field of O&P (2017).

Watch the video announcement by Rosielena Jovane

Rosielena Jovane: Presentation Summary

Title: "Art & Science: an equation that requires passion!"

Presenter: Rosielena Jovane

Short presentation summary: Craft and Technology are intrinsically linked, and we can delight in the artistic work of O&P professionals in bringing beauty to the shape and form of devices, leading to body movement through our inherent creativity and genius in enabling restoration through rehabilitation. This a common narrative from early lovers of natural laws creating the underlying knowledge through scientific research.

The human right to mobility and freedom to move was enshrined in Common Law a 1000 years ago, inspired by the passion shown in the artistic work of craftsmen, scientists, technologists, therapists, medical practitioners and many other specialists, as they research to discover, validate with prototypes, manufacture, compose and build what we will subsequently use for the goal that was identified.

The extraordinary scientific and technological evolution that we have been able to experience has facilitated the participation of disabled people in activities of daily living and offered us the opportunity to be true artists in everything that we do. Between science and artistic and technological development we find a direct link that evolves in an interwoven way, motivated by the passion that energizes our actions.

In our varied and complex field of continuous learning and work the multi-disciplinary team members complement each other in the same way as our ISPO society is nourished, grows and progresses thanks to the contributions of its members. Their respective and different specialties combine, evolve and bring strength to our continuing quest for knowledge in order to mitigate the disability that affects those who need our help.

Ana Paulina Chavira – IC2A Inspirational Lecture

Learning to fall… and rising up

Ana Paulina Chavira is a Mexican journalist who has been wearing a prosthetic leg since 1998, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Her life as an amputee changed when she got a MAS socket —she was a model and speaker for Ana’s Leg educational program implemented by Össur.

She has worked as a journalist at Reforma (Mexican journal), at The New York Times en Español (the Spanish version of the American journal) and now at Fox Sports, as a women's football analyst. She is the proofreader for Nexos, a Mexican magazine. She has also specialized as a linguistic advisor for Mexican media and private businesses such as Google. 

She will be holding the IC2A International Confederation of Amputee Associations Inspirational Lecture during the Opening Ceremony of ISPO 19th World Congress.

Watch the video announcement by Ana Paulina Chavira

Ana Paulina Chavira: Presentation Summary

Title: "Learning to fall… and rising up"

Presenter: Ana Paulina Chavira

Short presentation summary: Since I was a child, I fell a lot. But beyond clumsiness, I never thought that I would have to learn to fall because I was going to have only one leg. And later because I would wear a prosthetic leg that sometimes defies the laws of gravity.

I've been wearing my prosthesis for 25 years and I've been through a lot of falls… and not just the physical ones! How was it that I learned how to fall but, more important, how to get up? What inspired me? What motivated me to keep on going?

Although not having a leg sometimes seemed like the end of the world, on many occasions it turned out to be the best opportunity in life.

Sophie de Oliveira Barata

The Alternative Limb Project, the Path to Self-expression - 10 Years on

The Alternative Limb Project was founded by Sophie de Oliveira Barata, using the unique medium of prosthetics to create highly stylised wearable art pieces.

Merging the latest technology with traditional crafts, Sophie’s creations explore themes of body image, modification, evolution and transhumanism, whilst promoting positive conversations around disability and celebrating body diversity.

Sophie collaborates with specialists in fields such as 3D modelling, electronics, and cutting edge technology to create each piece. Clients have included Paralympic athletes, music performers, models and video game companies.

Chris Parsons

The Alternative Limb Project, the Path to Self-expression - 10 Years on

Passionate about prosthetics, Chris is a highly accomplished clinician and manager, with over 40 years of experience in all levels of limb difference and rehabilitation.

Chris has a proven record in successful service delivery, clinical outcomes and team management and is adept at assessing and understanding the unique requirements for each case entrusted to him. He embraces every challenge his career presents, always seeking the best outcome for patients, clients and their families.

Chris is currently enjoying providing expert prosthetic care from his clinic in the South East of England. Working alongside Sophie de Oliveira Barata, founder of The Alternative Limb Project, has shown Chris new ways of approaching his clinic and when included in Sophie’s vision, has produced a number of highly successful collaborative projects.

Watch the video announcement by Sophie de Oliveira Barata and Chris Parsons

Sophie de Oliveira Barata & Chris Parsons: Presentation Summary

Title: "The Alternative Limb Project, the Path to Self-expression - 10 Years on"

Presenter: Sophie de Oliveira Barata & Chris Parsons

Short presentation summary: In this talk, Sophie and Chris will discuss the key stages, successes and challenges of the Alternative Limb Project.

Chris will briefly discuss his prosthetic career history and why he believes in the importance of the congress theme “The Art and the Science”. He’ll go on to talk about his collaboration with Sophie and the Alternative Limb Project and how this has changed aspects of his clinical approach, explaining the crossover between a medical device and wearable prosthetic art and how he brings his clinical experience into the creative process to produce “evocative, provocative and inspirational routes for individual expression for amputees and those with limb difference”. He will then introduce Sophie to tell her story.

Sophie will describe what it was like to start out as a technician being an artist in this medical field, and how that has led to inspiring a generation of designers to help bridge the world of medicine and art. She will outline how she works closely with prosthetists such as Chris to create interesting wearable designs that not only inspire the general masses but empower the wearer through engagement and ownership, reflecting something other than fit and function. Finally, Sophie will describe the processes involved in some of the works undertaken by the Alternative Limb Project and how they have contributed to changing the general public’s perceptions of amputees and challenged insurance companies about replacing like for like.

Professor Stefania Fatone

The Northwestern University Sub-Ischial Socket: a Journey from Idea to Development, Research, Dissemination, and Implementation

Stefania Fatone joined the University of Washington in January 2022 as Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Program Director of the Division of Prosthetics and Orthotics. Prior to that, Prof. Fatone was a faculty member in the Northwestern University Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for two decades.

Prof. Fatone has over 20 years of experience conducting prosthetics and orthotics research and currently leads multiple research projects funded by federal agencies and professional organizations. Her research includes a broad range of experimental, qualitative, and review studies in areas such as transfemoral prosthetic socket biomechanics and design, orthotic management of upper motor neuron lesions, and partial foot amputation. She has published nearly 100 journal articles, book chapters, editorials, commentaries, and evidence notes and presents regularly at conferences nationally and internationally.

Prof. Fatone is an honorary Member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and a recipient of the Academy’s distinguished Research Award. She is the co-developer of the NU-FlexSIV and NU-FlexSIS Socket technique and previously served as co-Editor-in-Chief of Prosthetics and Orthotics International.

Watch the video announcement by Stefania Fatone

Professor Stefania Fatone: Presentation Summary

Title: “The Northwestern University Sub-Ischial Socket: a Journey from Idea to Development, Research, Dissemination, and Implementation.”

Presenter: Stefania Fatone, PhD, BPO(Hons), Professor & Associate Chair, University of Washington Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seattle USA

Short presentation summary: Our journey to develop a sub-ischial socket for persons with transfemoral amputation began about 15 years ago sparked by an idea that had its roots in the clinical practice of my colleague and collaborator Ryan Caldwell. This idea and partnership between a clinician and a researcher launched us on a journey that led to US Department of Defense funding for development of what became a straightforward and standardized sub-ischial socket technique that can be taught to prosthetists. Since then, we have engaged in dissemination activities aimed at translating this technique into practice in parallel with conducting clinical trials aimed at exploring the efficacy and effectiveness of the sub-ischial socket technique. Dissemination has taken many forms, including presentations at conferences and meetings, publications in peer reviewed journals and trade magazines, and conducting hands-on workshops for prosthetists all around the world. Our experience with these efforts illustrates the breadth of activities required of clinicians and investigators to see their research ideas implemented in clinical practice. Sustained effort is required to accomplish this and it is not without challenges. I hope that our journey inspires others to merge clinical creativity with science and research to influence clinical practice for the benefit of all prosthesis and orthosis users.

Professor Nachiappan Chockalingam

Modelling, Models and Masterpieces: Translating Research into Clinical Practice

Nachiappan (Nachi) Chockalingam is the Director of the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies at Staffordshire University, UK. He is an Affiliate Professor at the University of Malta, and a Visiting Professor at Sri Ramachandra University, India.

Prof. Chockalingam has published over 230 full research manuscripts alongside numerous abstracts, book chapters and lectures. He has served on the boards of and supported several international scientific communities. Prof. Chockalingam reviews for several journals and grant-awarding bodies worldwide. He is also an Associate Editor for the ‘Footwear Science’, ‘Prosthetics and Orthotics International’ and ‘Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Conditions’ journals.

Prof. Chockalingam’s research has received funding from various international bodies including the European Commission and the British Council. His current activities at Staffordshire University focuses on translational research. He has played a pivotal role in bringing various allied health professionals to the wider biomechanics and medical engineering community. Prof. Chockalingam advocates for multi and interdisciplinary research, promotes gender equality and takes every effort to support students and young researchers. He is involved in charitable and non-profit organisations to help the wider global community on healthy ageing and assistive technology to aid mobility.

Watch the video announcement by Nachiappan Chockalingam

Professor Nachiappan Chockalingam: Presentation Summary

Title: Modelling, Models and Masterpieces: Translating Research into Clinical Practice

Presenter: Nachiappan Chockalingam

Short presentation summary: Evidence-based guidelines are important for effective clinical management. Without this evidence and appropriate scientific optimisation, the use of assistive devices results in poor treatment outcomes and poor patient experience. Although best practice guidelines have been published for describing orthotic interventions, there are gaps such as the lack of standardisation of the terminology.

Using our research data this talk will start by highlighting the need for further, structured work in this area. Currently, there is a paucity of detail reported in research studies regarding the design and material used in various orthotic interventions. Such a lack of detail not only has the potential to affect the validity of the reported outcomes and the ability to reproduce the studies but could also misinform clinical practice. Whilst arguing for wider research on clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of orthotic interventions, the talk will propose practical “next steps” on reducing the ambiguity of the description of the devices used.

The talk will also discuss that whilst scientific approaches underpin the development of interventions, artistic aspects of device design are extremely important to improve patient compliance. Devices which are not utilised by the user result in a failed intervention, regardless of the underpinning scientific approaches. Then advances in technology will be presented; we now have modelling techniques to help understand individual movement strategies and to provide a meaningful interpretation of segmental dominancy using patterns of movement control. Combining the resulting biomechanical knowledge with appropriate design characteristics we can create masterpieces to provide effective management and monitoring of interventions. The talk will conclude by focusing on how the current clinical practice needs to evolve to meet future needs including telehealth options.