THERAPY Magazin
Continuous improvement through feedback from the field
How feedback from therapists drives the development of THERA-Trainer therapy devices. Discover how practical insights shape safety, efficiency, and patient motivation—enhancing rehabilitation outcomes sustainably.
How THERA-Trainer focuses on practical experience – from development test to real application: insights into the continuous improvement of our medical products
For over 30 years, THERA-Trainer has stood for the development and distribution of high-quality movement exercisers and therapy devices that are used in neurological and geriatric rehabilitation worldwide. THERA-Trainer medical products are intended for exercise therapy and must therefore fulfil the strict quality and performance requirements that are essential in this field. As part of the Post Market Clinical Follow-up (PMCF), THERA-Trainer is committed to proactively collecting and analysing clinical data to confirm the safety and performance of the products throughout their lifetime.
“The safety and efficiency of our products make an important contribution to the therapeutic success of the patients whose state of health we want to improve sustainably with the help of our devices,” explains Miriam Keifert, Product Manager at THERA-Trainer. “That’s why our products undergo extensive and often lengthy testing at our sites to ensure the highest quality and reliability.” This thorough examination is essential, but it alone is not enough to recognise all practical challenges.
Questions often arise in the application that can only be answered through direct practical experience: What difficulties arise when using the bemo bed bike in the hectic everyday life of an intensive care unit? What special requirements arise when using the tigo movement exerciser for different clinical pictures? And how can the lyra electromechanical gait trainer be customised even better to the needs of patients and therapists?
“You don’t get answers to questions like these in simulated test environments,” emphasises the product manager. “These insights are only gained through feedback from users in practice.” For this reason, THERA-Trainer launched a Germany-wide online survey this year among therapists who work with the equipment on a daily basis. The aim of the survey was to gather information on the safety, performance and benefits of the therapy and training equipment and to further optimise the products on this basis. Some of the results of this survey are presented below.
“The safety and efficiency of our products make an important contribution to the therapeutic success of the patients whose state of health we want to improve sustainably with the help of our devices,” explains Miriam Keifert, Product Manager at THERA-Trainer. “That’s why our products undergo extensive and often lengthy testing at our sites to ensure the highest quality and reliability.” This thorough examination is essential, but it alone is not enough to recognise all practical challenges.
Questions often arise in the application that can only be answered through direct practical experience: What difficulties arise when using the bemo bed bike in the hectic everyday life of an intensive care unit? What special requirements arise when using the tigo movement exerciser for different clinical pictures? And how can the lyra electromechanical gait trainer be customised even better to the needs of patients and therapists?
“You don’t get answers to questions like these in simulated test environments,” emphasises the product manager. “These insights are only gained through feedback from users in practice.” For this reason, THERA-Trainer launched a Germany-wide online survey this year among therapists who work with the equipment on a daily basis. The aim of the survey was to gather information on the safety, performance and benefits of the therapy and training equipment and to further optimise the products on this basis. Some of the results of this survey are presented below.
tigo movement exerciser (cycling)
The THERA-Trainer tigo is a medical training device that is used for movement therapy. It is especially designed for people who have lost their mobility due to illness, injury or other restrictions. The device enables training of the upper or lower extremities, whereby both passive (supported by the device), assistive (partially supported) and active (independent) training is possible.
The THERA-Trainer tigo is mainly used in the rehabilitation of people with neurological disorders such as strokes, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. People with geriatric and orthopaedic restrictions also benefit from the targeted promotion of movement.
The THERA-Trainer tigo is a medical training device that is used for movement therapy. It is especially designed for people who have lost their mobility due to illness, injury or other restrictions. The device enables training of the upper or lower extremities, whereby both passive (supported by the device), assistive (partially supported) and active (independent) training is possible.
The THERA-Trainer tigo is mainly used in the rehabilitation of people with neurological disorders such as strokes, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. People with geriatric and orthopaedic restrictions also benefit from the targeted promotion of movement.
The results of this survey provide valuable insights into the utilisation and effectiveness of THERA-Trainers.
Customisability of the tigo
The THERA-Trainer tigo’s adaptability is crucial for optimising its use in the therapy of a wide range of patients. Patients in rehabilitation centres differ not only in terms of their body size, but also in terms of their clinical pictures and therapy goals. The tigo is intended to offer the opportunity to cater for these diverse needs on an individual basis.
The results of the survey show a high level of satisfaction among therapists with the customisability of the therapy device, which indicates its versatility. This supports targeted and effective rehabilitation, regardless of the patient’s individual circumstances.
The THERA-Trainer tigo’s adaptability is crucial for optimising its use in the therapy of a wide range of patients. Patients in rehabilitation centres differ not only in terms of their body size, but also in terms of their clinical pictures and therapy goals. The tigo is intended to offer the opportunity to cater for these diverse needs on an individual basis.
The results of the survey show a high level of satisfaction among therapists with the customisability of the therapy device, which indicates its versatility. This supports targeted and effective rehabilitation, regardless of the patient’s individual circumstances.
Therapeutic efficacy of the tigo
Furthermore, 14 out of 15 therapists feel that the therapeutic effectiveness of training with the tigo is better than with alternative forms of therapy. According to customer feedback, an important plus point is that patients feel more motivated and have a stronger drive when training with the tigo. This also results from the clear visibility of the successes for the patients.
Furthermore, 14 out of 15 therapists feel that the therapeutic effectiveness of training with the tigo is better than with alternative forms of therapy. According to customer feedback, an important plus point is that patients feel more motivated and have a stronger drive when training with the tigo. This also results from the clear visibility of the successes for the patients.
Standing & balancing devices
The THERA-Trainer standing & balancing devices are specialised rehabilitation devices designed to improve the standing and balancing skills of people with motor impairments or neurological disorders. These devices support patients in regaining mobility, stability and balance and are often used in neurorehabilitation.
The THERA-Trainer standing & balancing devices are specialised rehabilitation devices designed to improve the standing and balancing skills of people with motor impairments or neurological disorders. These devices support patients in regaining mobility, stability and balance and are often used in neurorehabilitation.
Customisability of the standing & balancing devices
The devices in the standing & balancing product line show equally good results in terms of adaptability to patient needs as the tigo. They are also suitable for treating a wide range of patients and can be adapted to different conditions.
The devices in the standing & balancing product line show equally good results in terms of adaptability to patient needs as the tigo. They are also suitable for treating a wide range of patients and can be adapted to different conditions.
The feedback shows us what really matters when designing and using the therapy devices
lyra gait trainer
The THERA-Trainer lyra is a state-of-the-art gait therapy device that has been specially developed for the rehabilitation of patients with neurological impairments in order to re-learn or improve walking. It is a robot-assisted gait training system that simulates the natural walking movement in a safe environment. The lyra is frequently used in neurorehabilitation, e.g. for patients with strokes, craniocerebral injuries or other neurological diseases that lead to limitations in walking ability.
The THERA-Trainer lyra helps to improve patients’ walking ability and gait pattern, increase their muscle power and endurance and regain confidence in their own mobility.
The THERA-Trainer lyra is a state-of-the-art gait therapy device that has been specially developed for the rehabilitation of patients with neurological impairments in order to re-learn or improve walking. It is a robot-assisted gait training system that simulates the natural walking movement in a safe environment. The lyra is frequently used in neurorehabilitation, e.g. for patients with strokes, craniocerebral injuries or other neurological diseases that lead to limitations in walking ability.
The THERA-Trainer lyra helps to improve patients’ walking ability and gait pattern, increase their muscle power and endurance and regain confidence in their own mobility.
Therapeutic efficacy of the THERA-Trainer lyra
In the case of the lyra, the possibility of starting therapy at an early stage is a particularly positive feature. In comparison to walking with a therapist’s assistance or walking on a treadmill, the use of the lyra allows the first steps to be taken earlier in the course of therapy. The number of repetitions achieved is also much higher than with comparable therapy methods. However, the lyra not only has advantages for the patients; the therapists also benefit from the relief provided by the use of the gait trainer.
In the case of the lyra, the possibility of starting therapy at an early stage is a particularly positive feature. In comparison to walking with a therapist’s assistance or walking on a treadmill, the use of the lyra allows the first steps to be taken earlier in the course of therapy. The number of repetitions achieved is also much higher than with comparable therapy methods. However, the lyra not only has advantages for the patients; the therapists also benefit from the relief provided by the use of the gait trainer.
Utilisation of the devices
The information provided by the therapists on the average duration of a training session and the number of daily sessions per device provide informative values on the frequency of use. High utilisation indicates that the devices are used regularly and intensively in everyday therapy, which is an important factor for cost-effectiveness and acceptance.
The information provided by the therapists on the average duration of a training session and the number of daily sessions per device results in the following values:
The THERA-Trainers are used several times a day in the therapy sessions and make a significant contribution to enriching everyday therapy. The tigo in particular has an impressive average utilisation rate of 4.3 hours per day. This corresponds to about half of a working day and illustrates how much the devices help to relieve the therapists. Depending on the patient’s condition, 1:1 supervision by the therapist is often not required during training with one of the THERA-Trainers, so the therapist can supervise several patients at the same time. In times of a shortage of specialists, this is a great advantage, as patients can still receive a comprehensive range of treatment options.
The information provided by the therapists on the average duration of a training session and the number of daily sessions per device provide informative values on the frequency of use. High utilisation indicates that the devices are used regularly and intensively in everyday therapy, which is an important factor for cost-effectiveness and acceptance.
The information provided by the therapists on the average duration of a training session and the number of daily sessions per device results in the following values:
The THERA-Trainers are used several times a day in the therapy sessions and make a significant contribution to enriching everyday therapy. The tigo in particular has an impressive average utilisation rate of 4.3 hours per day. This corresponds to about half of a working day and illustrates how much the devices help to relieve the therapists. Depending on the patient’s condition, 1:1 supervision by the therapist is often not required during training with one of the THERA-Trainers, so the therapist can supervise several patients at the same time. In times of a shortage of specialists, this is a great advantage, as patients can still receive a comprehensive range of treatment options.
Motivation through biofeedback
Biofeedback plays an important role in rehabilitation as it gives patients real-time feedback on their physical functions and progress. This direct visualisation of your own performance not only helps to increase awareness of your own body, but also promotes targeted training. In rehabilitation, biofeedback can be used as a motivational tool to actively involve patients in the therapy process and support them on their way to a better recovery. It serves as a motivating element that makes progress clear and comprehensible, which in turn can lead to greater therapeutic success.
The playful forms of therapy are intended to encourage patients to enjoy the sessions and at the same time increase their motivation during training, thereby achieving better therapy results. With the help of biofeedback, patients and therapists can visualise the results of each training session and clearly recognise progress.
The assessment of the therapists surveyed shows that 24 out of 26 patients find the combination of games and biofeedback motivating or even very motivating. This increased motivation is aimed at improving the patients’ drive and stamina, which can have a direct positive influence on the rehabilitation process.
Biofeedback plays an important role in rehabilitation as it gives patients real-time feedback on their physical functions and progress. This direct visualisation of your own performance not only helps to increase awareness of your own body, but also promotes targeted training. In rehabilitation, biofeedback can be used as a motivational tool to actively involve patients in the therapy process and support them on their way to a better recovery. It serves as a motivating element that makes progress clear and comprehensible, which in turn can lead to greater therapeutic success.
The playful forms of therapy are intended to encourage patients to enjoy the sessions and at the same time increase their motivation during training, thereby achieving better therapy results. With the help of biofeedback, patients and therapists can visualise the results of each training session and clearly recognise progress.
The assessment of the therapists surveyed shows that 24 out of 26 patients find the combination of games and biofeedback motivating or even very motivating. This increased motivation is aimed at improving the patients’ drive and stamina, which can have a direct positive influence on the rehabilitation process.
Summary and conclusion
The results of this survey provide valuable insights into the utilisation and effectiveness of THERA-Trainers. They illustrate both existing potential for improvement and the strengths of the devices in everyday therapeutic practice. The feedback shows us what is really important in the design and use of the therapy devices and provides us with concrete pointers for optimisation.
It is important to note that the results are based on a limited number of data sets and therefore no generalised statements can be made. Nevertheless, they provide a significant assessment of how well the THERA-Trainers are matched to the requirements of therapeutic practice.
We would like to thank all the therapists who took part in our survey. Their experience from daily practice is invaluable and contributes significantly to the continuous improvement of THERA-Trainers. We always welcome your feedback and greatly appreciate your support.
The results of this survey provide valuable insights into the utilisation and effectiveness of THERA-Trainers. They illustrate both existing potential for improvement and the strengths of the devices in everyday therapeutic practice. The feedback shows us what is really important in the design and use of the therapy devices and provides us with concrete pointers for optimisation.
It is important to note that the results are based on a limited number of data sets and therefore no generalised statements can be made. Nevertheless, they provide a significant assessment of how well the THERA-Trainers are matched to the requirements of therapeutic practice.
We would like to thank all the therapists who took part in our survey. Their experience from daily practice is invaluable and contributes significantly to the continuous improvement of THERA-Trainers. We always welcome your feedback and greatly appreciate your support.
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