Physical Therapy Products recently spoke with Lila Corwin, director of marketing communications at Biodex Medical Systems Inc, Shirley, NY, about the company’s products and university sessions.

What will Biodex be highlighting at the 2007 APTA Combined Sections Meeting?

Lila Corwin

Biodex will be bringing our full showcase of products to the APTA Combined Sections Meeting this year. Together, our products tell one comprehensive story of integrated rehabilitation. For instance, the combination of the Gait Trainer 2 and Unweighing System is ideal for use with stroke, spinal cord, head injury, amputee, orthopedic, neurological, vestibular, and older adult. Partial weight-bearing during treadmill training offers a myriad of benefits. Biodex will be sponsoring several APTA Neurology Section sessions as well as cosponsoring its 30-year celebratory gala.

What are some of Biodex’s new products that readers would be interested in?

We are very excited about the launch of our new Biodex Balance System SD. Built off the platform design of our previous Balance System, the new version offers both static and dynamic capabilities (hence, the SD). It’s truly the next level in balance testing and training, and it can address the needs of virtually every patient population. The SD is the only system that ranges from fall-risk screening for older adults to closed-chain, weight-bearing assessment and training for lower-extremity patients. It’s extremely versatile and easy to use.

I’ve had the pleasure of demonstrating this product at a few trade shows, and it’s actually fun. The Maze Training Screen seems to be the most popular, I suppose, because it’s easily recognizable. Everyone who gets on the SD starts out a little tentative, but within seconds, they navigate their way through the touch-screen display. Even better, when therapists step off the product, they’re usually grinning. We’re told that grin is passed on to the patients. It’s a product that effectively tests and trains with a very positive experience.

What do Biodex University sessions entail?

Biodex University presents the scientific basis and clinical applications that lead to better outcomes using Biodex equipment. Science is behind the technology for all of our equipment. Naturally, education is the essential element for propagating understanding and advancement among our professional colleagues. These 1- or 2-day instructional courses allow the practicing clinician to understand and apply beginner- to advanced-level pathology-specific applications in the treatment of their patients. In addition to our own workshops, Biodex also cosponsors seminars with prominent experts in the field. Dates and locations are posted on the Biodex Web site.

How did the company get started?

Biodex Medical Systems Inc has a long history of involvement in the fields of nuclear medicine and sports medicine. Founded in 1949 as York Atomics and later known as Atomic Products Inc, the company originally sold radiation-counting equipment and accessories for radiation research. From this solid, science-oriented base, a second company was formed in 1981 to serve the rapidly growing field of sports medicine. Originally called Sport Medical Technology, this operation developed the first multijoint testing system and eventually grew to become Biodex Medical Systems Inc, which today employs a staff of more than 200.

Why did Biodex get started in the Fall Risk Assessment programs?

Older adults are expecting more from their later years, and they should. Statistically speaking, one in three persons over age 65 falls each year; and two out of three that do fall, fall again within 6 months. Half of those people sustain hip fractures, cannot return home after their injury, and lose their independence.

The Biodex Fall Risk Programs came together as the market demand for fall prevention and older adult wellness was taking off. The first program is a Fall Risk Assessment and Conditioning program that includes the System 3, Gait Trainer 2, and Balance System SD. If upon evaluation a patient is considered “at risk,” they are entered to the conditioning portion of the program. A few years later we developed a second program—Fall Risk Screening—which is a simpler version requiring the Balance System SD. Because both programs produce documentation of improvement and are measured against normative data, they are reimbursable. Even the insurance providers are acknowledging the need to prevent falls and maintain a patient’s independence.

Where would you like Biodex to be in 5 years?

The future is very exciting for Biodex. While we see an increase in product interest for our traditional markets—orthopedic, muscular, and neurological—we are also seeing a growing interest from those faced with the challenge of keeping the older adult mobile and as independent as possible. Our current products are getting pulled into assisted living facilities as well as the medical fitness category. We are happy to be moving forward in some new directions; our history of listening to customers and developing unique products to solve problems is proving successful for all.