Ergometers
Bicycle ergometers, which can be ridden by hand or foot, are an excellent option for stroke patients. They can be used to exercise both upper and lower limbs. Research has shown that using an arm ergometer or leg ergometer is beneficial for recovery after stroke.
They help improve arm and leg strength, as well as cardiovascular health.
Research has shown that using an arm ergometer or leg ergometer is beneficial for recovery after stroke. They help improve arm and leg strength and cardiovascular health. The resistance of the bicycle is adjusted by the movement therapist according to your current condition. Setting the correct resistance ensures that it requires an effort that is appropriate for the patient.
The purpose of using an arm bike is to strengthen the arms and legs so that the stroke patient can better perform tasks such as eating, dressing and walking.
There are active and passive ergometers. The active ergometer "does not rotate by itself", i.e. it is always moved by the physical effort of the user.
The passive ergometer can be set to "automatic" operation. This way, the ergometer "pulls" the limb with itself, helps it to move, and even the ergometer moves the paralysed limb that is completely immobilised. This assistance is needed if the patient has not yet regained mobility after a stroke.
Ergometer in stroke rehabilitation
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in adults. One of the most common consequences of stroke is hemiparesis, which is paralysis of the muscles on one side of the body. It often leaves the patient unable to walk unaided and dependent on others. They even need help with activities such as eating, bathing and dressing.
Gait, muscle weakness, spasticity, poor motor control and coordination, loss of balance and sensation can be major difficulties for stroke patients.
After a stroke, it is recommended that the patient undergoes specific physiotherapy treatments as soon as possible to start retraining the body for proper movement, improve blood flow and maintain muscle strength.
As recovery from stroke can take months or even years, a home ergometer is an important tool for stroke rehabilitation. It is one of the most beneficial exercise and rehabilitation methods for stroke patients.
Stimulating the muscles in the arms and legs after a stroke can help improve movement and walking ability
Stimulates voluntary movement - Walking requires continuous and repetitive movement, which is difficult or impossible after a stroke. A cycling trainer forces coordinated and symmetrical movement with both legs, which can lead to improved gait over time.
Can be used almost immediately after a stroke - once life-threatening conditions are no longer present - During the initial period, the patient is unable to walk. A cycle trainer can help rebuild damaged muscles and brain pathways.
Not only can it be used during rehabilitation. Even after daily and weekly therapy sessions are no longer necessary, the bike trainer is a great tool for a healthy lifestyle. After a stroke, it can be difficult for many patients to maintain an active lifestyle, so incorporating time on a bike trainer can help to establish a healthy routine. This daily activity can even help prevent stroke recurrence.
A very safe tool in post-stroke recovery - With a seated or standing bike trainer, there is no need to balance, so the risk of falling and fear of falling is significantly reduced and most patients can use it almost entirely unassisted.
Track progress - The results of cycling can be monitored and you can see how the patient's condition improves.
It is easy to change the exercise programme. Most ergometers provide adjustment options. They allow the user to tailor the workout to their own needs.
Use of high resistance and low speeds focuses on muscle building.
And low resistance and high RPMs provide cardio-respiratory endurance improvement. In other words, it improves cardiovascular, pulmonary and respiratory efficiency.