I’m writing regarding your recent article (HCM April 13, p71) which mentioned vibration therapy’s potential benefits for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers.
My organisation, Borders Sport & Leisure, is a social enterprise responsible for the operation of 14 leisure facilities in the Scottish Borders. As part of our vision to improve lives through physical activity and sport, we’ve been working with the MS Society Borders over a number of years to trial vibration machines in the management of MS symptoms.
A pilot study we ran in association with the MS Society found that vibration training could improve a range of functions in MS sufferers, including muscular power, strength and mobility. Subsequent analysis using the sporta Impact and Social Value Toolkit indicates a potential 4:1 ROI in terms of social value for every £1 invested into vibration technology therapy for MS sufferers.
As a result, we’ve recently entered into a new agreement with the MS Society in the Borders to provide MS sufferers with free access, for the next three years, to vibration therapy at three of our leisure facilities.
I’d like to urge other operators to consider opportunities to work with charitable organisations in a similar way. Such partnerships can see equipment put to new use and enable MS sufferers to experience exercise benefits – and the accompanying social opportunities that attending a gym can bring.
Ewan Jackson - CEO, Borders Sport & Leisure