April 24, 2015
Story by Kerri Robins; photo by Jane McHattie
VERMILION — When Ed Schneider suffered a stroke in the spring of 2012, he lost movement on his left side.
“I couldn’t move my left leg or foot and it was difficult moving my arm and hand,” recalls Schneider, now a long-term care resident at Vermilion Continuing Care Centre.
Lately, however, the 84-year-old has been working out on the MOTOmed bike as part of his therapy program — and says he’s thrilled to be seeing some improvement.
“I work on it about 10 to 15 minutes once a week and I’ve gained back some strength in my legs; I’m am able to move around a lot easier,” he says.
Dot Hartwell, rehabilitation assistant at the facility, says the MOTOmed has become an asset to long-term care.
“Our major goal is getting seniors up and about using their own strength and muscles with as little assistance as possible, because recovering mobility is so important to keep them active and mentally healthy,” says Hartwell.
“The MOTOmed is excellent for increasing strength and endurance and improving the cardiovascular system.”
The bike was purchased for the facility with the help of the Friends of Vermilion Health Centre last July at a cost of almost $12,000. The motorized bike offers can vary resistance levels on the handlebars, which move back and forth, as well as the pedals, so riders can exercise both the upper and lower body in one workout. This also makes it possible to customize exercise programs. As well, users have the option of sitting in a chair or a wheelchair during their workout.
At first, residents train by using only the motor-driven pedals. But once the rider feels strong enough, they can turn off the motor and pedal under their own strength.
“It takes a while for the seniors to build up tolerance on the bike,” says Hartwell.
“But after a while, most of them discover they can use it for much longer. Circulation and metabolism are improved, as well, because the residents are moving a lot and using some big muscles.
“Ed has been using the bike since we purchased it and he’s shown some real improvement in his strength and endurance.”
Shellie Bates, Chair of the Friends of Vermilion Health Centre, says she’s pleased that long-term care residents have the use of the MOTOmed.
“We have a really great community that supports our health care in so many ways,” says Bates. “I’m proud to be part of such a great group of caring people.”
As for Schneider?
He’s racking up the kilometres on the bike.
“My best distance on it is 12 km,” he says. “I really like using the bike.”
For more information, please visit albertahealthservices.ca/give.
