Australian Physiotherapy Associations National Scientific Conference 2025 in Adelaide was three full days full of knowledge!
With a wide range of topics there was something for everyone. With 12 clinical streams, and more than 400 presentations, the topics covered eg. behaviour change, complex and chronic conditions, diversity equity and inclusion, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, physical activity, rural and regional health as well as technology and clinical innovation.
We had so many great chats at our HUR Australia booth – old friends and new connections; so many great stories and many plans for the future!
Throughout the days it was clear that we are well known for Active ageing, falls prevention and reablement, but little known to many we also offer an advantage in sport and rehabilitation. Indeed, the equipment was initially developed 37 years ago for explosive power training for athletes. Very soon it became obvious that the winning edge of the technology was extremely suitable for rehabilitation. With the testing and training solutions we can offer something special for everyone, as verified by some recent articles.
We collaborate with universities around the world for research and education, and take great pride that our equipment have been chose for many research projects around the world, as listed here.
This recent article from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Finland tells about their gym that benefits both student learning and clinical practice. Indeed, the whole campus is built and envisioned as a “Campus for Builders of Well-being” bringing together disciplines like social and health services, construction, and the built environment to foster innovative learning and collaboration.
Metropolia’s HUR SmartGym is used by students and staff for training and rehabilitation exercises, with the adjacent clinic serving patients, allowing for an in-house student clinical practice site that integrates the studies with genuine healthcare delivery. Metropolia integrates education, practical training, and community service in an authentic learning environment.
By bridging theory and practice, Metropolia not only prepares future health professionals but also positively impacts the local community, setting a model for integrated education and healthcare worldwide.
We have similar student lead clinics in Australia, as an example UQ Healthy Living.
Another recent article introduced HUR’s offering for athletic excellence with testing and training. Team Tappara, from Tampere, one of Finland’s leading professional ice hockey teams, has entered in a partnership with HUR, bringing a cutting-edge technology to Tappara’s Performance HUB, where HUR’s systems are used to enhance strength training, monitor performance, and support injury rehabilitation.
See video below:
HUR was chosen as a partner as the technology allows the athletes to perform precise, controlled resistance power, and sport specific exercises, adapting to individual needs and recovery stages. This allows the coaching and medical staff to tailor training programs, optimize athletic performance, and reduce the risk of injuries. The integration of data-driven analytics also provides real-time feedback on strength, range of motion and power, giving players and trainers actionable insights to track progress and adjust routines.
In this high-level sporting industry, HUR equipment are a match to the five core pillars of the performance hub that aims to advance excellence:
- Coaching – Personalized training programs supported by experienced coaches and former elite players.
- Monitoring – Systematic tracking of physical and performance metrics, including speed, strength, endurance, and recovery.
- Technology – Integration of state-of-the-art equipment, such as HUR’s pneumatic resistance machines, to ensure safe and effective training.
- Research – Conducting scientific studies to advance understanding of hockey performance and inform best practices.
- Education – Providing training and development opportunities for coaches and staff to enhance expertise.
This article also includes a great video from the performance hub as well as HUR’s factory in Kokkola where every piece is individually made.
We believe that exercise belongs to everyone, from the frailest to the strongest, from the youngest to the oldest. Exercise truly is medicine, and is a key to good health and wellbeing. This recent story (apologies video is in Finnish) tells a story of a special training club in Seinäjoki, Finland. In this club the minimum age is 100 years, and these WWII veterans are keeping healthy with their 3x / wk gym sessions. This training group, with an average age of 102 years, tells of the importance of keeping up good health. “Age is not a hinder to exercise” the gentlemen say. As the sign on the wall says, strength belongs to everyone.
At HUR Australia we believe in sharing knowledge. On our website you can find specific information sections for seniors exercise and rehabilitation. We publish our blog, as well as the HUR Australia Newsletter where we also share stories from our clients. We enjoy every journey we take with our clients, starting with the initial discussions, to the planning of the sites, client training and the journey we get to take together. Our first installations were done close to two decades ago, and we are still on a happy journey together, providing the best health to all users with our collaboration.
Earlier this month I teamed up with DCM media to create this elevator pitch that gives a quick snippet to our services. At the end of the video I state:
STRONGER, HEALTHIER, HAPPIER
That’s our motto. Good health belongs to everyone, and the inclusion of exercise is a key component of a healthy life leading to not just more years in our lifespan, longevity, but to years in good health, allowing us to lead the life we imagined, extending our “Healthspan”.
If you have a story to share, please let me know! I’m already planning our next year’s Newsletters and would love to hear from you!
Best wishes,
Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman
Physiotherapist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESSAM), PhD (Biomechanics)
Research Lead, Area Account Manager (Vic, Tas, SA, NT, WA, ACT)
