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Different Technologies in Physical Therapy Chelsey Taggart Monday/Wednesday 9:30

+Different Technologies in Physical Therapy There are hundreds of types of technologies in the area of physical therapy. They range from typical machines such as a treadmill to advanced machines that target more severe injuries. This presentation will explore some of the new and emerging tools that are available to the PT specialists that may create diversity in the therapy environment.

+Ekso Suit Wearable bionic suit which enables individuals

with any amount of lower extremity weakness to stand up and walk over ground with a natural, full weight bearing, reciprocal gait.

Great for those transitioning into walking after an extreme spinal or lower extremity injury.

+Ekso Suit

Currently the Ekso Suit is in trial runs in physical therapy centers across the U.S. with a majority of these practices catering to military veterans.

Cost is about $100,000.

Statistics: Weight: 45lbs Speed: 2mph Battery Life: 6 hours Can carry up to 220 pounds

+VirtualRehab

VirtualRehab has 9 different games to help treat various physical symptoms using customized physical rehabilitation programs.

Creates real life scenarios, such as rowing a boat, standing on one foot, etc. that the patient must preform and progress through in order to continue on through the levels.

YouTube

At the moment VirtualRehab has not been commercialized in the U.S. but it has growing popularity in Europe. Because it is in it’s trial stages it is being provided for only $3/month.

+Wii The Wii video gaming system has grown in popularity

among physical therapists because certain games have shown to improve patient’s balance, range of motion, and time spent on their feet.

A Wii console can be found with princes ranging from $150-$250 on amazon.com

+Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is the use of water to either provide relaxation, resistance, or to reduce stress on the patient’s joints. Water temperature, coupled with agitation or vibration against the skin, can soothe and relax muscles.

Often aqua therapy costs are covered by the patient’s insurance provider. If this is not the case prices may range from $90-$250/45 minutes.

For more info: Aqua Therapy

+Mirrors While although mirrors may not be new or

advanced, they are vital in the success of a patient. Being able to asses their posture allows the patient to maintain proper form throughout an exercise. They will be able to correct any incorrect movements as well as be able to assess their progress from week to week.

The price of a mirror depends on quality and size. Personal use

mirrors can be found at department stores such as Target while other,

more commercial uses would need to be purchased through a local

hardware store.

+Exercise Balls Similarly to the mirrors exercise balls are not up and

coming but they are very important to the success of a patient. Stability balls are used to develop balance and core strength. Several exercises can be preformed on a balance ball to provide an added difficulty and progression through a range of motion.

Exercise balls are relatively inexpensive! Princes can range from $11-$25 and can be found in department stores such as Target.

+WebPT

WebPT is an easy way to keep track of a patient’s exercise plan, progress, documentation, and communicate with the patient’s general doctor. It is currently being used at thousands of physical therapy practices across the United States.

Pricing starts at $49/month for the basic subscription and can be upgraded to obtain more features.

+Thank you!

+Sources

Amazon.com: Wii." Amazon.com: Wii. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2015.

"AQUAHAB | Physical Therapy." AQUAHAB | Physical Therapy. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2015.

"Ekso Bionics - Exoskeleton, Wearable Robot for People with Paralysis from SCI or Stroke." Ekso Bionics - Exoskeleton, Wearable Robot for People with Paralysis from SCI or Stroke. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2015.

"Exercise+balls+ Search Results Page." Exercise+balls+ at Target. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2015.

"The Leading Physical Therapy Software | WebPT." WebPT. N.p., 07 Oct. 2013. Web. 24 Feb. 2015.

"Mirrors+ Search Results Page." Mirrors+ at Target. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2015.

"Virtualrehab | Virtual Rehabilitation System." Virtualrehab. Virtualwear Group, n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2015.