A Donor Advised Fund at The Community Foundation for Ireland has provided a grant to the National Rehabilitation Hospital for a ‘Motomed’. The Motomed Cycle is a motor driven, software controlled movement unit incorporating a leg cycle or arm/upper body exercise for both adults and children. It is a small compact unit which can be used in a rehabilitation setting or at home.
The cycle gently moves legs or arms passively or actively. It can also provide partial assistance if required. The alternating and repetitive movements can have a positive effect on muscle tone and joint mobility. It improves circulation, decreases oedema and can help alleviate spasms. The Motomed exercise helps generate a sense of wellbeing as it is a means whereby children with little or no movement can regularly exercise in active or passive mode using either legs or arm versions. The Motomed has been globally proven to positively influence the therapy progress of many conditions and it can strengthen a child’s physical and mental well-being with regular training.
The anonymous donor who supported the National Rehabilitation Hospital in purchasing a motomed has provided grants of over half a million euro in Ireland and internationally to support a number of social causes. The donor has a special interest in funding projects that support children and young people and has provided a number of grants to other organisations such as Soar, Barnardos and One Family. Many of our donors here at The Community Foundation for Ireland often fund innovative projects that would otherwise go unfunded if not for the generous and strategic giving of philanthropists in Ireland.