NeuroGym FIT (Functional Independence Training)

An education and support program for Long Term Care and Convalescent Care facilities offering accessible mobility training programs.

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Why FIT?

Director of NeuroGym® FIT Eric Heiden discusses the importance of integrating NeuroGym® equipment and methodology into the rehabilitation and activity programs of the ageing community. With NeuroGym® FIT programs, we bring our know-how and equipment directly to convalescent care and long term care facilities, making mobility training accessible to all residents.

The NeuroGym®
FIT Program

NeuroGym® FIT Programs work directly with therapy, nursing restorative, and activity staff to create accessible mobility training programs for residents of long term care and convalescent care facilities.

Benefits:

  • Proven programs developed by rehabilitation clinicians, researchers and trained fitness professionals
  • Patented movement enabling equipment that provides safe, effective, enjoyable training- even for the frail elderly
  • Improvement in RAI MDS measures of resident function such as participation in ADL, Fall Risk & Pressure Ulcers
  • Improvement in function to meet discharge goals sooner and with higher functional levels in Convalescent Care
  • Mobile program brought directly to your facility.
Sit to Stand Trainer
Exercise Wheelchair
NeuroGym Working Clinic-0120
NeuroGym Working Clinic-0013

The NeuroGym® Difference

Neurogym®’s active approach and patented technology allow patients to take action in their own recovery. Whenever possible, the patient, not the therapist, initiates movement, which can help rewire the brain and speed up recovery.

Additional Resources

NeuroGym® FIT: Improving Quality Indicators in LTC

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Reducing Stay Days in Convalescent Care

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NeuroGym® FIT Director Eric Heiden

NeuroGym® FIT Director Eric Heiden has worked in fitness and rehabilitation for over 16 years. He has worked directly with a wide range of clients toward goals that range from improving fitness, to recovering function after a major injury, to maintaining physical independence.

Eric has published research on balance training and fall prevention and presented results from ongoing NeuroGym® FIT programs at numerous conferences, including the 2013 World Stroke Congress. In addition to his work with NeuroGym® FIT, Eric has been a sessional lecturer in the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

The NeuroGym FIT Mobile App Privacy Policy can be reviewed here.

Conditions we treat include:

  • Acquired Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Stroke
  • Multiple Sclerosis & ALS
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Ataxia (Friedreich, Charlevoix-Saguanay, etc.)
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Balance / Dizziness / Vestibular
  • Dystonia & Spasmodic Torticollis
  • Bells Palsy
  • Concussion​
  • Myositis
  • Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
  • Multi-System Atrophy
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Complex Orthopaedic Conditions
  • …& more!

Client Stories

Explore some of our client stories below to gain insight into the outcomes of our unique rehab approach.

Get in Touch

Interested in learning more about our NeuroGym® FIT Programs? Send us an email at info@neurogymrehab.com if you’d like more information
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What Our Clients Are Saying

This place is amazing, it gives people hope and opens doors in so many ways.
My son was getting married and I really wanted to walk up the aisle with my husband. NeuroGym helped me do it.
I have Parkinson’s Disease. Over the months I have improved in both strength and balance while my disease has not noticeably deteriorated at all. I feel fortunate to have found NeuroGym. The outlook for my disease without it could have been grim indeed.
I found NeuroGym after my mum had a massive stroke in February 2020. After 4 months of virtual therapy with NeuroGym, my mum has progressed from someone who I thought would never get out of bed to a one person assist.
I was in a bad state and was discharged home in a coma. Then I began with Avi and the growth was exponential. The rest is history, I was here for twelve years. It’s a great place, I can’t express my thanks enough.
I have MS, I’ve had MS since I was 18. My doctors had said “no, it’s chronic progressive”. But NeuroGym has given me the opportunity to build strength. It’s made a huge difference.
When I first came here I had almost no strength in my legs and I could barely move my right leg. You can imagine going from not being able to move at all, to standing, to being able to walk! This is the way for me to stay in shape and stay healthy.
Our son had a stroke when he was 14 years old. He has been involved in five to seven day a week therapy. The recovery has been amazing. It’s been beyond expectations and dramatic.

Avi Nativ, PhD BScPT

Owner, Founder

The NeuroGym® concept was founded over 30 years ago by Avi Nativ PhD (Kinesiology), BScPT. Avi received his doctoral degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, and was a registered physiotherapist in Ontario for more than 25 years. While doing his doctoral and post-doctoral research work, Avi’s focus was on brain organization, plasticity and rehabilitation.

Avi was intrigued with scientific research findings that indicated the remarkable capacity of the brain to adapt after injury, and envisioned how such plastic changes could be encouraged through inventive ways of enabling more patient-initiated, active movement rather than the more conventional passive therapy approaches. Through rigorous research, he developed a line of custom, patented equipment and an evidence-based, active approach which combined have been providing amazing opportunities for those with neurologic injuries (even years post-acute) to continue to improve their motor skills.

Zeinab Garda, MHSc SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Zeinab became a Speech-Language Pathologist in order to help patients along on their journey to recovery, striving to help them find quality of life despite any challenges they may be facing. She feels she learns as much about life from them as they learn from her about speech, language, and deglutition.

After obtaining her BA with Honours in Cognitive Sciences of Language at McMaster University and her Masters in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Ottawa, Zeinab began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, practicing in Ontario and Québec, in both private and community settings. Using her knowledge and experience, Zeinab has now launched her own practice: Hummingbird Speech Therapy.

Most recently, Zeinab joined the NeuroGym® team to work with our unique clientele. She brings her experience working with Stroke rehabilitation, neurodegenerative conditions, and swallowing disorders as well as her focus on offering engaging and functional patient-centered care based on clients’ interests and research-based best practices. 

When Zeinab isn’t practicing Speech Therapy, she can be found spending time with her dog, cooking and trying new cuisines, or working on digital art and acrylic paint projects.

Qualifications:

  • BA Cognitive Sciences of Language – McMaster University
  • MHS SLP – University of Ottawa
  • Registered Speech-Language Pathologist – College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario and Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec
  • SPEAK OUT!® Certification from the Parkinson Voice Project
  • MoCA Certification

 

Treatment Languages: English, French

Peng Tan, R.Kin, R.M.T

Kinesiologist, Registered Massage Therapist

Peng entered the field of rehabilitation without any clear direction, initially choosing it out interest rather than passion. Over the course of his studies and practice he discovered a career path supporting individuals on their journeys toward good health and well-being.

After completing his BSc in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa and working as a Personal Trainer and Kinesiologist, Peng decided to expand his practice by studying Massage Therapy at the International Academy of Applied Health. He now maintains dual disciplines and is continuing his academic journey while practicing, presently pursuing his Master’s in Psychology, Diploma in Acupuncture, and Diploma in Osteopathy.

Peng takes a holistic approach to therapy, combining his knowledge of kinesiology and massage therapy to create treatments that address both the physical and mental aspects of well-being. He enjoys enhancing his skills and actively seeks out innovative approaches and incorporates new techniques into his treatments. Peng prides himself on providing personalized and effective treatments that make a positive and practical impact on the individual’s well-being.

When Peng isn’t working or studying, he can be found playing volleyball, bouldering, solving puzzles, or learning woodworking. At home, he enjoys the company of his three cats, cherishing the moments of happiness they bring.

Qualifications:

  • BSc in Human Kinetics – University of Ottawa (2019)
  • Massage Therapy – International Academy of Applied Health (2022)
  • Kinesiology (Continuing Education) – Laurentian University (2021)
  • Registered Massage Therapist – College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
  • Registered Kinesiologist – College of Kinesiologists of Ontario
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage Level 1 course from The Dr. Vodder School – International
  • Community Multi-Sport course from the National Coaching Certification Program

 

Treatment Language: English