Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/460144
coordination, reaction time, speed and span of recognition, and visual and auditory sequencing and memory. It additionally is extremely effective when working with visual acuity improvement in patients with visual field loss, visual-spatial neglect and visual-vestibular integration problems. Letters, colors or numbers can be displayed on the device in the affected area of a patient's vision, with the objective for the patient to scan that impaired visual area to identify the object. Once the patient sees the character or number, he or she must reach and touch it. Therapists are able to record the patient's progress for improving vision over time. Human Touch Though the technology provides therapists at Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital new tools for furthering their patients' care, the human touch at the core of the hospital's mission remains key to patient outcomes. "The equipment is wonderful to have," Trebilcock says, "but it doesn't mean much without the therapists who dedicate their time to learning how to use it to get the best, personalized results for the patients we serve." Tammy Henning, who underwent rehabilitation at the hospital last summer after an aneurysm, says the personal touches helped motivate her to succeed with recovery. She recently returned to her position as a sheet metal worker at a Wichita aviation company. "They treated me with respect," she says. "It was as if I was at home. It was so emotional when I left there — I still cry about it. I felt like I was leaving my family." Since word of the Lokomat and other technology acquisitions has spread, Trebilcock says she has received inquiries from physicians from a broadening geographical area. She says the staff at Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital remains committed to keeping referring physicians up to speed with progress notes, no matter where the patients come from. "We're so excited about these new therapy resources," Trebilcock says. "We hope it will mean quicker and more complete recoveries for our patients, so they can get back to the lives they're used to living." Jana Rombeck, an occupational therapist with Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, helps a patient use the ArmeoSpring to regain fine motor skills. COV ER FE AT UR E TO LEARN MORE For more information or to refer a patient to Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, call 316-634-3400. To view a video of the LokomatPro FreeD, visit viachristi.org/rehab. The LokomatPro FreeD has been used at Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital since November. "It's having an effect on the patients' entire care," physical therapist Terri Reed says. The LokomatPro FreeD is designed to help patients relearn their gait after a stroke or other injury to the brain or spinal cord. But Via Christi therapists have been impressed with the effects the ambulator has had on patients' speech and cognition.