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.

When someone becomes hospitalized, regardless of the reason, they are bound to spend more time cooped up in bed with less opportunity for mobilization. This can lead to a loss of aerobic fitness and increased muscle atrophy. Studies have shown that one way to improve the effects of inactivity during hospitalization is to focus on early mobilization of the patient. Early mobilization can lead to faster recovery time, shorter hospital stays and improved patient outcomes for a wide variety of situations.

What does early mobilization mean?

Early mobilization is the act of moving a hospitalized patient as soon as possible after they enter, often within the first few hours. Regardless of the cause of hospitalization, a patient should begin mobilization as soon as they can to experience the benefits that it can offer. Whether a person is hospitalized due to injury, stroke, age or illness, maintaining a level of mobilization will help them on their road to recovery.

The term mobilization can be used to refer to a wide variety of movement exercises. Although we usually think of mobilization as a larger set of movements, like going for a walk or sitting on a bicycle, the movements discussed in this situation are usually much simpler. Sometimes simply helping a patient to roll over or sit up in bed is significant enough mobilization to make a difference, particularly in the early stages of hospitalization. Once a patient has graduated to where they are able to sit up or move in bed, helping them get from the bed to a wheelchair can be a significant next step.

Early mobilization is important

Once a person becomes hospitalized and it is clear that the visit will last more than a day or two, a plan for mobilization should be put into place. From manually manipulating limbs, facilitating movement in bed or using tools to help with passive training there are a number of different ways to maintain movement with a patient. While the work may seem significant at the onset, the results will be well worth the effort.

Mobilization is important to all patients, especially those in the ICU, for many reasons including:

• Reduction in length of stay, both in the ICU and the hospital as a whole
• Reduced potential for complications like blood clots and wound or chest infections
• Less opportunity for bed sores to develop
• Lower mortality rate
• Reduced loss of muscle strength and tone
• Sets them up for better mobility and functionality at discharge

Movement is the key to recovery

Once a patient has become hospitalized, the sooner they can start moving the better. Of course, the cause for hospitalization will be different for each patient, and therefore the type of mobilization they’re capable of will be too. In the early days of admittance simply transferring to a chair, rolling over in bed or sitting up at the edge of the bed will be enough mobilization, however with consistent effort the patient will soon be able to engage in passive and active exercises.

Cycle therapy has many benefits

When a person has limited mobility thanks to an illness, injury or diagnosis, it can be difficult to find ways to help them incorporate mobility into their recovery. One possible source of mobilization for a variety of different patients is a cycle trainer. This portable and compact piece of equipment can be adjusted in order to work both the upper body and lower extremities. This means that even if a patient is only able to use either their arms or legs, they’ll be able to use a cycle trainer to strengthen what they are able to.

Although there are many ways to incorporate movement into a recovery plan, a cycle trainer is a natural choice for many patients. This home-based exerciser offers several options to a user. For example, the arm ergometer assists a user in strengthening their arms, even if their legs aren’t up to the task.

There are several benefits to incorporating an active passive cycle trainer into an early mobilization strategy.

• Can improve bowel and bladder function
• Increases metabolism and improves digestion
• Strengthens muscles
• Improves respiratory muscles which can lead to better breathing and reduced risk of pneumonia
• Can be used at home and in small spaces
• Provides both passive and active support, depending on the needs of the patient
• Can be customized to provide focused training to just one side of the body or both equally

Early mobilization is worth the effort

Although the effort of early mobilization can seem overwhelming and unnecessary so soon in the recovery process, the benefits that it can bring are well worth the time. Once the initial hurdle of admittance has been overcome, creating a mobilization plan will make the path to recovery feel more manageable. Having a task to complete each day can provide both the patient and their caregivers a goal to work towards together.

For people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, maintaining daily physical activity is an important part of managing the progression of the disease. However, as the effects of the disease do progress, it can become more difficult to keep up with a routine that gets them active. When taking part in traditional activities becomes more difficult, using an active passive cycle as part of their therapy can help to slow down the negative effects that come with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s and dementia: Are they the same thing?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that gets progressively more severe over time. It is usually characterized by memory loss, agitation, anxiousness, a lack of balance, incoordination, bowel and bladder problems and often depression.

Dementia isn’t a specific disease on its own, it’s more of general term used to categorize the reduced ability to remember, think and make day to day decisions. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common kinds of dementia, however it’s not the only one. Dementia symptoms can vary quite a bit from one person to the next however many will have problems with short-term memory, paying attention, remembering the correct words, misplacing objects and feeling disoriented.

Physical exercise is beneficial for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients

Physical exercise has been shown in many studies to have a positive effect in the treatment and prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Not only does it help maintain brain efficiency and size, it can also help prevent against common Alzheimer’s disease by-products like stroke, obesity and hypertension.

Physical activities like walking, running, biking, swimming and stretching have shown to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia. All adults should aim to spend 30-60 minutes, 2 to 4 times a week performing some sort of physical exercise in order to help ward off and reduce the severity of these diseases.

Active passive cycling for Alzheimer’s patients

One of the easiest and most adaptable exercises for someone with decreasing mobility and balance is cycling. Although they may not be able to hop on a bicycle and head out for a ride, an at-home cycle trainer allows users to experience the same benefits.

An active passive cycle trainer can be easily used by those who can still move around independently as well an someone who is in a wheelchair or unable to move themselves around. It can be significant tool in helping aging adults maintain their health.

The MedUp V2 cycle trainer allows those with Alzheimer’s and dementia to exercise daily, whether they need the support of an active assist setting or are able to control the effort themselves. A simple activity like cycling is an ideal exercise for those with Alzheimer’s disease as they will be able to participate regardless of how cognitively present they are. Those with more advanced levels of dementia will be able to use the increased settings of active-assist and passive movement to maintain some regular physical activity.

The key to introducing activity to someone dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia is to introduce it slowly and at a time when they are at their best mentally. Often patients will have strong cognition at a certain time of day, so that is the best time to incorporate the cycle trainer into their routine. Starting with just 5 or 10 minutes a day depending on their mobility level can help them warm up to the habit both physically and mentally.

Benefits of physical activity for Alzheimer’s patients

Physical activity is beneficial for people of any age and fitness level, however it’s especially important for Alzheimer’s patients and those suffering from dementia. There are many direct benefits that they are likely to experience including:

• Improved heart health which can reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
• Reduced risk of some cancers, stroke and diabetes
• Increased ability to perform regular daily activities like getting dressed, cooking, cleaning, and eating independently
• Improved bone health leading to a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis
• Improved physical fitness, leading to stronger muscles, more flexible joints and an increased opportunity for independence
• Improved brain health including better memory, reduced feelings of depression and an overall reduction in the rate of mental decline.
• Reduced likelihood of neurological deficits
• Increased confidence in their ability to carry on with their day-to-day lifestyle
• Better sleep
• Can help improve the behaviour of the patient, preventing situations where they may wander off, act aggressively or use aggressive language

Active passive trainers are the perfect tool

There have been countless studies done to examine the link between physical exercise and a person’s memory, especially later in life. The overwhelming results show that regular exercise can reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by upwards of 45%. One of the easiest and most accessible methods of achieving this regular exercise is through the use of an active passive trainer. This at-home cycle machine is an excellent way to keep aging adults moving in order to help prevent, combat or cope with the changes brought on by Alzheimer’s disease.