Research Project in ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Since the end of 2010 the Institute of Human Movement Sciences of ETH Zurich is conducting a study

that investigates the effects of a combined motor-cognitive training on gait quality as well as

cognitive and physical functioning.

One of the most important needs of the older population is to keep independent living as long as

possible and therefore it is necessary to have the ability to walk safely. Increased gait variability,

shorter step lengths and decreased walking velocity are the factors associated with an increased fall

risk in the future.

For many years, walking behavior has been perceived primarily as an automated process and until

recently, falls were mainly considered as a failure of these motor mechanisms. However, recently, it

is found that some patients are with cognitive impairment in spite of their relatively intact motor

function.

Dual-task screening tests are based on the premise that elderly people have more difficulties

completing several tasks simultaneously. This premise is reflected by daily activities (e.g. talking while

walking) in which older adults often stop or fall. These findings and recent research based on dual-

task paradigms converge on the notion that cognition, gait, and the fall risk are correlated in old age.

Intervention programs that aim to improve locomotor function should include progressive strength

training using age-adapted machines (preferably HUR pneumatic machines), and postural balance

training. We strongly believe that interventions, which combine strength, balance, and a specific

cognitive training have an additional positive effect enabling older adults to move more safely,

increase life quality and to reduce falls. Our computerized cognitive training includes programs to

train alertness, selective attention as well as divided attention.

The study already took place in eight senior facilities in Switzerland (enclosed the reference list of

HUR users).

Project ETH Zurich: Participants with HUR equipment 2011

Institution Alters- und Pflegeheim Sägematt

Direction Margrit Grüninger

Address Bahnhofstrasse 12, 2543 Lengnau BE

HUR

Leg press rehab, Abduction / Adduction rehab, Abdomen /

Back

Bild

Experience

M. Grüninger: “Since a long time ago I was planning to

purchase resistance training machines, but I did not because

of the price. Participation in this research project was the

essential point…and it was such a success! Participants could

increase life quality, self-esteem and they are very

confident.”

Institution Alterssiedlung & Alterswohnheim Oberburg

Direction Urs Pont

Address Krieggasse 12, 3414 Oberburg BE

HUR

Leg press rehab, Abduction/Adduction rehab,

Abdomen/Back, Optimal Rhomb

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Experience

U. Pont: "I'm confident that it was worth investing in these

age adapted machines." S. Fankhauser (picture): "I am on

vacation next week, hope that there will be a fitness room at

the hotel."

Institution Alterszentrum am Etzel

Direction Roger Muther

Address Dorfstrasse 55, 8835 Feusisberg

HUR

Abdomen/Back, Abduction/Adduction rehab, Optimal

Rhomb

Bild

Experience

M. Simons (picture): "It is a big advantage for us to be able to

train in the facility close to our apartment. People tell me

that I look very upright." M. Stammler: "I don't need my

walking assist device anymore."

Institution Alters- und Pflegeheim Domleschg

Direction Paul Lehmann

Address Marktwiese, 7413 Fürstenaubruck

HUR Leg Press rehab, Abduction / Adduction rehab

Bild

Experience

P. Lehmann: "By participating in the ETH research project,

our quality of life has improved very much. HUR machines

are the right incentive for the elderly." J. Seifert (picture): "I

like the Leg Press, in the beginning I could press 24, now

already 60!"

Institution Schlössli Biel-Bienne AG, Zentrum für Langzeitpflege

Direction Monika Eichelberger

Address Mühlestrasse 11, 2504 Biel-Bienne

HUR

Leg press rehab, Abduction / Adduction rehab, Optimal

Rhomb

Experience

M. Eichelberger: "HUR Machines are located in the

physiotherapy facility close to our building. Now we are

considering buying more machines for the different

(->other) floors of the nursing care.”

Success stories:

Case 1: A man who suffered stroke 13 years ago and his arm and leg are paralyzed since then. In the

beginning, he told that he will never get better because his condition has not changed for 13 years.

After a while, he started to like the Abduction/Adduction rehab machine because he could train

alternately using range limiters. During the exercise he felt that there are still some activities in his

paralyzed leg. After 6 weeks of training, the feeling in his legs partially came back.

Case 2: A part of a letter that we received from a participant: “It was the best thing I did since a long

time ago.”

Case 3: R. Löffel: “Since I do the exercises I can walk more safely without walking assist device. I’m

surprised about my progresses.”F. Juillerat: “I have less dizziness and nausea since I started to train.”

To reach a total amount of 140 participants we are planning to recruit at least seven additional senior

facilities in 2012:

1. Pflegimuri, Muri: Leg press rehab, Abduction/Adduction rehab, Abdomen/Back rehab,

Optimal Rhomb, started in March 2012

2. Zentrum Aettenbühl, Sins: Leg press rehab, Abduction/Adduction rehab, Optimal Rhomb,

starts in April 2012

3. Diakoniewerk Bethanien, Zurich: Leg press rehab, Abduction/Adduction rehab,

Abdomen/Back rehab, Optimal Rhomb, starts in July 2012

4. Stütlihus, Grabs: Leg press rehab, Abduction/Adduction rehab, Abdomen/Back rehab,

Optimal Rhomb, starts in November 2012

5. Haus Wäckerling, Uetikon: Leg press rehab, Abduction/Adduction rehab, Abdomen/Back

rehab, Optimal Rhomb, starts in September 2012

6. Diakonissen Seniorenstift Bürgerhospital, Speyer (DE): FCM Leg press, FCM

Adduction/Abduction, FCM Abdomen/Back, FCM Optimal Rhomb, starts in May 2012

7. Alters- und Pflegeheim Gerbe, Einsiedeln: They will firstly go to Feusisberg by bus and if it is a

success they will install their own fitness room.

Users in all senior facilities mentioned that HUR equipment’s advantages are; easy to use, no noise of

weight stacks, gentle and joint protecting movement, steplessly adjustable resistance, range limiters.

In addition, these advantages enable to have a wide range of people with different physical condition

for the training. The oldest participant is 99 years old and there are also several participants with

overweight as well as with short height, less than 1.41m.

Everyone can train with HUR equipments and they are happy with their choice.

ARTICLES ( In German )