Gym equipment for St Giles
St Giles has aquired a new Motomed movement therapy machines to help wheelchair patients.
ST Giles is progressing in leaps and bounds in caring for those who make use of its remedial gym.
The gym has installed two new Motomed machines for wheelchair patients, the first of its kind in KZN. These machines are imported from Germany and provide passive, motor-assisted, active resistance-movement therapy for wheelchair patients.According to gym manager, Rory Hassall, there has been a home version, called a Thera Fit Plus, which was donated to the gym by the Psoriasis Association, and has been used by patients for the past five years, however he has noticed the number of wheelchair patients has increased dramatically.
“We have 34 people who are wheelchair-bound using the gym and we needed more machines like this as we struggle with the one, which also breaks easily. I investigated this, and found the Motomed machines, which are more durable and advanced and designed for more robust work. It is the Mercedes Benz model to our Beetle,” he said.
Medi-Tronics SA took in a machine for patients to try out, and the organisation bought one, with the assistance of general funding income. However, a further three machines are needed as well as a leg trainer and two upper body versions. St Giles is looking for sponsors for these.
“We have a lower body trainer now and we hope to get the others so four people can utilise these machines,” said Rory.
The machines have two functions, passive training for paralysed patients, where the machine stimulates the lower body, or for partially paralysed patients who can pedal themselves until they get too tired. The machine then takes over for the patient.
The upper training machines are used by paraplegics for cardio and quadriplegics use the machines with a passive function. The machines have an anti-spasm setting as well.
“You can't put a price on seeing people working on these machines. People who had little strength are now doing so much better and can pedal by themselves,” said Rory.
If you can help sponsor the machines, contact St Giles on 031 337 4404.
