PHYSIOTHERAPY outcomes for patients in Cairns will be enhanced as the result of a generous donation provided through the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Donors Les and Anne Mills inspected the MOTOmed rehab equipment recently to see how their $9000 donation would help improve outcomes.
Cairns Hinterland and Hospital Health Service community rehabilitation team senior physiotherapist Vivienne Sandler said the equipment was used in therapy for clients with a broad range of physical issues including spinal injury, deconditioning, stroke, post total knee replacement, post fracture or arthritis.
“It’s used in the physio gym to improve strength, mobility and endurance training for people’s arms and/or legs,” Ms Sandler said.
The foot and arm pedals are operated by the patient – and patients really do enjoy the motion, comfort and ease of use of this machine. The MOTOmed measures a range of performance including speed, symmetry, distance, time etc which is useful in monitoring and progressing clients’ improvement.
“The motor can be used to provide passive or assisted movement for people who are unable to move their limbs, or the pedals can be moved actively by the client – and the machine provides graduated resistance,” Ms Sandler added.
Mr and Mrs Mills, regular donors to the Foundation, said they were thrilled to see the equipment in action, and they could see how it would benefit many people for years to come.
Mr Mills even tried out the equipment and said he enjoyed seeing how patients would benefit.
“This is wonderful to see this equipment and know that it will be used by people on a daily basis, and that it will help improve their confidence and their abilities,” Mrs Mills said.
Foundation CEO Tony Franz also enjoyed seeing the MOTOmed in action, and said it was rewarding to be able to make a difference in providing equipment that might not otherwise be available.
“This is a great piece of equipment and we can see that this will benefit many people today and into the future,” Mr Franz said.
For further information, to donate or volunteer for the Foundation visit www.fnqhf.org.au.
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