Mini-exercise bike funded for Gara Ward

Patients on Gara Orthopaedic Ward at the Friarage are benefitting from the addition of a mini-exercise bike which will help to aid their recovery following knee surgery.

The mini-bike, which does not have a seat but is a set of portable pedals, was generously donated to the ward via Friends of the Friarage from a kind patient who had been treated on Gara and wanted to donate something, to give back and say thanks for the extensive care she received.

Specialist Physiotherapist, Danielle Gash suggested purchasing the set of pedals, which are often recommended to patients for them to continue their physio with at home. Danielle was excited to tell us that the pedals have already been used by a number of patients in just the few weeks since they arrived.

Patients who have had knee surgery may be struggling to bend the knee and therefore need exercise to build up their strength and mobility. Patients on the ward are likely to be put on a 'CPM machine' - which uses continuous passive motion to move the patients' legs and prevent stiffness. While the CPM is obviously beneficial, the machine does all the work while the patient doesn't need to do anything - so the pedals are the next step from there to help the patient work the knee themselves and improve their strength and balance, and regain confidence in their physical ability before they are able to go home. The CPM can be in use with a patient for up to an hour, so the pedals are becoming a great alternative to have readily available.

They are very easy to use - being freestanding allows the pedals to be moved closer to the patient so that the bend of the knee is increased, or for patients finding that hard, they can be pushed further away so that the leg is more extended. For patients who are not yet able to do a full rotation of the pedals, they can simply move their feet up and down, which at least is giving them some movement. Once the patients' fitness returns, the resistance can be increased to work the leg and knee harder. 

As the pedals are portable, they can easily be moved from patient to patient and only require a quick wipe-down in between use. Staff are already noticing more flexbility in their time with patients after introducing the machine. A small addition to the ward but likely one which will see a lot of use - we are delighted we could help the patient make her generous donation and hope she sees what a difference it will make!