Four months ago, Bill Presiznuik thought life as he knew it was over.
The 65-year-old was at the University of Alberta Hospital in early July recovering from a quadruple bypass when he suffered a stroke a week later, on the day he was to be released.
"I went to the bathroom and all of a sudden I started to trip. I was falling and I knew I couldn't stop myself," said Presiznuik, whose stroke left his left leg and left arm paralyzed.
"I couldn't move a fraction. I figured my life was over with."
Shortly after his stroke, Presiznuik arrived at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where his life began taking a turn for the better, thanks to a local invention.
The invention, developed by PhD student Michelle Annett, is an interactive tabletop with a touch-sensitive screen like an iPad.
Using the screen, rehabilitation patients can enjoy therapeutic activities such as popping virtual balloons, finger-painting and arranging family pictures. The technology gets patients using upper limb motor therapy to regain strength, co-ordination and reactive skills.
Annett came up with the idea when she was approached by staff at the Glenrose to come up with a low-cost version of a Microsoft surface.
Since its inception in July, nearly 40 patients have benefited from the interactive tabletop therapy.
The technology, which cost $6,000, also allows health professionals to precisely measure a patient's progress because it can track the slightest hand movement and reaction.
Presiznuik said he wakes up every day looking forward to physiotherapy on the interactive tabletop. Now, he's ready to check out of the Glenrose and has regained use of his arm and leg.
"There are times it definitely hurts, but every day you notice something different," said Presiznuik.
pamela.roth@sunmedia.ca
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