PEOPLE with spinal cord injuries face a brighter future, thanks to the groundbreaking Walk On program launched by Governor-General Quentin Bryce at Whitten Oval on Monday.
The program is an exercise-based rehabilitation partnership between Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) and Victoria University.
SCIA therapists will teach Walk On techniques to VU postgraduate exercise rehabilitation students so the program can be delivered to some of the estimated 360 Australians who suffer a spinal cord injury each year.
Walk On national operations manager Kierre Williams said the therapy improved central nervous system activity, core strength, muscle mass and movement, while boosting emotional and psychological health.
“Walk On clients range from young children to older adults and while not all of them will walk again, recovering the slightest movements can drastically improve their quality of life and independence and have benefits for their families.”
VU associate head of sport and exercise science, Dr Clare Hanlon, said students would gain invaluable hands-on experience of treating people with severe spinal injuries.
Speaking at the program launch, Rod Watson said it gave him hope after he suffered a terrible spinal injury when he fell off his trail bike.
He spent five months in hospital and attended Walk On for a 10-day program that helped him gain strength, co-ordination and stability as well as a more positive outlook on life in a wheelchair.
Thirteen-year-old paraplegic Isabel Martin told of the joy of being able to wiggle her toes and move and feel her legs.
Ms Bryce also met Hobsons Bay volunteers and children during a whirlwind tour on Monday.
