A new Moray business is looking to change the lives of people who suffer from neurological conditions or lower limb injuries.
Move4ward will specialise in orthopaedic, neurological and sports rehabilitation, using the latest model of an anti-gravity treadmill.
The venture is based in the Alexander Graham Bell Centre at Moray College, in Elgin.
It has been set up by David Powney, a local health and fitness specialist who until recently owned and ran the Life and Sole performance gym in Forres.
The new company’s facilities include the NASA-developed treadmill, which allows users to exercise and rehabilitate at a fraction of their body weight.
It can be used to help people with a range of sports injuries and chronic and neurological conditions, and to strengthen muscles around joints, potentially increasing mobility.
Users are enclosed in a waist-high airtight bag which covers the treadmill.
The space around the legs then fills with air, lifting the user up and reducing the impact and pressure to their joints.
Mr Powney said: “My work over the last few years has been focused around helping clients to rehabilitate following injury or illness.
“Without exception, each of these clients would have benefitted from using an anti-gravity treadmill.”
He added: “The investment we have made in this new facility is in direct response to the number of clients looking to advance their rehabilitation and aid their recovery or prolong their mobility.
“I am looking forward to working with a range of clients including those with neurological conditions, professional and amateur athletes and those with lower limb issues.”
Walter Duncan, 81, a former vet from the Forres area, suffered a stroke in 2010 and has been working with Mr Powney for the past two years using more traditional rehabilitation methods.
Mr Duncan said: “Since my stroke, walking has been a particular challenge.
“David introduced me to the anti-gravity treadmill a few weeks ago and I immediately booked further sessions.
“I found it easier to walk on the treadmill and I understand that over time my gait should improve. I will build the muscles in my legs which will help in my everyday life.”
