Local invention makes rehab more effective and enjoyable
October 20, 2010
EDMONTON — A local invention is inspiring patients at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital to spend more time performing therapeutic activities, which could lead to faster recoveries and improved outcomes.
A high-tech interactive tabletop marries a computer, digital projector, infrared sensing camera and dedicated software to help stroke, injury and surgical patients who require upper limb motor therapy to regain strength, co-ordination and reactive skills.
Traditionally, rehabilitation patients perform exercises such as stacking items, reaching for cones and wiping a table with a cloth.
“Although these activities rebuild strength and co-ordination, they can be quite boring and not very engaging,” says occupational therapist Quentin Ranson.
The interactive tabletop and its touch-sensitive screen offer rehabilitation patients more enjoyable therapeutic activities, such as popping virtual balloons, finger-painting and arranging family pictures.
“They get engaged in an activity and, before they know it, they’re half an hour into exercise without realizing they’re exerting themselves,” says Ranson. “They work longer and that can lead to a faster recovery.”
The tabletop can track even the slightest hand movement and reaction, allowing health professionals to precisely measure a patient’s progress.
Glenrose researchers, technologists and occupational therapists pooled their talents with University of Alberta computing science academic staff and students over the past year to build the prototype. It cost $6,000 and was funded by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.
Since its introduction in July, nearly 40 patients have benefited from interactive tabletop therapy.
Recovering stroke patient Bill Presiznuik says he looks forward to his time on the machine.
“It really gets your fingers and arms moving. There’s nothing like it,” says the 65-year-old Edmonton resident. “My left arm was totally paralyzed. I work a half hour or hour a day on the table and I can see a change every day.”
Darrell Goertzen, Technology Service Leader for Research and Technology Development at the Glenrose, says an interactive floor version for leg therapy is currently under development.
“Technology is becoming much more available and affordable. We can see it entering into all areas of rehab,” Goertzen says. “Just wait and see what we’ll be doing in the coming years — you'll be amazed.”
