KAROLINSKA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OFFERS ULTRA MODERN EXERCISE WITH SMART BRACELETS
Training and rehabilitation at Karolinska University Hospital have made a great leap forward into the digital millennium. By means of ultra modern machines and technology from HUR, patients are provided with a digital bracelet containing all the information needed to be given the correct training.
– The bracelets have been programmed by a physical therapist and then the machine reads off the bracelet digitally and adapts weights to the patient ' s individual training programme. Everything is completely automatic, says Brita Eriksson de Franco-Cereceda, specialist physical therapist and manager of the functional unit at Karolinska University Hospital.
When your energy level is at its lowest and you most need help in recuperation, HUR comes into the picture. These machines are a modern and functional solution and are constructed to ensure the patients ' well-being and that the training programmes are tailor-made to suit each patient. Everything is controlled by an intelligent computer system.
– In our machine park we can input training programmes for the patients. These are unique programmes adapted according to their needs and their respective training module, tells Brita Eriksson de Franco-Cereceda.
One can regard the heart of Karolinska University Hospital ' s machine park as a computing kiosk. The patients are given ultra modern bracelets incorporating a digital chip. These in their turn contain information necessary to help the patient adapt their training in the best possible way.
The patient is then provided with the precise exercise they should do. The machine adjusts the load to the patient ' s training programme and the weights can be increased by 100g. The physical therapist has previously made an assessment of the patient ' s mobility and strength. The machine park is used today by patients with varying diagnoses within out-patient care, for example those with heart conditions, COPD and other lung diseases.
– A decisive factor regarding the exercise equipment is exactly how the machines can adjust the weights to a margin of 100g, says Brita Eriksson de Franco- Cereceda. The bracelet itself is convenient to put on and most patients manage this themselves; then the machine takes over.
– It also saves time for our physical therapists, who do not need to adjust the machines manually for each patient and each training programme.
According to both physical therapists and users, the machines are comfortable to use.
– Yes, they suit a large number of people and can be adapted with extra back supports if necessary. Generally speaking, it is easy to use the machines as they are equipped with low steps for people with restricted mobility.
The noise levels at Karolinska University Hospital ' s fitness centre have also dropped. There used to be more clattering when weights were being manually adjusted, while today there are only faint hissing sounds from the compressors that generate compressed air for the machines.
– With a unified activity in sight, Karolinska University Hospital has invested in HUR modules and the aim is that these will be available to many more patients from inpatient as well as outpatient care, comments Brita Eriksson de Franco-Cereceda.
Author: Conny Pedersén Pictures: Karolinska University Hospital
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