Press Release

Ball Funds Computerized Work-out Unit for Physical Therapy

Physical therapy patients at Burgess Health Center are being challenged in exciting new ways with the new Cybex trazer -- an interactive computer system that provides video-guided exercise to patients taking cues from animated images on a monitor.

The special piece of equipment that improves patient care is serving as another important rehab tool, through the generosity of guests at the recent Burgess Poinsettia Ball.

Guests and donors raised nearly $4,000 for the new equipment as part of a special intention announced at the ball. Derek Cartmill and his wife made the first donation to the fund. Guests who pledged additional amounts signed a volleyball tossed around the bidding crowd. The Burgess Auxiliary contributed matching funds to purchase the $7,900 unit.

Persons using the unit stand before the computer screen with a Burgess physical therapist and follows cues that prompt them to move. A participant jumps, lunges and moves in response to guidelines on the screen.

In following the work-out, they unknowingly blend speed with balance, agility, reaction time and other movements, according to Josh Lander, director of physical therapy at Burgess.

“We had a lot of fun working with this when it first arrived for us to test it out,” says Lander. “Everyone who starts watching the screen wants to try it. It really adds a fun element to therapy.”

The computer will measure patient progress, too, Lander says. A sensor records a person’s distance covered during the exercise, reaction time, even vertical leaps. It also can estimate calories burned and how much a person can change the body’s center of gravity.

The versatile unit has already been used with a number of patients including teenage high school athletes and seniors who have suffered a stroke and joint pain. Patients are able to use canes and other devices for safety as needed.

Patients spend two to six minutes following the machine’s prescribed exercise and may come back for 6 to 8 sessions as part of their treatment, Lander says. After a guided activity, the unit gives the patient immediate feedback on progress and will soon print off reports for physicians.

“Physical therapy plays an important role in helping many patients recover after illnesses and injuries,” Lander says. “We have a great new department and gym area for patient care at Burgess, and now we have another tool to motivate and benefit our patients in their rehabilitation.”