Discovery
In both the primary and secondary sites of Richard Cloudesley School, there is a real sense of a strong working relationship between therapy and education staff. All staff feel passionately about integrating movement within the curriculum for optimal learning, pupil well-being and quality of life.
The team discovered the Innowalk Pro in 2018, after a Physiotherapy assistant found it online and immediately booked a demonstration. From the first time they saw it there was a genuine interest throughout the whole school. Members of staff from a range of departments were keen to learn about the equipment and they enjoyed observing the students' reaction to upright movement - the buzz was palpable!
The therapy team organised a trial of both sizes of Innowalk PRO, which gave them time to understand the equipment, and the logistics it brings. The 6 week trial also allowed the therapy team to encourage staff participation, and to evaluate the impact that movement in the Innowalk Pro had on their students as well as any short term physiological gains.
Opportunity for Research
The trial of the Innowalk Pro and the surprising short term results meant that at an early stage, both the therapy team and the school's senior leadership team realised the Innowalk Pro had a place in their school setting, and could see how regular use of the equipment could enhance their students' lives.
The next step in the journey was to raise funds to secure the purchase of 2 Innowalk Pros for the school, one for each site. This inspired the lead physiotherapist Clare Grodon to undertake a research study looking at the effects that Innowalk Pro had on the students, which would demonstrate sound evidence based practice. The findings would help create clear guidance on how to maximise the use of Innowalk Pro in a school setting and no doubt, support the justification for fundraising for 2 Innowalk Pros for the school.
Outcome
Before the formal results from the study were analysed, there were many success stories from students who were included and also from those who weren't included in the trial. Some benefits experienced included better tolerance of standing, as well as improvement in functional sitting balance and trunk stability.
The school successfully managed to fundraise for two Innowalk Pros, a small and large for primary and secondary sites respectively. This means that movement is now integrated into the school day. Therapy is delivered in blocks, with the therapy team deciding on which students to use the Innowalk Pro based on clinical needs. Each student typically uses the device four times a week for a block of 6 weeks. During this time the class team has full control of the equipment, so pupils can use the Innowalk Pro during lesson time and not miss out.
Evidence based therapy
The study is now complete, and is the first of its kind to evaluate the potential benefit of using the Innowalk Pro in a special school setting using 6 week block therapy period. Results from the study showed that the Innowalk Pro has the potential to improve quality of life for the students in many different ways, improved sleep pattern, reduced pain, and positive outcome on general 24 hour postural care. It has also shown significant improvements in functional goals. Whilst also giving students a huge sense of achievement. School staff noticed increased engagement in lessons and also experienced students were more comfortable in other equipment such as standing frames, walkers and their wheelchair after using the Innowalk Pro.
The results from the study conducted by Clare Grodon is under review for publication in peer review journal. When it is published you will be able to find a link to the article here.
