Authors: (including presenting author): :
Chan BSC, Chung RKF, Kwan YYF, Chan JSP, Leung KKL
Affiliation: :
Physiotherapy Department, Kowloon Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Enhancing Mobility and Functional Outcomes
Keyword 2: :
Frail Geriatric Patients
Keyword 3: :
Electric Limb Mobilization Device
Keyword 4: :
Infection Control Wards
Introduction: :
Infection control wards for patients, such as those designated for patients colonized or infected with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) require stringent isolation, limiting gym-based rehabilitation and causing functional decline. A new administrative procedure introduced the MOTOmed® electric limb mobilization device for in-ward training. This technology enables passive to active exercises, supporting safe, continuous rehabilitation with reduced staff-patient contact under infection control restrictions.
Objectives: :
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MOTOmed® lower extremity rehabilitation on ambulation, functional mobility and independency and activity tolerance among frail geriatric patients in infection control wards at Kowloon Hospital.
Methodology: :
A prospective single-arm study was conducted from January to December 2025. Eligible participants were aged ≥65 years, admitted to infection control wards, with baseline mobility classified as dependent walker or above (Modified Functional Ambulation Classification (MFAC) Category ≥ III). Exclusion criteria included joint replacements, severe joint stiffness, muscle contracture, limb deformity, acute thrombosis, or severe osteoporosis. All patients received MOTOmed® lower extremity mobilization (20 minutes/ session, 6 - 9 sessions total) alongside conventional Physiotherapy. Outcomes measured included MFAC, Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), and the 30-second sit-to-stand test. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27.0 with Paired Samples T-Test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test; significance was set at p < 0.05.
Result & Outcome: :
Fifteen patients (mean age 82.69 ± 8.84 years, 40% male, 60% female) completed the intervention. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test showed significant improvement in MFAC (p = 0.005), with a notable increase in supervised walker ambulation (MFAC category V from 0% to 26.7%). Paired Samples T-Test revealed significant gains in EMS (mean change 4.47 ± 3.09, from 6.67 ± 3.29 to 11.13 ± 4.47, p < 0.001) and 30-second sit-to-stand test (mean change 1.53 ± 1.25 repetitions, from 1.73 ± 1.34 to 3.27 ± 1.71, p < 0.001). The MOTOmed®’s adjustable training modes and resistance help enhance lower limb strength, endurance, and coordination, which can effectively counteract muscle atrophy resulting from prolonged immobility and further benefit functional tasks. This initiative marks a noteworthy shift in rehabilitation practice within designated infection control wards, demonstrating that structured in-ward technological rehabilitation can safely and effectively promote mobility, independence, and activity tolerance when traditional gym-based sessions are not feasible. Thus, the integration of MOTOmed® training into infection control settings provides a pragmatic model to sustain rehabilitation intensity without compromising infection control standards.
