British medical researchers have unveiled a unique treatment method for stroke sufferers; a treadmill that 'tricks' the patient into moving faster.
Img: Lubbock Hospital. Credit: brykmantra/flickr
The unique technology, developed by a team at the University of Portsmouth, works by using giant images on a screen that respond slower to that of the patient on the treadmill, encouraging them to move more quickly.
By using many different settings, including woodland themes, the patient is encouraged to "walk" through the landscape.
The setting acts as a distraction and scientists have said it helps lessen the perception of pain, according to a related report in The Independent.
"The virtual system encourages patients to walk more quickly and for longer, almost without them realising it," explained Wendy Powell, the Portsmouth University researcher who developed the software. "It's not just that they're distracted from the pain; by moving faster than they realise, their body actually feels it less. We're effectively fooling the brain and cheating the body."
"It's a lot more fun than traditional rehab and it can actually facilitate a much faster recovery. Our test subjects are usually surprised when I tell them they've improved by up to 20 per cent," she said to the UK spreadsheet.
The Independent also quoted stroke sufferer Andy Long (61) as saying the new technology had greatly improved his rehabilitation.
"The vast majority of stroke survivors cannot use a normal treadmill because they are not in control," he said. "Many can only hold on with one hand, making it almost impossible. Walking is the best possible exercise for their bodies, and this system means it could all become available to them."
Early clinical trials on patients using the technology, in conjunction with McGill University in Canada, are said to be encouraging.
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