Making sure patients get the best out of therapy time can be quite a challenge. Luckily, sports scientist Fabian Mollard found a solution.
Fabian Mollard is a sports scientist with an expertise in gait training. He’s been two years at NiB Köln, which is one of the biggest centres for ambulant rehabilitation in Germany. The centre focuses on improving function in relation to rehabilitation goals set by the rehabilitation team together with the patients and their families.
Making the most out of every session
Conventional motorized movement devices, treadmills and standing tables were the go-to equipment for patients at NiB for a long time. Then Fabian discovered the Innowalk Pro while browsing the internet. It immediately piqued his curiosity, and a few months later, 35 patients at NiB had tried the device. Though he found the Innowalk Pro to be promising, he was surprised to see so many of the patients preferring it to other devices, whose shortcomings became clear.
“Unlike other devices, the Innowalk Pro gives you the opportunity to influence the rate of the steps. It’s also very responsive when trying to change the speed while walking,” says Fabian.
Earlier, there was no very intensive cardiovascular training system available for spinal cord injuries, because the conventional systems affected a very limited amount of muscle groups. In the Innowalk Pro, patients can use their whole body, train several muscle groups and get their pulse going. It also allows for breaks, as the patient can lower the seat into a sitting position without the hassle of getting out of the device. This way, patients can make the most out of their training, regardless of physical capacity.
“All these variations in usage ensure great therapy sessions no matter how the patient feels. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good or a bad day.”
The Innowalk Pro provides great benefits for therapists as well. The device’s quick and easy adjustment means less time spent adjusting the device to new users. This way, therapists can spend more time working with their patients and possibly fit more patients into their day.
READ MORE: Improved endurance and mood with the Innowalk
Group training is a natural next step
Today the Innowalk Pro is used as a personal trainer at the centre, but Fabian sees a potential for group sessions where you rotate between different equipment.
“With groups, one therapist can handle more patients at the same time. It’s a fun, social and motivating type of training – and highly effective.”
Fabian finds people with spinal cord injuries and MS to be great candidates for the Innowalk Pro. That said, his advice is to adjust training to each individual person and take it slow, no matter who you're working with. “Being careful and taking it step by step is key.”
