New MOTOMed device helps patients like Donna rebuild strength

Thanks to the generous support of the John Stewart Booth Trust, Well Foundation has recently funded a new MOTOMed exercise device for the Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre at North Shore Hospital, giving patients like Donna a valuable tool to help rebuild strength and independence.

Donna had a significant stroke around three months ago, losing motor function throughout the left side of her body. Since then, she has been working with Physiotherapist Brianne and the rehabilitation team as she works towards her goal of being able to return home.

Brianne says the new MOTOMed has become an important part of Donna’s rehabilitation.

“There’s a motor in the MOTOMed, which means it will help her to cycle when she can’t power it with her left side,” Brianne explains.

Donna using the new MOTOMed machine to rebuild strength after a significant stroke.

How the MotoMed helps patients like Donna

Unlike standard exercise pedals, the MOTOMed can assist a patient’s movement when they don’t yet have the strength or control to move independently. This allows patients at different stages of rehabilitation to exercise safely and build strength.

For Donna, it means she can use both sides of her body as she cycles.

“It’s absolutely amazing because it’s helped strengthen my right side, but also wake up the left,” Donna says.

The machine also provides aerobic exercise, which Brianne says can support both cardiac and mental health. Importantly, it gives patients who may not yet be ready to stand or walk independently another way to participate actively in their rehabilitation.

“It’s a really nice earlier stepping stone to getting people up and getting people home,” Brianne says. “More control, more independence.”

“We were all very excited”

For Brianne and her colleagues, the arrival of the MOTOMed was particularly exciting.

“We’ve been wanting a MOTOMed for years. When our manager came to tell us it was coming, we were all very excited.”

Brianne says the machine can benefit patients of all ages, but can be particularly useful for older patients who may be worried about falling. It allows them to concentrate on strengthening their legs before progressing to standing and walking.

“My role is to try and get people home again,” Brianne says. “We utilise the gym area and machines like the MOTOMed to get people stronger.”

Better care thanks to community support

For the rehabilitation team, the MOTOMed is another example of how generosity from the community can provide equipment beyond core hospital funding and enhance the care available to local patients.

“It’s amazing that the community supporters have funded this piece of machinery,” Brianne says. “It’s been fantastic that Well Foundation has done this.”

A huge thank you to the John Stewart Booth Trust for making this new MOTOMed possible and helping patients like Donna work towards greater strength, control and independence.

The project reflects Well Foundation's commitment to funding enhancements that go beyond what public funding can provide, helping to enhance hospital environments and patient experiences across North Shore and Waitākere Hospitals.