The CIM Centre at the Glenrose Hospital is home to the CAREN (Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment), a state-of-the-art piece of rehabilitation equipment. The CAREN features a treadmill with a split-belt, motion hydraulics and a circular surround screen.
The CAREN can be used to treat patients with a wide variety of conditions including stroke, amputation, brain injury, spinal cord injury and psychiatric disorders such as phobias and PTSD. Adding to its versatility, the software allows for a specific, customized plan for each patient who uses the CAREN, giving their clinician instant feedback on performance and adapting to become more or less challenging depending on the patient’s needs. The screens present different scenarios, much like video-games, to keep the patient engaged throughout treatment.
The CAREN system was acquired through a partnership with the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND), the Alberta Government and the Glenrose Foundation.