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Acquired Brain Injury

Increased rest and limited exertion are important in speeding up recovery after an acute brain injury (ABI) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Following the acute phase of recovery, increasing cerebral blood flow through exercise, is vital in alleviating symptoms of brain injury. 

Studies demonstrate the role of exercise in promoting neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to create new neural networks through growth and reorganisation. This ability of the brain to form new connections and facilitate the learning of new skills is particularly pertinent following a brain injury. Our understanding of the way in which exercise supports neuroplasticity, reinforces the undeniable place for the MedUp V2 in any rehabilitation program. 

The repetitive cyclic movements facilitated by the MedUp V2 help to improve physical changes often experienced post brain injury. The active-passive trainer allows for motor recovery, coordination and reduction in muscle spasm through its gentle elongation of muscles through range. This maintenance of muscle length facilitated by the MedUp V2 prevents often painful muscle tightness and contracture.

Aging

The MedUp V2 is an essential accompaniment to active aging, better health and enhanced quality of life. Using the customized features of the active-passive trainer allows older adults to cycle at their desired level accommodating for their individual needs.

The MedUp V2 provides individuals with a variety of settings; passive to active-assisted to fully active with finely adjusted resistance, allowing users  to progress their exercise as required. The trainer helps users meet their exercise requirements in order to achieve  functional fitness, and  to maximize independence in activities of daily living and help prevent chronic diseases.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

People with dementia have often experienced  improved cognitive and physical skills following a routine of regular physical activity. Movement has been shown to slow cognitive decline, while improving mental acuity. Not to mention the physical benefits associated with regular exercise, which are improvements in strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination and maintaining functional independence in activities of daily living. 

The MedUp V2 allows people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to be comfortable and safe in that it can be accessed from a regular chair or wheelchair. The simplicity of the cycling movement allows for participation of individuals regardless of cognitive ability. For people living with more severe dementia, the passive and active-assisted modes can assist with movement production, while maintaining circulation and range of motion. 

Scientific reference:

  • Holthoff V.A., Marschner K., Scharf M., Steding J., Meyer S., Koch R., Donix M. (2015). Effects of Physical Activity Training in Patients with Alzheimer‘s Dementia: Results of a Pilot RCT Study. PLOS ONE, 10(4)., DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121478

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

People with cerebral palsy greatly benefit from the MedUp V2 active-passive trainer. The continued cycling motion and the spasm detection feature help to decrease spasticity, strengthen muscles and increase joint flexibility (preventing contractures). 

Getting a workout with the MedUp V2 can also improve coordination, ataxia, general fitness and bowel and bladder function.

Chronic Illnesses and Comorbidities

Evidence supports the therapeutic benefits of sustained and consistent engagement with physical activity for patients with chronic illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension and diabetes.

It is recommended that exercise programs are tailored to the individual needs of the patient in the context of their experience with a medical condition. Engagement with a healthy level of activity promotes improvements in strength and endurance and facilitates the preservation of mobility, activities of daily living and quality of life.

Scientific reference:

  • Westhoff T.H., Schmidt S., Gross V., Joppke M., Zidek W., van der Giet M., Dimeo F. (2008). The cardiovascular effects of upper-limb aerobic exercise in hypertensive patients. Journal of Hypertension, 26(7), 1336-1342., 10.1097/HJH.0b013e3282ffac13

A recipe to prevent medical comorbidities

Exercising with the MedUp V2 motorized bike, like all exercise can help prevent comorbid conditions that are caused or aggravated by inactivity, such as

  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Depression
  • Cardiovascular disease

In-Patient Inactivity

Just a few days of being inactive while hospitalised can lead to a significant  loss of aerobic fitness and atrophy of muscles. Research suggests that muscle loss may begin with just one week of inactivity—as much as 2 pounds if you are fully immobilized. Immobilisation hampers the body’s circulatory system, which increases the likelihood of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Using the MedUp V2 trainer as early as possible forestalls these complications while improving bowel and bladder functions, metabolism and digestion. The MedUp V2 arm trainer works the respiratory muscles, assists with breathing and can help prevent the risk of pneumonia.

Early mobilisation is key to rapid recovery and rehabilitation. For in-hospital patients, early mobilisation leads to shorter hospital stays and early discharge.

Scientific references:

  • Burtin C., Clerckx B., Robbeets C., Ferdinande P., Langer D., Troosters T., Hermans G., Decramer M., Gosselink R. (2009). Early exercise in critically ill patients enhances short-term functional recovery. Critical Care Medicine, 37(9), 2499-2505., DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e3181a38937
  • Kho M. E., Martin R. A., Toonstra A. L., Zanni J. M., Mantheiy E. C., Nelliot A., Needham D. M. (2015). Feasibility and safety of in-bed cycling for physical rehabilitation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Journal of Critical Care, 30(6), 1419., DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2015.07.025
  • Yu L., Jiang J.-X., Zhang Y., Chen Y.-Z., Shi Y. (2020). Use of in-bed cycling combined with passive joint activity in acute respiratory failure patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Annals of Palliative Medicine, 9 (2), 175-181., DOI: 10.21037/apm.2020.02.12, DOI: 10.21037/apm.2020.02.12

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is an autoimmune disease involving decreased mobility, tremors and fatigue (Halabchi et al, 2017). Inactivity typically exacerbates symptoms and contributes to disease progression and related complications. Staying active with the MedUp V2 active-passive trainer can help to alleviate fatigue, decrease muscle tightness and spasms, and maintain mobility and independence.

Following an 8-week progressive resistance training program, MS patients reported a decrease in fatigue and disability (White et al, 2004). Evidence demonstrated increases in leg strength and stepping ability that transfer directly to improvements in gait pattern. The wide base of literature supporting the engagement of physical activity for patients with MS suggests benefits of improving muscle strength, aerobic capacity and gait pattern (Motl 2012), all of which can be achieved through regular use of the MedUp V2.

Scientific references:

  • Farzin Halabchi, Zahra Alizadeh,Mohammad Ali Sahraian, and Maryam Abolhasani,(2017) Exercise prescription for patients with multiple sclerosis; potential benefits and practical recommendations. doi: 10.1186/s12883-017-0960-9
  • White L, McCoy S, Castellano V, Gutierrez G, Stevens J, Walter G, et al. Resistance training improves strength and functional capacity in persons with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2004;10(6):668–674. doi: 10.1191/1352458504ms1088oa
  • Motl RW, Pilutti LA. The benefits of exercise training in multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol. 2012;8(9):487–497. doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2012.136

Musculoskeletal Ailments

Orthopedics

MedUp V2 can be used for orthopedic patients to increase range of motion (joint flexibility), prevent muscle stiffness and contractures, lubricate joints, and improve muscle strength.

The unique isokinetic feature allows the patient to exercise within a specified range of motion directly assisting in the achievement of their movement goals. The MedUp V2 allows for an increase in resistance when appropriate to allow the user to advance their training and customise their rehabilitation program.

Neuromuscular Disorders

They include diabetic neuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), toxic neuropathy, small fibre neuropathy, autonomic neuropathies, congenital myopathies, muscular dystrophy, metabolic myopathies, inclusion body myositis, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, necrotising myopathy, myasthenia gravis, and Lambert-Eaton syndrome.

Progressive muscle weakness is the predominant condition of neuromuscular disorders. Using the MedUp V2 active-passive trainer allows you to select the most appropriate mode of training that best meets your needs at the time and can easily be adjusted as your condition changes for maximum benefits. The MedUp V2 is perfectly positioned to target muscle weakness related impairments, providing you with a variety of strength building exercises.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease often experience a decline in cognitive function, rigor and dyskinesia involving involuntary erratic writhing movements of their limbs, face or trunk. Movement therapy with the MedUp V2 can be used in the passive and active-assisted modes meaning that the motor is contributing to the production of movement through the patient’s joints.

This method of ‘forced’ exercise, whereby an individual is pedalling on a bike at an increased cadence to what they would be otherwise capable of, has demonstrated improvements in motor function (Ridgel, 2015). Therefore, Parkinson’s patients can expect to see a positive impact on balance, posture, gait and the alleviation of symptoms. Additionally, acute bouts of aerobic exercise, as possible with the MedUp V2, have been shown to increase cerebral blood flow and enhance cognitive function (Ridgel, 2011).

Scientific references:

  • Ridgel A., Phillips R. S., Walter B. L., Discenzo F. M., Loparo K. A. (2015). Dynamic high-cadence cycling improves motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Frontiers in Neurology, 6 (194)., DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00194
  • Ridgel A. L., Kim C-H., Fickes E. J., Muller M. D. & Alberts J. L. (2011). Changes in Executive Function After Acute Bouts of Passive Cycling in Parkinson´s Disease. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 19, 87-98., DOI: 10.1123/japa.19.2.87

Spasticity

Spasticity is an impairment related to neurological conditions whereby muscles become abnormally tight affecting function and at times producing painful, uncontrollable spasms.

The MedUp V2 active-passive bike is equipped with spasticity detection technology to decrease spasticity and improve movement. The MedUp V2’s software is able to detect muscle spasticity, process this information and reverse the direction the biker is pedalling until the spasm has resolved. The sensitivity of this feature can be adjusted to best meet the needs of that particular user.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)

Individuals with spinal cord injury are at an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections, constipation, muscle tightness and subsequent contracture and pressure sores. The MedUp V2 provides an opportunity for engagement with physical activity to lessen the risk of the aforementioned complications and to improve the effectiveness of respiratory and circulatory systems that remain vulnerable in the absence of movement. 

The MedUp V2 allows for the provision of arm and leg workouts suitable for those with spinal cord injury, who seek to facilitate motor recovery, strengthen their innervated muscles, maintain or improve range of motion and preserve their level of functional independence.

The MedUp V2 comes with hand securing mitts for secure positioning of grip on handlebars. The active trainer bike allows for increased independence in exercise set up, as those using a wheelchair can simply roll their mobility device up to the trainer. The spasticity detection feature of the MedUp V2 can easily be adjusted for arms and legs to monitor and reduce the occurrence of spasms.

Scientific references:

  • Rösche J., Paulus C., Maisch U., Kaspar A., Mauch E., Kornhuber H.H. (1997). The effects of therapy of spasticity utilizing a motorized exercise-cycle. Spinal Cord, 35, 176-178., DOI: 10.1038/sj.sc.3100376
  • Phadke, C. P., Vierira, L., Mathur, S., Cipriano, G., Jr, Ismail, F., & Boulias, C. (2019). Impact of Passive Leg Cycling in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review. Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, 25(1), 83–96. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci18-00020

Stroke

Exercise involving repetitive movements such as bicycling or utilising an arm ergometer such as with the MedUp V2 active -passive trainer is an integral component of the stroke rehabilitation process to facilitate the relearning of effective movement patterns.

Evidence has concluded that cycling on an ergometer is a relevant rehabilitation tool, given its demonstrated impact on improvements in upper limb active force production and range of motion (Diserens, 2007). This body of evidence perfectly positions the MedUp V2 as a rehabilitation staple in its ability to allow the user to tailor the parameters of the workout specifically to their needs given their level of muscle strength and innervation.

Scientific references:

  • Diserens K., Perret N., Chatelain S., Bashir S., Ruegg D., Vuadens P., Vingerhoets F. (2007). The effect of repetitive arm cycling on post stroke spasticity and motor control: Repetitive arm cycling and spasticity. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 253 (1-2), 18-24., DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2006.10.021
  • Ambrosini E., Ferrante S., Pedrocchi A., Ferrigno G., Molteni F. (2011). Cycling Induced by Electrical Stimulation Improves Motor Recovery in Postacute Hemiparetic Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Stroke, 42(4), 1068-1073., DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.599068