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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