In an apparatus for passive leg-exercises comprising a pedal bearing which is supported by a floor stand and a pedal crank with pedals driven by a driving motor, the invention provides that above the floor stand, which forms a lower apparatus section, there is an independent upper section which carries handle bars. This upper section is connected with the floor stand by a tube of flat cross sectional configuration and is inclined from the vehicle in the direction towards the user. The knees of the user are maintained relatively apart by smooth walls of the upper section. The user can operate the apparatus from a wheelchair so that it is possible to treat particularly patients suffering from illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or paralysis. The pedals are suspended and therefore allow, even where full control function is lost in the patient's feet, an optimal anatomically correct position at all times while the crank is turning.
Christopher Reeve demonstrated to the world that he had recovered some movement and sensation. While he could not walk, did not regain bowel, bladder, or sexual function, nor could he breathe without a ventilator, his limited recovery was significant. The scientific literature on spinal cord injury predicts that most recovery will occur in the first six months after injury and that it is generally complete within two years. Reeve’s recovery, coming five to seven years after his injury, defies these medical expectations and had a dramatic effect on his daily life, improved function was the result of vigorous physical activity. He began exercising the year he was injured. Five years later, when he first noticed that he could voluntarily move an index finger, Reeve began an intense exercise program under the supervision of Reeve included several activities in his program. He used daily electrical stimulation to build mass in his arms, quadriceps, hamstrings and other muscle groups. He rode a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bicycle, did spontaneous breathing training and also participated in aquatherapy.
for more details please visit following link :
1) http://www.paralysis.org/site/c.erJ MJUOxFmH/b.1338097/k.7E49/Exercise_ and_New_Function.htm
2) http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/pdfs/P atientEd/Materials/PDFDocs/exer-reh /physical/balanc.pdf
Answered by
Pammu
at
11:58 AM on November 14, 2007
