UK’s first video exercise programme for bed-ridden patients

Patients at Addenbrooke’s are the first in the country to have exercise videos broadcast straight to their bedside.

 

 

A 45-minute exercise programme has been developed to help patients avoid deep vein thrombosis and other complications associated with being immobile.

 

A doctor at Addenbrooke’s came up with the innovation while on a long-haul plane journey with his family. "That was the eureka moment", said Dr Duncan Forsyth, consultant geriatrician. "I was watching the in-flight video demonstrating exercises for the neck, shoulders and legs and thought we could we provide something similar for our patients. They could benefit from an exercise programme that can be carried out in a bed or chair.

 

"When patients aren’t mobile, there’s a chance their muscles will weaken and there’s a risk of deep vein thrombosis – especially in elderly patients. Exercise can help maintain muscle strength, improve mobility, help avoid complications such as chest infections and install a sense of wellbeing. This should all contribute to a quicker recovery.

 

"The exercises are designed so they can be carried out by anyone although staff do keep an eye on people and make sure they’re working within their means."

 

Exercises have been developed by Caroline Stoneham, a senior physiotherapist at Addenbrooke’s. The video, made in-house, allows patients to exercise at their leisure. It will be aired on the new bedside Addenbrooke’s Television Channel throughout each day.

 

 

The project, funded by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, will be officially launched on Wednesday 19 November in the Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre atrium at 1pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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