People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often dealing with a litany of symptoms. And it’s no surprise that many who have the disease would rather stay curled up in bed some days. However, physical activity is actually one of the most important parts of a successful treatment plan. Exercise has many benefits for those living with multiple sclerosis and it is imperative to include it in an active disease maintenance program.

Why is exercise important?

Although many patients worry that physical exercise will increase their pain or fatigue, the opposite is actually true. Exercise is important for people with multiple sclerosis as it helps them to maintain physical function and mobility, improve balance and coordination, reduce fatigue, improve their mood, and increase their overall quality of life.

Additionally, regular physical activity can slow down the progression of the disability and can help to manage symptoms such as muscle spasms, stiffness, and depression. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before starting any new exercise program to determine the right type and intensity of physical activity that is safe and effective for each individual with MS.

Incorporate active/passive therapy

Active/passive therapy (APT) machines provide low-impact exercise and can assist with range-of-motion therapy which is often beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis. These machines can be used to move a patient’s limbs using varying levels of motor-driven support, which allows patients to exercise even if their ability to move their limbs independently is reduced.

This method of therapy can help improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness & spasms, and maintain or improve joint mobility. It can also help with balance and coordination, as well as reducing fatigue and improving overall physical function.

Passive motion devices can also be used in combination with active exercises, such as resistance training or stretching, to further enhance the therapeutic benefits.

Benefits of active/passive therapy

An at-home active therapy trainer or arm ergometer makes regular physical activity possible, even if the patient is dealing with reduced mobility and independent movement. There are several benefits of using an active/passive therapy machine for people with multiple sclerosis, including:

Improved range of motion: Passive motion devices like the MedUp V2 cycle trainer can help to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle stiffness and spasms, and maintain or improve flexibility.

Reduced muscle spasticity: These trainers can help to reduce and treat muscle spasticity, which is a common symptom of MS. The built-in spasm recognition software is designed to quickly identify spasms during use and quickly release them.

Improved circulation: Using a cycle trainer can improve circulation, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected limbs.

Increased muscle strength: An active therapy machine can also be used for resistance training, which can help to increase muscle strength and endurance, and slow down the progression of the disease.

Improved balance and coordination: They can help to improve balance and coordination, which are often impaired in people with MS.

Reduced fatigue: A common symptom of multiple sclerosis, fatigue can be reduced by adopting a routine that includes regular use of these therapy machines.

Enhanced overall physical ability: The use of active/passive therapy machines can improve overall physical function and help patients to maintain it for longer, allowing people with MS to retain their independence and quality of life.

Make exercise a part of the program

While exercising may be one of the last things a person wants to do when their body feels like it’s betraying them, it is actually an important part of a healthy rehabilitation program. With a disease like MS there is no way to stop or prevent the onset of symptoms, however a daily routine that includes exercise and physical activity can help to slow the progression.

An active/passive cycle trainer can help improve outcomes and make the exercise process easier for the patient, especially as the symptoms increase and independent movement becomes more difficult.

When someone experiences paralysis, it’s common for the first question to be ‘how long will it last’. While several forms of paralysis will be permanent and possibly even increase over time, it may be possible for others to experience some improvement in symptoms. Taking part in a rehabilitation program can help patients maintain or improve paralysis symptoms.

What is paralysis?

The term paralysis refers to the inability to make voluntary movements with your limbs. This can be centered on a specific limb, or involve a larger part like the entire right or left side of your body, one side of your face, or from the waist or neck down.

Paralysis occurs when something disrupts the nerve signals travelling from your brain to your muscles. This issue with your nervous system can be a birth defect, but is more commonly brought on by some sort of trauma. Some instances of paralysis may respond to rehabilitation and time; however, it’s often a permanent condition.

Top causes of paralysis

While it’s possible for people to be born with some form of paralysis, most instances are the result of a number of different health events and issues.

The two most common causes of paralysis are strokes and spinal cord injuries. Both of these health events are difficult or impossible to prevent, and can lead to varying levels of paralysis. Many stroke patients will experience paralysis on part or all of one side of their body. Spinal cord injuries usually lead to varying levels of paralysis below the injury on the spinal cord.

Other causes of paralysis can include:

• Bell’s palsy will cause temporary paralysis of the face
• Brain injuries
• Genetic conditions like cerebral palsy
• Nerve disorders like multiple sclerosis
• Autoimmune diseases like myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Neurological diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

MedUp V2 cycle training is adaptive to patient use, and is often utilized in Ontario health and rehabilitation centres and for home use. From active to passive assist for both arms and legs, it can be a difference maker in paralysis treatment.

Methods for treating and managing paralysis

In some instances, there is no cure for paralysis. When the spinal cord is injured, it often can’t heal itself so there will be no opportunity to improve the patient’s condition. However, in the event that there is potential for the patient to regain some of their function, rehabilitation therapy can play a significant role.

During the height of their symptoms, patients will benefit from incorporating adaptive and assistive equipment into their lives. Tools to help with driving, eating, turning on and off lights, getting up or down stairs and getting into the house help someone learn how to live with their paralysis. Mobility tools like a wheelchair, crutches, or canes can also help a patient get back to a normal lifestyle as soon as they’re able.

Incorporate active-passive therapy

One of the cornerstones of any rehabilitation program is movement. Although the amount of movement that the patient is capable of, and the support they’ll require to complete their exercises, will vary it is important to keep limbs moving despite paralysis. Using an active-passive trainer can help patients maintain limb movement, even if they are incapable of moving on their own.

An active-passive cycle trainer has multiple training modes that allow the user or their caregiver to choose the level of support needed. Those with some ability to move their limbs will benefit from using the active or assisted mode, where they will move the pedals with largely their own strength.

For patients who do no have much or any ability to move their own limbs, passive mode on an active-passive cycle trainer is the perfect tool. This mode uses a motor to facilitate all movement so patients can benefit from regular motion, without requiring assistance from their caregiver or therapist.

Rehabilitation can help

When faced with paralysis, whether it’s permanent or temporary, a rehabilitation program can play a role in recovery. While many forms of paralysis may never be cured completely, physical therapy can help improve symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Maintaining movement in limbs can help prevent blood clots, maintain muscle strength, improve outcomes and possibly improve function. Including an active-passive cycle trainer in a rehabilitation program can help improve outcomes and offer caregivers some support.

During rehabilitation therapy following an illness, injury or diagnosis, a patient will take part in a number of exercises and routines. These therapeutic routines are done with the goal of maintaining or improving movement in a limb or set of limbs. Therapies can be performed with both active and passive support from the therapist and their tools. One common rehab tool they frequently incorporate is a cycle trainer. These therapeutic machines are outfitted with a number of training modes that can assist the user throughout their recovery efforts, based on the level of assistance the patient needs.

What is passive therapy?

The term passive therapy refers to the effort required by the patient during an exercise or rehabilitation routine created by a physical therapist. Passive therapy does not require the patient to use physical force to participate in their treatment. Instead, the physical force is applied by either the therapist or a mechanical training mode on an exercise training machine like a cycle trainer or ergometer.

Benefits of passive therapy mode on an exercise trainer

A cycle trainer is a great tool in an effective physical therapy routine. Whether the patient is able to perform physical activity using their own force or will rely on supports that work the muscles in a more passive way, an exercise machine like a motor-assisted cycle trainer is a good option. The option to use both active and passive modes at varying points in the rehabilitation process mean that the patient is able to cater their treatment to their specific needs each day.

There are many benefits to motor-driven passive therapy modes on a cycle trainer.

1. Built-in spasm release offers comfort and safety

Muscle spasms are an often-painful occurrence for those dealing with reduced function and mobility after an accident or health event. A cycle trainer that offers a built-in spasm detection function can help reduce discomfort and pain during the training session should a spasm occur.

2. Helps treat and reduce spasticity

Muscles that aren’t able to be stretched enough, whether through regular use or adequate stretching and training, often tense uncontrollably causing discomfort and pain. Committing to a regular exercise program can help reduce the occurrence of spasticity even after the routine is completed.

3. Improves joint function

Joints need consistent movement to maintain function and mobility, even in patients who are bedbound. Passive mode on a cycle trainer can help patients stretch and move their joints when they aren’t able to perform the movement themselves.

4. Helps increase muscle strength

Regular exercise helps to maintain and increase muscle strength, especially for those who are working towards a movement goal. The ability to change modes on an exercise trainer means that the patient can work their muscles as much as possible with their own strength, while also supplementing with assisted or passive modes as needed.

5. Improves or maintains mobility

Muscles and joints require regular movement to prevent stiffening and retraction. Using passive therapy in the form of a cycle trainer with assisted or passive training modes can help keep limbs moving, even when there are barriers to movement.

6. Better recovery process

Maintaining movement, even when a patient’s strength doesn’t allow them to complete the activity of their own accord, can help promote a faster recovery process. Often the body needs movement to aid in recovery and early mobilization, even with the use of passive therapy, can be beneficial.

Passive mode is an excellent source of support

An active-passive cycle trainer is an ideal addition to a rehabilitation or recovery routine for most patients. While implementing a therapy routine it can be difficult for some patients to find motivation or support to complete the tasks they need to in order to further their recovery. An at-home cycle trainer is an ideal tool to include in a recovery plan, especially if it offers multiple modes of support. A passive training mode allows patients to experience the benefits of maintaining mobility, even when their muscles aren’t yet able to complete the task independently.

Dealing with a chronic condition is a common thing in our world today. Many people suffer from illnesses like heart disease, arthritis, cancer, diabetes or asthma, all of which can make living an active life more difficult than it would be without these conditions. Unfortunately, nearly all chronic illnesses tend to introduce a variety of secondary issues to the mix. These comorbidities can further complicate day to day life for someone with an already tough-to-manage illness. Including daily physical activity into the routine can not only help make life easier, it can also help reduce or prolong the onset of comorbid conditions.

What is a comorbidity?

People who suffer from a chronic illness often deal with more than one health issue at a time. These concurrent conditions are referred to as comorbidities. These often long-term or chronic conditions might not always interact with each other, but may affect both physical and mental health either together or separately. This can also be referred to as having co-occurring or multiple chronic conditions.

Some common examples of comorbidities that one may have along with their primary health issue include:

• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Respiratory disease
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Joint disease
• Mental health issues like dementia or depression
• Diabetes
• Arthritis

Exercise benefits those with chronic illness

An important part of managing a chronic illness and its comorbidities is maintaining a routine that includes some form of physical activity or exercise. It can help sufferers manage their symptoms and improve their health.

There are 3 kinds of exercise that someone with a chronic condition might benefit from:

1. Aerobic exercise

Improving heart health and maintaining a healthy weight are the hallmark results of a routine that includes regular aerobic exercise. Adjusting intensity levels during training can help maximize results without pushing too hard for too long. This interval training is usually safe and effective for most people with chronic conditions and can be as simple as walking or cycling at different speeds.

2. Strength training

Many chronic conditions are punctuated by a decline in muscle and joint strength, either from direct effects of the actual condition, or from a forced reduction in mobility. Regular strength training activities can help to improve muscle strength, which can help to slow any disease-related declines, improve joint stability and make it easier to move around in daily life.

3. Flexibility

Reduced motion due to chronic illnesses and their comorbidities can lead to a reduction in joint flexibility. Focusing on flexibility exercises during an exercise routine can improve balance, stability, range of motion and overall joint pain and inflammation.

A cycle trainer is the perfect exercise tool

When trying to manage a number of different chronic conditions and comorbidities it can be difficult to incorporate regular movement into daily life, especially when the conditions make this movement difficult. A cycle trainer has several features that will allow users to cater their routine to their varying needs.

Adjustable training modes – Even on days when muscles aren’t able to perform their best, the adjustable support modes can be tailored to suit the needs of the user.

Both arm and leg cycle training – When creating an exercise routine, it’s important to incorporate both upper and lower body work, in order to experience the most benefits. The MedUpV2 Cycle trainer has both an arm ergometer and a lower limb cycle option.

Spasm recognition – Many chronic physical illnesses have some level of spasticity side effects. A cycle trainer that can recognize these spasms and respond accordingly is the best way for a user to remain safe during exercise.

Exercise is an important part of chronic illness maintenance

Dealing with a chronic condition and its comorbidities is a difficult process for most people. The physical limitations that they may present can make life a struggle. Incorporating an active passive cycle trainer into an exercise routine is a safe and effective way to manage symptoms, improve health, maintain mobility and combat the likelihood of comorbidities.

When the body is faced with an injury or illness that reduces its ability to function, it is important to adopt a musculoskeletal rehabilitation routine as soon as possible. The reduced mobility and range of motion that is inherent with an injury like this is best treated with a routine that includes therapeutic movement and exercise that pushes the patient, but not so far that the injury is exasperated.

What is musculoskeletal rehabilitation?

The term musculoskeletal refers to anything to do with the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, joints and bones.

Following a disease, injury or illness the body may struggle to regain normal function in parts of the musculoskeletal system. This is often able to be addressed through a program of rehabilitation that targets these injured parts. This doctor-supervised program uses muscle therapy and exercise to help reduce symptoms and improve the patient’s ability to function.

As soon as possible following a disease, injury or illness a patient should be introduced to a musculoskeletal rehabilitation routine in order to help reduce the effects of immobilization and inactivity.

What conditions may benefit from musculoskeletal rehab?

There are a number of conditions that can benefit from musculoskeletal rehabilitation. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it gives a good idea of what kinds of injuries are included in this category.  

• Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel or tendonitis
• Tendon tears (such as in the Achilles tendon or rotator cuff)
• Sprains, strains, fractures and dislocations
• Back pain and injury
• Arthritis or osteoporosis
• Amputation
• Joint replacement or injury

How does a cycle trainer support musculoskeletal rehabilitation?

An advanced cycle trainer provides significant support for a variety of different musculoskeletal injuries. The portability of the unit means that anyone is able to use it to help improve their mobility, whether at home or on site at a rehab facility. Whether the injury is upper or lower body, the adaptability of the MedUp V2 cycle trainer is sure to provide the user with some relief from their symptoms.

Using a cycle trainer for the doctor recommended time each day can improve range of motion and flexibility, prevent muscle spasms and stiffness and improve muscle strength. With adjustable resistance and multiple training modes, the user is able to create a routine that works within their abilities.

Benefits of including a cycle trainer

There are a number of benefits that come with incorporating an at-home cycle trainer in a musculoskeletal rehabilitation routine, including:

Adjustable to the user

The MedUp V2 comes with 4 training modes that allow the user to adjust the resistance of the cycle. With multiple options for fully motor driven to no motor support at all, the user is encouraged to push their limits during rehab, without causing themselves more stress and harm.

Great for at home rehabilitation

Designed to be used in a variety of settings, the MedUp V2 is perfect for both home and clinical use. The maneuverable unit means it can be rolled out of the way when not in use, making it ideal to use at home. 

Customized rehab plan

With a variety of training modes, the user is able to customize their rehab plan to suit their needs each day. As recovery progresses the patient is able to adjust the training modes to target their specific needs.

Target specific muscle groups

Thanks to both upper and lower body cycle trainers being available on the MedUp V2, the user can focus their rehab plan on the muscles and joints that need the work.

Musculoskeletal rehabilitation is important

After any kind of injury, disease or illness that affects a person’s muscles, joints, bones or tendons, it is essential to do the work in order to regain function and mobility. Without a strong rehabilitation routine, the patient may struggle to fully regain their function and mobility, and they may have to deal with symptoms for longer than they should.

Incorporating a cycle trainer into a musculoskeletal rehab plan is a great way to reduce symptoms and improve movement, without stressing the system too much.