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Firm's technology could test whether back complaints are genuine

Pioneering medical technology being developed in Norfolk could be used to determine whether sickness absence caused by back pain is justified.

The Gatherer Partnership, established by sports physiotherapist Don Gatherer and John Bailey, of Diss-based engineering firm Beru F1 Systems, at the Hethel Engineering Centre, is creating systems to analyse and help treat back and neck problems using computer software and load cells, devices which measure pressure.

Mr Gatherer, who has more than 30 years' experience in physiotherapy working with stars of international rugby and Formula 1, said as well as sports the technology could be used to test whether back problems are genuine and judge their severity.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons given for long-term sickness absence, responsible for millions of sick days lost in the UK each year.

The company has also approached the government to drum up interest in the systems, which could help achieve ministers' aims of reducing the number of people on incapacity benefits.

Mr Gatherer said: "We have made representations to the minister of health as well as to underwriters at Lloyds, for who the technology could be used in claims for things like whiplash injuries.

"We hope to finish the software product this week. All the research has been done and the techniques have been validated.

"Now we are looking to commercialise it at Hethel."

Mr Gatherer said the company was also seeking deals with the NHS to offer the systems for back, neck and limb analysis in physiotherapy and neurology departments, and said the England and Wales national rugby teams were also waiting to use the products when they are on the market.

Mr Gatherer added: "The potential is huge and we are putting in place quite an aggressive package to get this thing moving."

More info: This article is courtesy of EDP

Posted: 12th Jul 2010