Inverness health charity takes delivery of gravity-defying hi-tech kit
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The anti-gravity treadmill at The Oxygen Works empowers people to move without pain.
The new piece of technolohy literally lifts the person using it by using differential air pressure technology.
It is only found in 4000 facilities around the world and the charity's leaders believe it is one of only four such machines in Scotland.
They are hoping the treadmill will revolutionise rehabilitation and recovery services in the Highlands.
Leigh-Ann Little, chief executive of the Burnett Road charity, said: “We are not aware of any charity providing access to such technology within the community and we believe our model of service delivery will allow us to provide greater support to our existing and potential client base.
“Providing solutions to getting individuals back on their feet, in an environment that is safe both for the client and the therapist.
“In addition to this, we know that professional athletes will travel to access this type of equipment accessing private/commercial services in the central belt or through Edinburgh or Strathclyde university.”
She said it would allow The Oxygen Works to appeal to and support grassroot sports and athletes by offering access for rehabilitation to their professional counterparts following injury and/or surgery.
“This in turn will provide additional funding to support the work of the charity and in subsidising access to those individuals who would arguably gain the greatest benefit from the technology....offering them the possibility of walking once again,” she added.
It was possible through funding from the Highland Cross and Ms Little said: “We are looking to create an accessibility gym which will house equipment suitable for individuals of all abilities, which is safe and accessible for people to utilise independently where community and commercial gyms prove inaccessible for a variety of reasons.
“We will be installing a number of pieces of equipment based on pneumatic pressure to improve core strength, balance and independence for our core client base.”
