New Venture will apply F1 technology to improve physiotherapy for conditioning and pa

Aug. 23, 2010 - PRLog -- .
HETHEL – A new organisation combining Formula One technology and the experience of one of Britain’s most renowned research physiotherapists aims to advance patient rehabilitation and conditioning techniques. The Gatherer Partnership, created by Don Gatherer and motorsport engineering expert John Bailey, will develop a range of innovative products and support packages that for the first time, offer physiotherapists accurate and objective data for the management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions.  Data such as peak force and fatigue rating of voluntary muscle contraction will enable physiotherapists to assess the patient’s true condition, determine the need for surgery as well as the ability to create and administer bespoke conditioning and rehabilitation programmes.
“Physiotherapy often relies on subjective data that can affect recovery levels and times,” says Don Gatherer.  “Our equipment will provide information on what the patient really can achieve and how their condition is developing over time.  Extensive work undertaken with rugby players suggests we can improve recovery times too.”
To acquire such objective data, The Gatherer Partnership is incorporating electronic measurement devices that are typically found in F1 racing cars. “Using loadcells and associated telemetry will introduce previously unseen levels of accuracy, repeatability and quality data to the physiotherapy profession,” says John Bailey. “It genuinely can revolutionise the role of the physiotherapist.”
Aside from the professional sports sector where Gatherer, a former Great Britain Olympic and England rugby physio is highly regarded, The Gatherer Partnership expects its tools to be relevant to a range of applications including defence, medical, insurance and leisure industries. “Examples include physical fitness assessments and monitoring at a gym or whether a physical injury claim was legitimate,” suggests Bailey. “Users would have access to objective data on a patient’s condition and its progression based on actual data rather than a subjective assessment. This could be very useful to the insurance industry or even for benefits agencies for example.”
About The Gatherer Partnership
The Gatherer Partnership www.thegathererpartnership.com offers accurate and objective data collection, analysis and rehabilitation monitoring to the field of physical therapy, exercise and sport. Derived from motorsport technology, combined with the unique research experience of physiotherapist Don Gatherer, The Gatherer Partnership will advance the rehabilitation and conditioning of patients through the use of repeatable and measurable processes. The tools and techniques developed can benefit all sectors with particular reference to sport, medicine, rehabilitation and leisure gyms. Operating from new facilities in Norfolk, The Gatherer Partnership is also developing bespoke derivatives of its GP Harness and GP Analysis Suite to allow organisations to offer the technology to their athletes, customers or patients. Visit www.thegathererpartnership.com for more information.

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About The Gatherer Partnership
The Gatherer Partnership www.thegathererpartnership.com offers accurate and objective data collection, analysis and rehabilitation monitoring to the field of physical therapy, exercise and sport. Derived from motorsport technology, combined with the unique research experience of physiotherapist Don Gatherer, The Gatherer Partnership will advance the rehabilitation and conditioning of patients through the use of repeatable and measurable processes. The tools and techniques developed can benefit all sectors with particular reference to sport, medicine, rehabilitation and leisure gyms. Operating from new facilities in Norfolk, The Gatherer Partnership is also developing bespoke derivatives of its GP Harness and GP Analysis Suite to allow organisations to offer the technology to their athletes, customers or patients. Visit www.thegathererpartnership.com for more information.