Patients Reach New Heights With Rock Climbing
Therapy Program Gains Popularity
BOSTON -- Patients at one Boston hospital are climbing the walls -- literally.
Video Report
Jon Duprez is gearing up for a tall task.
"It's unique so it's nice. It's something different, not just the ordinary stuff," Duprez said.
As part of his physical therapy, Duprez, whose brain was injured in a motorcycle crash, is scaling an 8-foot high, 25-foot long rock climbing wall.
"Each time I do this, I plan on making greater steps as far as distance is concerned. Just challenging myself more each time," Duprez said.
The wall is a new addition to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. Built by the group Access Sports America, it is allowing patients to safely work their muscles in a fun, creative way.
"Even though you're just going across, it's quite challenging. The idea you want to have three limbs on the wall at the same time, you don't want to try to move two hands at once or two feet at once," said spokesman Peter Halby of Access Sports America.
So just how does wall climbing give patients a leg up on their therapy? That's something doctors are studying.
"We're just looking at the physical and subjective benefits that people gain from our program in addition to doing other therapies," said Jaimee Ottaly, a physical therapist. "They get to work on balance, strength and endurance. It's kind of a chance to get a full body workout because you're using your trunk, your arms, your legs the whole time."
Eileen's injury left the right side of her body weak. She said that the wall helps her grab onto her outer and inner strength.
"Stretching is always good for ones muscles, tissues and one's joints, and it gives one a sense of accomplishment," she said. The climbing wall is free for patients at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. They also offer therapy through windsurfing, rowing and bicycling.
Copyright 2003 by foxreno.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.