Hand- and foot-operated bicycle ergometers provide an excellent option for patients recovering from chronic illnesses, injuries, or stroke. They can be used to exercise both the upper and lower extremities. Studies have shown that using an arm ergometer or leg ergometer positively impacts post-stroke recovery. They help improve arm and leg strength as well as cardiovascular health.
Studies have shown that using an arm ergometer or leg ergometer has beneficial effects on post-stroke recovery. They help improve arm and leg strength as well as cardiovascular health. The therapist adjusts the bicycle's resistance according to the patient's current condition. Setting the appropriate resistance ensures that the effort required is suitable for the patient.
The purpose of using an arm bicycle is to strengthen the arms and legs so that stroke patients can better perform tasks such as eating, dressing, and walking.
There are active and passive ergometers. The active ergometer does not rotate on its own, meaning it is always driven by the user's physical effort.
In the case of a passive ergometer, an "automatic" operation can be set. In this way, the ergometer "pulls" the limb along, assisting the movement, and even moves a completely immobile, paralyzed limb. This assistance is needed when the patient has not yet regained motor function after a stroke.
Ergometer in Stroke Rehabilitation
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability in adults. One of the most common consequences of stroke is hemiparesis, paralysis affecting the muscles on one side of the body. It often results in the patient being unable to walk independently and reliant on others. Even activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing require assistance.
Gait disturbances, muscle weakness, spasticity, poor motor control and coordination, balance issues, and sensory losses can pose significant challenges for stroke patients.
After a stroke, it is recommended that the patient participates in specialized physiotherapy treatments as soon as possible to begin retraining the body for proper movement, improve blood circulation, and maintain muscle strength.
Since stroke recovery 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 arm and leg muscles after stroke can help improve movement and walking ability
It stimulates voluntary movement – Walking requires continuous, repetitive motion that can be difficult or impossible after a stroke. The bicycle trainer enforces coordinated and symmetrical movement with both legs, which over time may lead to improved walking.
It can be used almost immediately after stroke once the life-threatening phase has passed – In the initial period, the patient cannot practice walking. The bicycle trainer can help rebuild damaged muscles and neural pathways.
It is not only useful during rehabilitation. After daily and weekly therapy sessions are no longer necessary, the bicycle trainer remains a great tool for a healthy lifestyle. Many stroke patients find it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle, so incorporating time on the bicycle trainer can help establish a healthy routine. This daily activity can even aid in preventing stroke recurrence.
It is a very safe tool for post-stroke recovery – With a seated or standing bicycle trainer, there is no need for balancing, which significantly reduces the risk of falls and fear of falling, and most patients can use it almost entirely independently.
Progress can be tracked – Cycling results are monitorable and visible as the patient’s condition improves.
The training program can be easily adjusted. Most ergometers offer adjustable settings, allowing users to tailor the exercise to their individual needs.
- Using high resistance and low cadence focuses on muscle building.
- Low resistance and high cadence improve cardiorespiratory endurance, enhancing heart function, circulation, lung capacity, and respiratory efficiency.
