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Total Physio Clinics offer treatment in physical limitations as well as treatment for neurological injuries/condition NeuroGym®'s approach to physiotherapy for individuals with neurological injuries/conditions was developed through a synthesis of research findings in human motor learning and motor control, biomechanics, physiology of exercise, and rehabilitation medicine. Historically, one of the most widely used approaches to physical rehabilitation in neurologic populations has been the Neurodevelopmental (NDT) or Bobath approach that was based on a reflex-hierarchical theory. Recent research in movement sciences involving motor skills has resulted in a number of current models of human motor control (e.g. neural networks, coordinative structures or synergies, action plans or motor programs). Despite differences between these various models, one commonality is that the individual is viewed as an active participant in the learning process. |
Movement scientists have been enhancing our knowledge about how motor skills are acquired, researchers studying brain plasticity have also been providing increasing evidence that the brain is capable of much greater recovery following damage than had been previously thought - even many years post-acute. While these advances in theoretical research in both movement science and brain plasticity were and continue to be significant, the implications of these findings have been slower to impact on clinical practice.
The NeuroGym® concept was developed as a practical implementation of research findings relating to such important rehabilitation issues as motor skill learning, brain plasticity and muscle physiology. To be most successful in achieving this aim, new therapeutic techniques and tools were developed to help better enable the motor re-learning process. For example, highly interactive and speed-sensitive EMG and Balance Biofeedback systems were created to allow for more intensive and effective motor retraining. These unique tools and techniques were designed to be equally as effective for an individual with extremely limited motor control (such as following brain or spinal cord injury), as for a child who wishes to improve 'clumsy' motor abilities or for an athlete recovering from knee or ankle injury.
The clinical effect of an active, motor learning-based approach to neurological physical rehabilitation, even in individuals many years post-acute, is accumulating rapidly. Successful physical rehabilitation of motor deficits resulting from neurologic injury or disease requires intensive practice.
The NeuroGym® techniques and tools are designed to optimize the re-training process by creating a 'neurological gymnasium'. As a result, we have created a number of 'movement enablers', unique equipment that enhances the re-acquisition of motor abilities through enabling safe, effective, active movement training that can be carried out frequently and intensively without the boredom often associated with such therapy. Innovations like the NeuroGym® Trainer that provides EMG and Balance biofeedback through an interface with speed-sensitive computer games, or the Bungee Walker that allows adjustable, mobile, body-weight support, enable clients to actively engage in the re-acquisition of motor skills. Our trained therapists have a rich variety of techniques and tools to use in the development of an individualized rehabilitation program for every client.
Learn more about some of our innovative tools on the offical NeuroGym® website: