New research centre features space age technology

A new medical research centre located in a Grant Park health clinic features some of the latest in cutting-edge technology, including a piece of equipment designed by NASA engineers.

Among the state-of-the-art health technology at the new David and Ruth Asper Research Centre — which opened Oct. 27 and which specializes in muscle, bone and joint care — is the world’s first diagnostic knee arthroscopy simulator and Canada’s first Alter-G treadmill.

“We are extremely excited about these new additions and how they will not only benefit our residents in training, but also aid in the rehabilitation of both elite and non-elite athletes,” said Jeff Leiter, executive director of the research centre.

The diagnostic knee arthroscopy simulator was designed by Touch of Life Technologies. The David and Ruth Asper Research Centre is the first facility in the world to feature the technology.

The virtual reality simulator allows for medical residents (doctors in training) to first hone their skills on a computer rather than in the operating room, which Leiter said will ultimately lead to improved care for patients.

“Traditionally, how residents learn is they will slowly go through the process of scoping the knee until they become comfortable and proficient, then the surgeon will bring them along a little further,” he said.

“This gives them the opportunity to come up on their own time and practise moving the scope around the knee joint.”

Another advantage of the simulator is a second screen that acts as a mentor, guiding residents step-by-step through a procedure.

“The simulator is extremely efficient in this day and age, when surgeons have limited time to sit down with somebody and take them through all the steps,” Leiter said.

The Alter-G treadmill is highly regarded for its training and rehabilitation capabilities. Designed by NASA engineers, it is capable of unloading up to 80% of a user’s body weight.

The machine has been used in the rehabilitation of world-class athletes such as Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Milt Stegall and Houston Rockets forward Yao Ming.

“From a patient’s standpoint, there are a lot of those who are non-weight bearing or on crutches. With the Alter-G treadmill we can decrease their body weight and keep their normal gait functioning,” Leiter said.

“With some elite athletes — like long distance runners — they will use this treadmill once a week just to take all the stress off their joints and minimize the risk of stress fractures.”

The Alter-G treadmill could be a useful tool for patients with arthro-arthritis who have trouble walking or running.

The treadmill is currently available only to the clinic’s existing patients. Leiter said the clinic hopes to make it available to the general public early in the new year.