Physical activity and movement are an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and this fact doesn’t change for those experiencing health issues that might prevent it. When recovering from or maintaining disorders like Multiple Sclerosis, brain or spinal cord injuries, stroke and neurological or neuromuscular disorders like Alzheimer’s, cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s, movement can be key. However, many people who suffer from these ailments will struggle to get enough movement each day. This is where a passive cycle or ergometer comes in!

What is passive cycling?

Using an exercise bike is a common rehabilitation tool for a number of different issues and disorders. However, many patients are experiencing some level of muscle loss so will find themselves unable to perform the cycling movements on their own. In these cases, a passive cycle trainer or ergometer is the perfect option.

A passive cycle trainer is equipped with the ability to do all of the work for the user. If a person’s brain isn’t able to stimulate the necessary muscle contractions required to cycle or their muscles aren’t strong enough to push through the motion, a passive trainer is able to do the work for them. This results in muscles in the legs and arms being stretched and exercised, leading to a number of benefits.

The many benefits that can be realized with ergometer and cycling use are provided by the MedUp V2 Trainer. Health Canada approved, MedupBike.com is the exclusive distributor in Ontario. Available for purchase by institutions or private clients.

Many benefits of passive cycling

If a patient is unable to perform an exercise such as cycling on their own, there are a number of reasons to employ the use of an ergometer or passive cycling machine. Patients will often experience many of the same benefits as if they were doing the work themselves, while working within the confines of what their body is physically capable of. Over time, the patient may improve and find they are relying less on the passive setting and are able to incorporate more active effort.

Some top benefits of using a passive ergometer or cycle trainer include:

Reduced spasticity

Spasticity is an often-debilitating by-product of many physical disorders. Characterized by often painful stiffening and tightening muscle spams, spasticity can be a significant barrier in the day to day lives of those suffering from a variety of health conditions. Using a cycle trainer or ergometer can help stretch and strengthen muscles, even if the user isn’t able to perform the exercise on their own.

Improve blood flow without increasing heart rate

While increasing heart rate can have positive effects on cardiovascular health, putting too much strain on an injured heart can be harmful to some people. For this reason, using an ergometer or cycle trainer in the passive mode can provide the most benefit with the least potential negative effects.

Increase blood flow to legs and arms

The contraction and release of muscles helps force blood flow through the extremities. This can reduce affects like atrophy and the learned habit of not using injured limbs.

Increased range of motion and reduced stiffness

Stretching has been shown to increase range of motion and reduce muscle stiffness, which is also true in those dealing with neurological and muscular disorders.

Helps rebuild muscles

When muscles go unused for a length of time, whether by choice or inability to use them, they become weak very quickly. Rebuilding can take considerable effort and using a passive trainer can help when the body isn’t strong enough to complete the task on its own.

Improves insulin sensitivity

Exercise can help to treat and prevent diabetes by improving the body’s processing of insulin. The motor-driven pedals of a cycle trainer force leg and arm movement which can help moderate the rise of blood sugar after eating.

Built-in features promote safety

Although the idea of a patient using a passive ergometer or cycle trainer on their own might seem unwise, built-in safety features do help make it safe. Built-in spasm recognition software and a solid base that will not move when it is being used help patients to benefit from exercise, even when they are dealing with poor or no muscle control.

Rehabilitation & Improving Quality of Life

Incorporating a passive cycle routine into a recovery plan is a great way to build muscle and movement, even when the patient may struggle to do so on their own. Patients of a catastrophic accident or those dealing with a debilitating illness can will gain extraordinary joy and benefit from gaining mobility of their extremities, while improving their overall health. Look for equipment that may help patients gain function and financial support programs offered by government or other support programs.

For patients dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, incorporating physical activity into their daily maintenance plan can be a daunting task. When any condition causes movement to feel difficult, strained or painful it can be easy to want to avoid it altogether. However, there are significant benefits for Multiple Sclerosis patients to include a level of movement into their days. Using tools like an active/passive cycle trainer and an arm ergometer can be a significant help in this process.  

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that can significantly affect mobility and cause tremors, fatigue and muscle weakness in sufferers. This can lead to problems with spasticity, balance, walking and even cognitive and mental health.

Patients with MS often reduce their physical activity as a by-product of their increasing issues, and a fear of worsening their symptoms. However, inactivity often has the opposite effect. Reducing muscle movement and exercise can actually lead to increased muscle spasms and tightness as well as decreased mobility.

Exercise is beneficial for MS patients

The MedupV2 is an ergometer that provides arm and leg cycle therapy ideally suited for MS patients. Therapy that includes daily use promotes the well being of patients of varying degrees of disability. See more features sand health benefits!

While regular movement starts to get more restricted and difficult as the disease progresses, studies have shown that engaging in daily strength and aerobic activity can help with symptom management, muscle strength, mobility and overall quality of life.

Although the many symptoms associated with MS often leave patients uninterested in exercising daily, side effects of reduced mobility indicate that there is value in maintaining even the smallest amount of activity.

Cycle training is an effective tool

An active passive cycle trainer helps the user to maintain a regular exercise routine, even on days that they might struggle to do so. With various settings, including a fully passive mode, a cycle trainer is the perfect tool for anyone looking to incorporate activity into their days. Able to be used completely unsupervised and in your own home, a cycle trainer like the MedUp V2 eliminates many of the barriers that can get in the way of daily exercise.

Some of the top reasons to incorporate a cycle trainer into a daily routine for MS patients include:

Safe to use unsupervised – With safety features like a sturdy base and the built-in spasm recognition software, even users with balance issues and muscle spasms will be protected, allowing them to use the trainer without someone directly supervising them.

Variety of programs – For MS patients who are still able to perform exercises on their own, the active program can help to maintain muscle strength and mobility, while the assisted or passive mode helps the user to use muscles that they may struggle to use on their own.

Helps improve function and reduce symptoms – Maintaining daily activity with an active/passive cycle trainer can help improve limb function, leading to better walking ability. It can also reduce the muscle spasms and spasticity that can come with the decreased use of muscles.

Improves heart health – Regular aerobic activity like using a cycle trainer or arm ergometer forces the heart muscle to work harder than it would normally, which can result in a reduced risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, both common in patients with MS.

An ergometer is perfect for the upper body

In the same way that a cycle trainer can work a patient’s lower body, an arm ergometer works on the upper body. MS sufferers will experience stiffness and discomfort in all limbs, so spending time on both lower and upper body will offer the most opportunity for maintenance and improvement.

An arm ergometer uses both passive and active support in order to guide the patient through a repetitive cycle motion. This resistance training can help patients improve their heart health, endurance and upper body strength.

Flexibility exercises reduce spasticity

The muscle contractions and tightness that are characteristic of spasticity are often painful and prohibitive, however light movement and stretching can actually help reduce the spasms. A cycle trainer can help implement a low stress stretching routine that can improve flexibility and reduce spasticity over time.

Regular exercise is essential for MS patients

For anyone dealing with Multiple Sclerosis it may feel more natural to listen to their body and reduce the amount of physical activity they take on each day. However, there are many reasons why maintaining some daily movement is beneficial, and patients are likely to notice an improvement in mobility and a reduction in symptoms if they keep up with a routine that includes some exercise.

When recovering from a stroke early mobilization is key in order to stimulate the brain to rebuild the neural pathways involved in movement patterns. Incorporating repetitive movement into the rehabilitation process can help patients to regain function and improve muscle strength and mobility.

Mobilization begins soon after the stroke

MedupV2 Bike is ideally suited for stroke recovery patients. Multiple settings allow the patient to cycle with both arms and legs with variable assist settings. For institutional and home use to prevent muscle atrophy and get on the path to greater mobility!

Rehabilitation should begin as soon as the patients’ condition has stabilized following a stroke, usually within 24 to 48 hours. This fast response helps encourage the brain’s neuroplasticity in rebuilding the pathways that stimulate movement. While it’s not possible to revive brain cells that have died during the lack of blood flow that created the stroke, the brain is resilient and can repair itself to some extent. The rate of recovery will vary significantly from one patient to the next, with some fully recovering and others only regaining minimal movement.

How to regain movement after a stroke

Neuroplasticity helps the brain’s healthy areas take on the tasks that were once controlled by the areas affected by the stroke. This does take time and effort, so following the rehabilitation routine set out by a physical therapist is essential. Repetitive practice is the only way to stimulate neuroplasticity and potentially regain the use of the affected limbs and muscles.

One of the best ways to incorporate a routine of repetitive movements is through the use of an active-passive cycle trainer. This portable tool can be used unsupervised and has a wide variety of features that will help promote stroke recovery and increased mobility for the patient.

Both active and passive exercises are necessary

During stroke recovery patients should be working on both active and passive exercises in their rehabilitation program. Using both methods will help create the most well-rounded recovery process, and offer the biggest chance for improved mobility.

Passive exercises help the patient deal with spasticity and to improve their overall range of motion, and are usually quite easy to complete. These exercises help to stretch and lengthen muscles without straining or exerting them. Examples of passive exercises may include:

Gentle stretching – With assistance or on their own, having a patient lift their arms above their head and move them through their full range of motion can help stretch tight arm muscles. The same can be done with legs, ankles, fingers and wrists.

Flexing fingers and toes – Repeatedly opening hands wide and forming them into a fist can help reduce cramping and tightness in hands while improving range of motion. Rotating and pointing toes can help improve discomfort in their toes, feet and ankles.

Using an arm ergometer on passive setting – An arm ergometer with the ability to provide passive support can help stimulate blood flow, build muscle and improve the effects of spasticity in stroke patients.

On the other hand, active exercises actually force the muscle to do some work, which can improve range of motion, improve muscle strength and help rebuild neural pathways in the brain. Active exercises may include:

Repetitive tasks – Simple tasks light flipping a light switch, turning an object upside down and back upright and squeezing a foam ball can strengthen weak muscles.

Core work – In order to effectively strengthen arms and legs, a patient’s core will need some focus as well. Tasks like laying on their back on the floor and lifting one leg at a time or using their legs to balance and lifting their pelvis can help strengthen their core muscles.

Arm and leg cycling – The active setting on an at-home cycle trainer allows the patient to use their own strength while cycling. If one side is weaker than the other, they can use the symmetrical training settings to help compensate.

A cycle trainer helps stroke recovery

Including a cycle trainer during at home stroke rehabilitation can offer many benefits to the patient and their caregivers. Maintaining a regular, daily exercise routine is the best way to help the brain recover, and to help muscles fight atrophy and spasticity.

An active-passive cycle trainer can support mobility in stroke patients in many ways including:

• Improves arm and leg function
• Helps reduce muscle spasms
• Improves spasticity
• Help rebuild neural pathways to regain movement and mobility
• Counteracts the learned habit of not using their weakened limb

Mobility support is essential during stroke recovery

After a significant health event like a stroke, it can be easy for a patient to avoid mobilization and rehabilitation. The effort required to retrain the brain and recover weakened muscles can be significant, and the task can feel daunting. However, the sooner they can incorporate active and passive exercises into their daily routine, the more likely they are to experience increased mobility. Offering these patients support during these new routines is key in helping them to regain independence and mobility in the long run. Including an active/passive cycle trainer into their recovery is a great way to encourage progress and provide support.

While we know that regular exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle, there are some significant benefits to including exercise into a rehabilitation plan after an acquired brain injury. Studies have shown that incorporating any volume of easy aerobic exercise to a recovery plan can greatly increase the quality of life in the patient.

Patients who choose to add aerobic activities like walking, cycling and rowing to their post injury routine are likely to experience benefits in both their brain health and their overall physical health. Just 10 minutes of activity each day can have significant benefits for the patient.

Active-Passive Cycle Therapy, such as that offered by the MedUp V2 cycle, can help users realize gains in mobility and reduce spasticity. Multiple training modes include passive, assisted, active and isokinetic supporting a range of conditions and therapy stages.

Exercise is good for the brain

Even in a healthy body there is obvious evidence that aerobic exercise is good for brain health largely thanks to the increased flow of oxygen to the brain. In an injured brain this burst of oxygen is even more beneficial to help induce healing and improve cognitive function. There are a number of direct benefits of exercising on an injured brain.

Improved mood

The occurrence of a traumatic brain injury will often lead to some level of depression and anxiety, especially when there is a related diminishing of their quality of life. A 2017 study has shown that a regular exercise routine will have a positive effect of the mental health and mood of many patients who have suffered a brain injury.

Improved cognitive function

Much like any other muscle in the body, the brain needs to be worked out in order to be in top health. While you may be inclined to rely on cognitive exercises to work out the brain, it has been shown that physical exercise can have some significant positive effects on brain function as well. Aerobic exercise like walking, cycling or yoga can stimulate the formation of new connections in the brain as well as the release of certain hormones that help grow new brain cells.

Maintains physical fitness

It is not uncommon for someone with an acquired brain injury to experience a reduction in their overall physical health. A regular fitness routine can help them maintain cardio health, muscle strength and the weight.

Increased physical ability

Patients who incorporate regular exercise into their recovery routine are more likely to experience improved mobility and sense of balance thanks to strengthened muscles and improved neuro pathways.

Active/passive therapy is a useful tool

After a patient has suffered a brain injury it can be difficult to maintain an exercise routine, especially when they are at home facing reduced supervision and less hands-on support. An active/passive cycle trainer is the perfect solution in these instances because of its ability to be used with very little outside support.

An active/passive trainer like the MedUp V2 has some very relevant and significant tools to benefit those recovering from an acquired brain injury.

Variety of program styles – Whether the patient is able to use the cycle trainer completely on their own or needs some level of assistance to maintain their cycle, the built-in programs will provide whatever level of support they need.

Built-in safety features – The sturdy base and integrated spasm recognition software help ensure that even those with balance concerns and muscle spasms can safely use the cycle trainer without supervision.

Symmetrical training setting – If one side of the body is stronger than the other, the symmetrical training setting will allow each side to push as hard as it is able to.

Compact and Portable unit – The MedUp V2 bike features a compact and portable system that can fit in any size of space.

Early mobilization is a key to recovery

Recently, more and more medical professionals are encouraging patients to become physically active quite soon after a brain injury. The evidence is showing that if a patient is physically able to get out of bed for any level of physical activity, they are more likely to experience positive effects to their brain and body health.

Early mobilization plays a significant role in a patient’s ability to recover from brain injury and can help them return to some form of normal life sooner than if they don’t make the effort. It can also lead to a shorter hospital stay and a reduction in negative outcomes.

Exercise benefits a brain injury

After a short phase of dedicated rest and limited exertion, incorporating exercise into a rehabilitation plan helps to increase blood flow to the brain leading to an improved recovery experience. An exercise such as the one provided by the MedUp V2 cycle trainer helps the brain to rebuild and regrow neural pathways, which is an important part of recovery after a brain injury.

The repetitive motions created by a cycle trainer, bicycle or rowing machine help to retrain the brain and rehabilitate its coordination and muscle memory. Incorporating an active-passive trainer into a rehabilitation plan after a brain injury can have several positive effects when it comes to the recovery process.

Neuromuscular disorders can be difficult to diagnose, and even more tricky to treat. Although there is no actual cure for a neuromuscular disorder there are some ways to improve strength and mobility, which can lead to an improved quality of life for the patient.

For many years it has been advised that those with a neuromuscular disorder should avoid strenuous activity for fear that their already weakened muscles would be damaged by exercise. However, recent studies are beginning to change that thought process. It is now suggested that a tailored exercise plan can actually help a person to maintain an adequate quality of life despite the physical struggles they may be faced with. This physical activity must be tailored to the individual with consideration for their specific needs in relation to their level of functionality and their diagnosis.

What is a neuromuscular disorder?

A neuromuscular disorder is one that affects how the brain communicates with nerves and muscles, often leading to weakness, spasms, twitching and pain. Because the muscles involved don’t receive enough exercise and stimulation, they often degrade over time.

Neuromuscular diseases are often genetic and have no cure. Although for some it’s possible to identify whether it was inherited or a new gene mutation, it’s also common for the cause to remain unknown.

Neuromuscular disorders are challenging to live with. At Medup, we understand the complexities of the disorder and provide market leading equipment in Ontario, Canada. Whether for at-home or clinical use, contact us to learn more about the Medup V2 Cycle and the health benefits it can provide.

Some examples of a neuromuscular disorder include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• Muscular dystrophy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Toxic, small fiber or autonomic neuropathy
• Congenital myopathies
• Lambert-Eaton syndrome
• Spinal muscular atrophy

Exercise can improve mobility in those with neuromuscular disorders

The benefit of physical activity for those with neuromuscular disorders is a relatively new conversation but it’s not hard to understand why it may have merit. When muscles are allowed to sit unused and move into atrophy, they begin to degrade. However, even small, regular movements can encourage muscles to respond to stimulation and maintain or improve its function. This can lead to some significant benefits for the patient, including improved mobility.

Although each patients’ ability and needs will vary quite a bit, there are signs that regular physical activity can help them in a number of different areas, including:

• Reduction in the speed at which the muscle degrades
• Improved movement
• Prolong the onset of diseases like MS
• Prolonged independence
• Reduced risk of falls
• Potential to improve symptoms and reduce related issues
• Improved heart and lung function
• Improved muscle strength, functionality and control
• Reduction of muscle spasms and contractions
• Improved overall quality of life

An Active-Passive Cycle Trainer Provides Huge Benefits

While someone experiencing a neuromuscular disorder is going to be unable to take on the exercise plan that an able-bodied person can handle, there are certainly opportunities that can help them thrive. A portable active passive cycle trainer is one of the best options available for someone that is looking for some physical activity, but has varying levels of ability day to day.

The MedUp V2 bike is a portable at home trainer that can adapt to a wide variety of needs while the built-in features make it an easy addition to any physical exercise routine.

Designed for upper and lower limbs

The included hand grips, securing mitts and leg guide allow the bike to be used however the patient needs it to be, both as a leg cycle and an arm ergometer.

Incorporated spasm recognition software

A significant safety feature, this software recognises when a muscle is spasming and releases it immediately, protecting both the patient and the muscle.

Includes 4 training modes

Whether the patient is able to power the movements themselves or needs the support of an assisted or passive cycle, this unit is catered to them. Even in full passive mode with the motor doing all of the resistance work for the patient, their muscles will see a benefit.

Symmetrical training

Allows the user to adjust the training modes of each side independent to one another, allowing for one side to receive more of a workout that the other. This can result in a more symmetric result.

Approach muscle training with care

As with any health concerns, a change in physical activity should be helmed by a professional. People with neuromuscular disorders are susceptible to some pretty painful side effects if their exercise routine isn’t given the proper consideration. Their condition can often be aggravated by fatigue so it’s highly recommended to keep this in mind as you move forward. Starting with a low intensity exercise for a very short amount of time is going to have much greater positive impact than allowing them to go until they are tired. If pushed too hard someone with a neuromuscular disorder can experience several bad days as a result.

Despite these cautions the benefits that they can experience are well worth the effort. Although there are several methods of physical activity, an active-passive cycle trainer is the perfect option for many. If travelling to a physical therapist’s office regularly is a burden having a unit in your home that provides the same support can make all the difference.