“A compelling documentary, Out On A Limb explores the incredible advances being made in the field of prosthetics and shows their potential impact on so many lives-- from the thousands of amputees wounded in wars to the millions of civilians at risk from such common diseases as diabetes.The dedicated professionals portrayed in this film believe that everyone deserves the right to live life to the fullest. It is a pleasure to watch as they work to make that possible."
Peter D. Rosenstein, Executive Director, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
“A superb film, both in its technical content and its high quality photography, narration, and editing. This film is most impressive in its presentation of the state of the art, which should inspire clinicians and patients. I like the balance of neurobiomechanical developments with psychological insights, as well as concern about paying for high-technological devices. The option of presenting individual chapters in the DVD is particularly useful. Altogether, this is an excellent production. “
Joan Edelstein, PT, MA, FISPO
Professor, NYU Steinhardt Department of Physical Therapy
“Prosthetics and Patient Management: A Comprehensive Clinical Approach”
"Daria Price’s documentary takes an invigorating look at the significant advances being made in the design and manufacture of prosthetic limbs. For many years, crudely crafted devices were hastily assembled to meet the needs of injured war veterans. But the large number of military amputees returning from World War 11 required a dramatic reconsideration. Recently, the number of military amputees has substantially increased due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, while civilian amputee rates are also on the rise from diseases such as diabetes. Fortunately, there have been remarkable breakthroughs in robotics and neuroscience, resulting in new prosthetic devices that are both more comfortable and more efficient. Indeed, some of the new technology is truly awe-inspiring, particularly a robotic hand that brilliantly mirrors the movements of a human one. Even more fascinating is the progress made in pediatric prosthetic design, enabling children with lost limbs to enjoy healthy and active lives. If there is a sour note here, it comes from the U.S. health insurance industry—according to the film, too many insurance companies stubbornly insist that one prosthetic can last a lifetime and, thus, refuse to offer proper compensation for clients who require upgrades on their artificial limbs. Offering an inspiring overview of life-changing advances in the field, this is highly recommended."
Video Librarian ***1/2
"Advancements in prosthetics are one outcome of war. In this documentary, filmmaker Price discusses the many innovations that have been made in prosthetics in order to serve soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Our understanding of the mechanics of the human body, combined with progress in engineering and other technologies, has helped scientists and engineers to develop prosthetics that are less painful to wear and that offer the amputee greater freedom of movement. Price interviews a number of people who wear prosthetics, including Van Phillips, inventor of the carbon graphite Flex-Foot used by Olympian Oscar Pistorius and other athletes. Phillips lost a leg following a waterskiing accident, and he worked with aerospace composite engineer Dale Ablescoff to develop an artificial leg that would allow him to continue his athletic activities at the level he wanted to maintain.
VERDICT: In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, interest in advancements in prosthetic engineering is likely to increase. This well-researched and accessible film is recommended for public and academic libraries and rehabilitation facilities."
Library Journal, May 2013
"Out On A Limb provides a unique perspective on the recent evolution of external prostheses by highlighting some of the most impactful developments of the past 30 years through the more recent technological advancements of the past decade that provide hope and promise for individuals with varying levels of limb loss."
Robert D. Lipschutz, BSME, CP
Director, Prosthetics & Orthotics Education, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
“Out On A Limb is a rare treat. Having broad experience in a particular discipline, it’s quite unusual to see someone's interpretation and not be disconcerted with some piece of it being wide of the mark. An extremely well done film and a significant undertaking about a field where so much is happening that each of us makes only the smallest of contributions. Out On A Limb brings it all into focus and reminds us of what it all means.”
David Firth, President, Provel, O&P components & automation
Peter D. Rosenstein, Executive Director, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
“A superb film, both in its technical content and its high quality photography, narration, and editing. This film is most impressive in its presentation of the state of the art, which should inspire clinicians and patients. I like the balance of neurobiomechanical developments with psychological insights, as well as concern about paying for high-technological devices. The option of presenting individual chapters in the DVD is particularly useful. Altogether, this is an excellent production. “
Joan Edelstein, PT, MA, FISPO
Professor, NYU Steinhardt Department of Physical Therapy
“Prosthetics and Patient Management: A Comprehensive Clinical Approach”
"Daria Price’s documentary takes an invigorating look at the significant advances being made in the design and manufacture of prosthetic limbs. For many years, crudely crafted devices were hastily assembled to meet the needs of injured war veterans. But the large number of military amputees returning from World War 11 required a dramatic reconsideration. Recently, the number of military amputees has substantially increased due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, while civilian amputee rates are also on the rise from diseases such as diabetes. Fortunately, there have been remarkable breakthroughs in robotics and neuroscience, resulting in new prosthetic devices that are both more comfortable and more efficient. Indeed, some of the new technology is truly awe-inspiring, particularly a robotic hand that brilliantly mirrors the movements of a human one. Even more fascinating is the progress made in pediatric prosthetic design, enabling children with lost limbs to enjoy healthy and active lives. If there is a sour note here, it comes from the U.S. health insurance industry—according to the film, too many insurance companies stubbornly insist that one prosthetic can last a lifetime and, thus, refuse to offer proper compensation for clients who require upgrades on their artificial limbs. Offering an inspiring overview of life-changing advances in the field, this is highly recommended."
Video Librarian ***1/2
"Advancements in prosthetics are one outcome of war. In this documentary, filmmaker Price discusses the many innovations that have been made in prosthetics in order to serve soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Our understanding of the mechanics of the human body, combined with progress in engineering and other technologies, has helped scientists and engineers to develop prosthetics that are less painful to wear and that offer the amputee greater freedom of movement. Price interviews a number of people who wear prosthetics, including Van Phillips, inventor of the carbon graphite Flex-Foot used by Olympian Oscar Pistorius and other athletes. Phillips lost a leg following a waterskiing accident, and he worked with aerospace composite engineer Dale Ablescoff to develop an artificial leg that would allow him to continue his athletic activities at the level he wanted to maintain.
VERDICT: In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, interest in advancements in prosthetic engineering is likely to increase. This well-researched and accessible film is recommended for public and academic libraries and rehabilitation facilities."
Library Journal, May 2013
"Out On A Limb provides a unique perspective on the recent evolution of external prostheses by highlighting some of the most impactful developments of the past 30 years through the more recent technological advancements of the past decade that provide hope and promise for individuals with varying levels of limb loss."
Robert D. Lipschutz, BSME, CP
Director, Prosthetics & Orthotics Education, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
“Out On A Limb is a rare treat. Having broad experience in a particular discipline, it’s quite unusual to see someone's interpretation and not be disconcerted with some piece of it being wide of the mark. An extremely well done film and a significant undertaking about a field where so much is happening that each of us makes only the smallest of contributions. Out On A Limb brings it all into focus and reminds us of what it all means.”
David Firth, President, Provel, O&P components & automation