industry
Robotic therapy
Cutting-edge robotic technology to aid with therapy is now available in Melbourne , thanks to Bupa Therapy and REHA Technology .
The technology , called GE-O System , is being trialled for the first time in Australia at the Bupa Therapy centre in West Melbourne .
Bupa Therapy Operations Manager , Angela Aldous , said patients using G-EO System are suspended from a harness ( pictured ) to take all or some weight off their legs , while robotics move the patient ’ s legs through the motion of walking , stair climbing , standing or other leg movements .
“ It ’ s designed to help the muscles regain strength , while at the same time helping the nervous system relearn motor skills and develop new neural pathways in the brain ,” she said .
“ The GE-O System has been designed to help people with a range of conditions , including spinal cord injury , stroke , traumatic brain injuries , cerebral palsy , Parkinson ’ s disease and multiple sclerosis . It ’ s also helping those with orthopaedic conditions , and where mobility and gait training is required .”
Ms Aldous said Bupa was grateful to REHA Technology and Patient Handling ( the Australian distributor ) for
working with them to offer the technology .
Bupa Therapy is inviting medical and allied health practitioners to participate in workshops , feedback and a ‘ test and play ’ experience . This will help to determine whether the technology delivers positive clinical outcomes and experiences for patients .
Bupa Therapy provides speech pathology , occupational therapy and physiotherapy for adults with neurological and physical conditions , offering a one stop therapy experience .
The state-of-the-art facility includes a rehabilitation gymnasium for individual and group therapy sessions , as well as individual treatment rooms and some of the latest rehabilitation equipment available .
For more information about the G-EO System or Bupa Therapy , phone ( 03 ) 7017 8580 . www . bupa . com . au / therapy
‘ i-boll ’ ready to roll
A wireless hand control device , for people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy and arthritis , is being commercialised in South Australia .
The i-boll has been licensed in an agreement with Novita and will be a flagship technology for the not-for-profit organisation ’ s assistive technology division . As well as being a disability services provider , Novita specialises in assistive technology equipment and devices designed to improve the lives of people with disability by helping with mobility , communication , education and daily living needs .
The collaboration between researchers , students and experts at Flinders University , the University of South Australia and the Women ’ s and Children ’ s Hospital in SA , involves biomedical engineers , industrial designers , neuroscientists , paediatricians , occupational therapists and rehabilitation experts .
Now in a final phase of consumer testing in association with a local aged care provider and industry partner Helping Hand , the i-boll is expected to be in production by early 2019 .
Lead researcher , Flinders University lecturer and PhD candidate David Hobbs , said the i-boll has both practical and therapeutic applications .
“ Easier to use than conventional controllers , the i-boll connects with most mobile smart devices that users are already familiar with , making it both highly accessible and cost effective ,” Mr Hobbs said . www . novita . org . au www . flinders . edu . au
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