Sint-Truiden (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Sint-Trudo Hospital in Sint-Truiden opened a new outdoor rehab area with a sprint track and cage. Physiotherapist Ruben Beelen guides patients and athletes. STVV’s Ilias Sebaoui tested the facility.
As VRT News reported, Sint-Trudo Hospital in Sint-Truiden has opened a new outdoor rehabilitation area for patients. The facility was officially presented and is built to support the hospital’s existing indoor rehabilitation services. Alongside the track, a multifunctional rehabilitation cage has been installed.
How will Sint-Trudo Hospital’s new outdoor rehab benefit patients and athletes?
The outdoor area works in combination with Sint-Trudo’s established rehabilitation centre, which already houses advanced fitness equipment and specialised programs for orthopaedic and cardiac care. Indoor sessions can now be followed by outdoor training.
“Rehabilitation outdoors provides more energy, less stress, a positive effect on the immune system, and improved mental balance,”
Says physiotherapist Ann-Sophie Tabruyn.
“Moreover, the variety of exercises allows us to work even more specifically on strength, coordination, and range of motion. We’re going to challenge the body here. Once patients have mastered the basics, we want to further challenge their muscles so they become stronger and can apply that strength in daily life.”
Ruben Beelen, a physiotherapist, noted that the exercises will be modified depending on the individual. The area is for people recovering from surgery, as well as individuals with chronic pain, and those working to regain strength after an accident. Athletes are included as well; they can use the equipment.
The facility is already in use by professional football players. Members of STVV have tested the equipment, including midfielder Ilias Sebaoui.
“I do not have injuries at the moment, but it is useful for strength, and training outdoors is refreshing,”
He said.
Club official Brummans added that injuries have been limited this season.
“Knock on wood, but so far it has not been too bad,”
He noted.
“If there are injuries, the centre is right across the street, which makes it easy for our players to access.”
Sint-Trudo Hospital in Sint-Truiden continues to expand its rehabilitation services with new developments. The hospital, which first opened its doors in 1952. In September 2025, it officially unveiled an outdoor rehabilitation zone that includes a sprint track and a multifunctional cage to support existing therapies.
The project is part of a wider shift in Belgian healthcare that brings outdoor movement and sport-based methods into recovery programs. Local football club STVV, located just across the street, is closely linked to the initiative.
