Rehabilitation plan gains national award

19 December 2000

University of Wollongong Masters student Daryl Sadgrove has won third prize from 1,000 entrants in a national business competition, Operation Livewire, a competition designed to encourage young people to set up their own business.

Daryl received a cheque for $2,000 and "lots of interest and attention" for his ideas about a new approach to rehabilitation.

Operation Livewire requires entrants to develop an idea for a business and then with a mentor from industry, to develop that idea into a business plan. Daryl’s idea is centred on his studies in the area of exercise science and rehabilitation. His plan outlines the development of a business called ‘ReActive’ specialising in the rehabilitation of people with injuries and illness.

Daryl said his business was based on the future of the industry – active-based rehabilitation. In his clinic people would come for functional rehabilitation. For example, tradespeople would be given simulated work tasks to perform, such as using tools, rather than being sat at an exercise machine.

"Everyone knows it’s the best approach to rehabilitation but it just hasn’t been done yet."

"’ReActive’ would treat a wide range of patients: People with musculo-skeletal problems (knees, hips and backs); people with neurological disorders (stroke, MS); people with cardio-pulmonary disorders from hypertension through to open heart surgery."

While he didn’t win the competition, Daryl’s ideas generated significant interest in the commercial field with approaches from two banks offering to finance the business because it made the final.

With the competition behind him, Daryl is looking to turn his ideas into reality with a clinic and a real business.

Media please Note: Daryl can be contacted for interviews on 0404 061 105.