LeHigh Valley Health Network Takes on the Title of ABL Research Partner
How Lehigh Valley Supports their Community with Action Based Learning
We’re coming together! Like-minded health care leaders committed to improving the community’s well-being and combining our strengths, today – and for the future of care. A future where academic medicine informs research and clinical trials that promise you better treatments. And a future where our communities thrive. We’re coming together. Even stronger, for you.
LeHigh Valley has the ability to treat birth to 18 years of age. "I'd say a majority of our patients are infant/toddler, because we're working with a lot of developmental delays. We see a wide variety of patients here and are able to help each age group.” Shelley Spence- Director of Pediatric Rehab
Pioneering Pediatric Rehab with ABL’s Cutting Edge Equipment
The partnership began years ago, with the rehabilitation team carefully selecting equipment tailored to meet the diverse needs of their pediatric patients. “It took us some time to integrate the new tools into our business plans, but now we have them at two locations, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” says the Director of Pediatric Rehab, who has been with the network for over 21 years
The Recumbent Bike and Elliptical Fuels Progress
Embracing the use of new equipment such as the recumbent bike and elliptical, which are becoming standard in their facilities. “These tools have been particularly effective for core strengthening and endurance training, and the therapists have incorporated them into their treatment plans daily,” says the Director.
Further research is being collected on the benefits of these tools, with plans to evaluate patient progress across all PT, OT, and Speech Therapy rooms. “This collaboration has the potential to shape pediatric rehabilitation outcomes in new and exciting ways,” the Director notes.
An Innovative Future to Follow
With additional locations set to open in the coming years, the Director and her team are eager to bring the benefits of this collaboration to even more families. “We’re excited about the future and seeing how this equipment helps improve the lives of the children we serve,” she says.
Future Plans and Collaboration with ABL
Looking ahead, the rehab team is exploring more ways to integrate ABL equipment into their practices. “We’ve already begun discussions about how we can track changes in behavior and progress, and we’re looking forward to sharing our findings in the future,” the Director shares.
As part of this ongoing effort, The Action Based Learning team is in the progress of creating plans for each specific therapist at LeHigh Valley Network. LeHigh's plans are to uses and track the outcomes of this equipment, with plans to present the data at national conferences.
Stay tuned for updates as we track the progress of our ABL program and celebrate the achievements of our children as they embark on this journey to a healthier, happier future. Together, we can make a difference, one step – or boomerboard jump – at a time.
Looking Ahead
A huge thank you to Lehigh Valley Network for sharing their story and continuing to inspire us to improve the health, wellness, and education for children around the world! To hear more about this story, to request more information on this program, or share a your own story about ABL, contact courtney.walczak@kidsfit.com Check out ABLLAB.COM for more stories!
