This article is from page 13 of the 2006-09-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A NEW approach to muscle rehabilitation has been unveiled at the Ennis Leisure Complex.
An exercise machine specially designed for people with limited mobility was installed yesterday on a three-month trial basis at the complex.
The exercise/physical therapy unit, known as MOTOmed Therapy, can be used by people in wheelchairs and until now had only a limited availability. Ennis is the only facility of its kind to have access to the machine designed by Lyncare Ltd, a company specialising in the distribution of rehabilitation products.
Ennis was chosen after an initiative spearheaded by two members of the Clare branch of Multiple Sclerosis, Ireland.
Having seen the benefits of the MOTOmed in the University of Limerick, Anne Dunne and Enda O’Gara, with assistance from local Green Party councillor Brian Meaney, lobbied to bring the service to Ennis.
Speaking at the launch, Enda O’Gara and Anne Dunne said the exercise equipment provides an essential service to people dealing with a loss or partial loss of mobility and co-ordination due to an accident, stroke or conditions like MS and Spinabifida.
Mr O’Gara thanked the initiative shown by Ennis Town Council, Clare County Council and Lyncare Ltd. in making the specialised exercise equipment available for the three month trial.
“It is up to the people who are in need of this exercise machine to show that there is a demand for it, as its usage over the three-month trial will determine if monies will be made available to purchase this and perhaps other units,” he said.
Ennis Leisure Complex Manager, Jackie Coote, said that as it was a public facility, the complex had to be accessible and usable to as many people as possible and this was another way this was being achieved. There are two hoists for wheelchair users at the pool and four wheelchair-accessible machines already in the gym. The latest equipment should make it easier for people with disability to access a very worthwhile physical therapy and exercise in a way that is no different from any of the other exercise regimes at the complex.”
Lyncare Sales & Marketing Director, Andrea Lynch, said the system being provided at the Ennis complex included training for all the staff so it can be adapted to suit a range of clients with various conditions.
It is hoped the machine will be installed on a permanent basis once the trail elapses.