Your Own Recovery Program [Archive]

Chris Chappell

10-12-2002, 04:35 PM

As many on this forum are considering places like Project Walk (www.projectwalk.org (http://www.projectwalk.org)) and realize the benefits and potential of exercise based (induced) recovery the reality is that many can't make the pilgrimmage for a variety of reasons.

That being said, what can we do to copy or replicate some of the already successful programs, clinics, etc.?

Having given this a lot of thought this is what I've come up with.

I see a need for strength training of the entire body. I also see a need for balance and stabilization training as well as coordination. And lastly I see a need for a gait training apparatus to help with patterning.

To tackle the strength training issue (different for quads vs. paras) I need to work on my upper body as well as my lower body. A couple of ways / suggestions to accomplish this - at least for upperbody. A) join a local gym and figure it out as you go, maybe with the help of a personal trainer. B) Weights and equipment in your home. There are too many options to mention but you can aquire it at garage sales, fitness stores, internet, classifieds, infomercials etc. C) Specific equipment such as an Uppertone for quads (insurance reimbursement is possible) available at www.gpk.com (http://www.gpk.com)

Lower body. Much trickier for strength training. A) The obvious choice and ultimate piece of equipment is an FES bike available through www.electrologic.com (http://www.electrologic.com) Being as expensive as it is maybe searching for a local clinic or hospital who may have one might be more cost effective. B) Personal training with weights / gym equipment. Load bearing (muscle, not joint) exercise with assistance. C) Pool therapy. Again with assistance.

Balance, stabilization, etc.. A)I use floor exercises on a www.bosu.com (http://www.bosu.com) which include trunk control, abdominal strengthening / use. Also back extensions, bridging, side to side motion, etc. B) Hire a personal trainer to help teach you with what you have available. C) Join the gym and hire a trainer until you learn what you can do on your own.

Gait training, patterning. This is very individual. (Members like Debbie7 have done an awesome job in creating their own systems. Read her thread.) A) You could try a home based litegait system available at www.litegait.com (http://www.litegait.com) and hire assistants to help 'gait' you over a treadmill. B) If you live in Chicago or Alabama I would check out the lokomat (sorry, no link) and the autoambulator (www.healthsouth.com (http://www.healthsouth.com) - keyword autoambulator). C) An elliptical trainer (www.fitnessquest.com (http://www.fitnessquest.com)) or 'natural runner' machine available at www.startrac.com (http://www.startrac.com) (Again, check Deb's thread for equipment/harnesses.) combined with a hoist (simplistic, www.grainger.com (http://www.grainger.com) keyword - electric winches) or the industry standard Guldmann @ www.guldmann.com (http://www.guldmann.com)

Ok, enough information to chew on. And obviously, depending upon your level of injury and function, the variations on the suggested above change from person to person.

In summary, personally I'd like my program to consist of the uppertone (www.gpk.com (http://www.gpk.com)) the FES (www.electrologic.com), (http://www.electrologic.com),) the balance ball (www.bosu.com (http://www.bosu.com)) and a 'natural runner' setup (www.startrac.com (http://www.startrac.com)) with a guldmann lift (www.guldmann) (http://www.guldmann)). Three hours a day every day. Sprinkle in some e-stim for my hands and (I wish) some pool therapy and I believe I will be well on the road towards recovery.

The future is ultimately in home based recovery.

And finally, I'm curious, what kind of program / equipment do you use? Ideas? Suggestions?

Peace
Onward and Upward!

[This message was edited by Chris on Oct 12, 2002 at 07:57 PM.]

angel7

10-12-2002, 06:40 PM

Chris,

One more piece of equipment. Go to www.ez-walker.com (http://www.ez-walker.com) the price is 7,200 and even though I have my own equipment I'm still trying to get my insurance company to buy one.

Deb

[This message was edited by Debbie7 on Oct 12, 2002 at 10:11 PM.]

antiquity

10-12-2002, 07:23 PM

Great job putting all of this together Chris, thank you.

[This message was edited by seneca on Oct 12, 2002 at 10:37 PM.]

Chris Chappell

10-13-2002, 01:28 PM

Deb, thanks for the link. Does the walker straddle the treadmill?

Also, for anyone interested in pool therapy you should check out www.hydroworx.com (http://www.hydroworx.com) This is the ultimate.

Get on your feet everyone! If you want to learn how to walk you have to practice walking!

Onward and Upward!

dahliasinbloom

10-13-2002, 05:27 PM

Thanks for putting it all together for us. Although I've had a complete injury for so, so long, I still see myself pulling it all together some day with this type of equipment/workout. I firmly believe any successful Cure therapy that comes along will include this kind of extensive therapy. And even though I have always been an athlete (finished my first maraphon 2 Â½ years post injury), like you, I don't see myself working that hard on my own. And I have a hard time visualizing a personal trainer at my gym giving me the kind of workout I could get at project walk (even though I've never been there to see for myself.) I married my Physical Therapist - he's wonderful; but at the end of the day we're both tired, busy with the kids, going over homework, bath-time, etc. After giving eight hours to his patients and then several more to his children, he is tired.... and so am I.

If I had the time and resources, I would consider Project Walk. Would love to see it take off.

Our greatest drawback is that in the world of Health Insurance, PW does not carry any weight. Unfortunately, insurance companies just don't understand that extensive therapy will serve their own purpose. And even in the world of rehab physical therapy, there are so many limitations placed by the insurance companies...and by the privately-held hospitals.

If nothing else, I hope the studies conducted at Project Walk will help to convince our insurance companies to pay for ongoing physical therapy.

Best of luck to you, Chris. Please let us know right away if you see any progress.

Rick1

10-14-2002, 05:19 AM

Nice piece Chris. I would like to stress the importance of an aerobic component in any conditioning program. Particularly in the base training phase. Aerobic training enhances our ability to utilize oxygen by improving the efficiency of the heart, lung, and vascular systems.

Aerobics and a regimen of core stabilization exercises will provide a good foundation for the more complex training programs.

Note: Optimal training methodology focuses on the process (training and performing to one's actual best capacity) instead of on the outcome.

Chris Chappell

10-14-2002, 09:15 AM

Rick, agreed.

What suggestions do you have that would help create an aerobic base?

Onward and Upward!

Rick1

10-14-2002, 11:38 AM

An arm crank workout will get the heart rate up to the necessary levels. Also, pumping or swinging the arms during a pool workout or leg-cycle session will help to facilitate aerobic benefits.

The basic calculation for maximum heart rate (MHR) (in beats per minute) is: 217 - (age x 0.85). A good aerobic goal would be to raise the heart rate to 60% of MHR and be able to sustain it for a minimum of 20 minutes, 4-5 times a week. (Note: This is not necessarily a starting point; rather, a goal to be achieved through consistent effort.)

Arm Cranks:
http://www.endorphin.net/home.htm
http://www.saratoga-intl.com/saratoga

Heart Rate Monitors:
http://www.polarusa.com
http://www.acumeninc.com

Not an aerobic facilitator, but something that I have used to help increase lung capacity:
http://www.powerlung.com

angel7

10-14-2002, 01:42 PM

Chris,

You don't need a treadmill with the EZ Walker. It looks like it moves your legs forward. Give them a call and the will send you a video free.

Deb

Chris Chappell

10-14-2002, 02:20 PM

Rick, something like the products available at www.apt4rehab.com (http://www.apt4rehab.com) ?
Stationary cycles and such?

This is a good site btw for therapy products.

Onward and Upward!

Rick1

10-14-2002, 03:45 PM

Yea Chris. Anything (equipment and/or activity) that promotes enough physical exertion to enable you to reach and maintain your target heart rate.

Janisallen

10-16-2002, 06:10 PM

I'm a therapist without SCI, so that being said, I apologize if I offend anyone here. What I recommend in our program is 2 hours per day minimum of floor exercises. Though I think the ambulators and spinners are a great adjunct to this, I have seen more improvement with floor exercises than anything else. Of course we use things at our office to stimulate the nerves in the first place, but then our patients go home and that's where the real progress begins. As a therapist, I'm a big believer in neurodevelopmental sequence, i.e. you must crawl before you can walk. So I send all our patients home to roll around on the floor and start crawling. I don't know how this would work for someone who has not had any nerve stimulation, but I do know it helps tremendously with our patients. Good luck to those of you out there, my prayers are with you!

janis allen

Chris Chappell

10-24-2002, 10:39 AM

Hey, does anyone know where I can find one of those little pedal units (small enough for desk or floor) that is motorized?

Sitting here at my desk trying to figure out how I can exercise my legs (at least give them motion, such as pedaling) while I'm at work? It's not e-stim or fes but a small motorized pedaling machine.

Thanks.

Onward and Upward!

jway2002

10-24-2002, 11:23 AM

Chris
I bought a product called Oxycycle from the Shopping Network for my son. The cost was $150 cdn. Pros are: lightweight, compact and cheap.
Cons are: One speed, the motor won't work thru spams and he needs some help strapping his feet in. I think with some small modifications ( foot rest with calf support) it should be okay. I'll make changes to it by friday and let you know.

Chris Chappell

10-24-2002, 11:40 AM

Jway2002, Thanks! Does oxycycle have a website? Which shopping network did you purchase this from?

Does anyone else know of any other manufacturers?

Thanks again.

Onward and Upward!

jway2002

10-29-2002, 11:40 PM

Chris
I found ours on the Shopping Channel in Canada. I have tried www.theshoppingchannel.com (http://www.theshoppingchannel.com) but did not find it there. I hope the following link works. http://www.sportingb2b.com/work/b_paradeS.jsp?industry=SG&supplier=1480&industry=SG

jway2002

10-29-2002, 11:47 PM

Chris
I contacted the Shopping Channel and found the item number which is 277930. The lady told me they don't have ant in stock and she didn't know when or if they would re-stock. She couldn't tell me the supplier.

Carl R

10-31-2002, 11:05 AM

I had a barrier free ceiling lift (www.barrierfreelifts.com (http://www.barrierfreelifts.com)) installed last weekend. I have been very impressed with it so far and should be able to do some partial weight bearing training with this lift. If nothing else, it has made transfers 100% easier and is now much easier to get in and out of the standing frame.

Thanks to everyone who gave me some feedback on getting this lift.

giambjj

11-05-2002, 08:48 AM

Available for $179 from www.rolli-moden.com (http://www.rolli-moden.com)

Chris Chappell

11-05-2002, 02:33 PM

Thank you Dr. J.J., Good, accurate information.

Btw, the oxycycle is not on their website yet but it is in their catalog.

Onward and Upward!

jway2002

11-07-2002, 09:00 AM

Chris
Found it! http://www.healthyworld.ca/frameset.htm Product showroom.

Chris Chappell

11-07-2002, 11:16 AM

Jway, thanks for the link!

Do you guys think this would work while sitting in a wc or would the footrest get in the way? (I have a fixed footrest)

Onward and Upward!

jway2002

11-07-2002, 01:35 PM

Chris
You can make a box to elevate it over your footrest. My son's chair has the swing around footrests so using the oxycycle is not too much trouble.

jway2002

11-08-2002, 06:34 AM

Chris
The following link is to a, imo, higher quality legerciser. It is the same as Albert uses in France. (except for the handle part, not shown).
http://www.erp.ca/en/therafit_eng.html

jway2002

11-08-2002, 04:22 PM

Chris,
Forget the Oxycycle. I made footrests for my son out of aluminum, and it won't work thru his spasms. I have ordered the Thera model and I know this one will work thru spasms. You can increase the force that drives the pedals and also increase the number of reps. Live and learn.

chastev8

11-09-2002, 06:23 AM

http://www.nellies.com/progo.shtml

JimD

11-09-2002, 09:24 AM

regarding the Therafit leg exerciser: it does not appear (judging from the picture) to have any way to strap your feet into the pedals. Does anyone have any information about this? Thanks.

Chris Chappell

11-14-2002, 10:14 AM

Bumping this up by request.

Onward and Upward!

antiquity

11-21-2002, 09:52 PM

Just wanted to add a couple of links for standing wheelchair systems:

Powered and manual standing wheelchairs: www.lifestandusa.com (http://www.lifestandusa.com)

Powered standing wheelchair: www.redmanpowerchair.com (http://www.redmanpowerchair.com)

Standing frame that can be adapted to a manual chair: www.stand-aid.com (http://www.stand-aid.com)

Chris Chappell

12-26-2002, 11:27 AM

bumping this up for PT information.

Fortitudine Vincimus
(Through endurance we conquer)

Chris Chappell

02-23-2003, 10:27 AM

Bumping this up by request.

Chris Chappell

02-23-2003, 10:30 AM

Another therapy to explore is www.hydrowerx.com (http://www.hydrowerx.com)

Aqua based.

Brian S

02-23-2003, 03:34 PM

Great topic! I'm a quad with limited movement in legs and arms - enough to give me hope, but not very functional at the moment (16 months post injury). My insurance only allows 60 days of outpatient therapy per year, so I knew that I would have to come up with my own program.

My wife assists me with many exercises in my wheelchair and in bed. We also have several pieces of equipment to help us out. Our insurance paid for a LiteGait which I use with a treadmill we already owned. I purchased a refurbished Schwinn Johnny G. spinning bike, removed the seat, and installed my road bike pedals. This way, I can transfer to a chair behind the bike and use biking shoes to hold my feet in place. I also purchased a hand cycle to work my arms.

My wife recently found a Smith 3000 multipurpose gym on sale for $300. I use this for various strength training exercises, many of which I can access from my wheelchair.

We just recently found a pool that has a lift. It's about a half hour away, but we are going to try to get there about twice a week.

So, I guess I've got enough to keep me busy every day! Some days are a challenge because I get physically tired, but I just try to take it easy on those days. It would be nice to go to a structured program like Project Walk, but that's just not possible.

I have benefited from all this work by having increased strength and better health. I can stand on my own for longer and longer periods of time. Transfers are a lot easier. If any of you would like to see some pictures, check out my web site: briansternberg.com (http://briansternberg.com)

larwatson

02-24-2003, 01:30 PM

Twenty years post injury in have tried to keep myself in shape using various means. My impetus for getting on this site was primarily in search of finding a good workout, that took into consideration nutrition, weight lifting, and FES.

I am happy to report that last week I started at the Nuero Institute in Tempe, AZ. Man I ached like I haven't since two-a-days in high school football. It feels GREAT!!!! I'm riding the FES Bike, getting stimmed on the box for abs and paraspinals, and lifting. Arnie is now working on helping me put together a good diet to compliment my training.

The next step is getting on the gait trainer.

BTW: I still swim and work out on my Schwinn Aerodyne hand bike at home for cardio.

After only one week I already feel better and have more energy

yiannit

02-25-2003, 11:08 AM

how are you supposed to try to walk if harnessed on a treadmill? i'm thinking of buying a harness and treadmill but i don't understand how it works. i have some leg movement but not enough.

angel7

02-25-2003, 01:57 PM

Yianni,

You will need to have a physical therapist move your feet for you as you concentrate on moving them with your therapist. The theory is that the repetition will aid your lower cord to remember how to walk.

Deb

juliez

02-26-2003, 12:49 PM

Where you get the harness for the gait training? I have the rest. You can contact me at juliez@cfl.rr.com Julie Z

angel7

02-26-2003, 01:55 PM

I like the one listed below. It has to be a little tight around your stomach but it works for me.

Harness
www.grainger.com (http://www.grainger.com) - confined space harness - medium - 10810 - $158.15

Deb

yiannit

02-26-2003, 04:35 PM

which guldman lift would you recommend?

Chris Chappell

05-05-2003, 10:26 AM

Bumping this up for newer members checking out the Exercise forum.

Chris Chappell

05-18-2003, 01:41 PM

bump for skier and jim.

1uncleED

06-03-2003, 02:24 PM

Chris,
Nobody is responding, except you talking to yourself. I say you move this to the private topics forum. The manipulation of these threads does not lend itself to the sharing of information. So Phebus/Chris look up the word moderator, then let this one go.

06-03-2003, 10:03 PM

I was injured in July of 1987 and I think that I started to learn how to walk again in January of 1989. I am an incomplete injury and I started to visit one of the local sporting good stores. My first purchase was a stationary bicycle. A few months later I ordered a BX1000 EMS machine from a company called Bloomex, which is now located in New Jersey. Shortly after I arrived home from the hospital, I decided that I would get down on the floor and try to start crawling; thinking that this is how babies begin and perhaps I could retrain my nerves in a similar sort of way. I also purchased a Universal Gym and I strengthened my upper body as best I could by doing sit-ups, lat pull-downs and butterflies. When I first started walking I had my AFOs on and my walker with arm troughs, along with a PT belt. In the beginning it would take me about an hour to go 45 feet and I would start at the left corner of the parking lot and end up at the right corner of the parking lot. Working out 6 hours everyday I was eventually able to cover the 45 feet in about 2 minutes and this took about three or four months.
I always had to look down at my feet because I did not know where they were, but that changed about a year and a half later. Now I no longer need to look at my feet when I walk and I have a better sense of where they are than I did before. However, if I was lying down I know I would still have a difficult time knowing exactly where my legs and feet were, unless I was looking right at them.

By the way, I can no longer do 6 hours of rehab everyday and I have had to cut back to about two and a half hours. I reached a plateau a long time ago.

8QLJkPzwLLk

rtr

06-04-2003, 10:00 AM

I wonder if an elliptical trainer would work better than a treadmill. The movement is more "normal," less wobbly, and helpers can't place your feet so randomly.

You can attach shoes to the foot pedals to eliminate the need for someone to place your feet. Of course, if you fall sideways you'd break an ankle. Guess I should think about that a little more. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

Has anyone tried using a support harness and an elliptical trainer?

Chris Chappell

06-04-2003, 12:39 PM

Meeker, thanks for the input. Love you too..

rtr, I have an elliptical/harness setup currently so there is no need for a therapist once I'm in position. The walking/gaiting pattern is very close to normal. My feet are held in via snowboard bindings and I'm hoisted by a Guldman lift. Lower myself, hit the button and we're stepping/walking.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck.

angel7

06-04-2003, 01:05 PM

rtr,

I use an elliptical trainer with a harness. The way we work it is as follows:

PT lifts me in harness
Slide trainer underneath
Tape my feet to pedals
Wrap my hands around handlebars
PT gets on trainer behind me and holds my hips
PT and me push on pedals while I also pull with hands

This definitely helps with building legs, stamina and upper body strength. I don't however think that this is the best to pattern walking as you are bending over too much.

Good luck.

Deb

Chris Chappell

09-01-2003, 08:19 AM

bump - for The Mom

chick

09-01-2003, 08:40 AM

ChrisD..can you direct me to your progress report on your tendon transplant? Im considering similar and wanted to read up a bit on yours. Also, I have some questions. Thx! http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

Chris Chappell

09-07-2003, 04:03 PM

chick,

check the "Care" forum for the topic "Quad hand surgery...my journey". I'll bump it for you.

Sorry I hadn't seen your post earlier.

Brunez

09-13-2003, 07:55 PM

Hello, my name is Bruno, IÂ´m from Spain and I have a personal web page where I put some good xercises for spinal cord injuried persons. in www.brunez.com (http://www.brunez.com)

MY LEGS DO NOT SUPPORT YET, BUT MY LIFE GOES ON!!

My life runs through fields enjoying freedom, my eyes walk along your face looking for a smile, as well as my brain overcomes any champion of athletics enjoying the fact of being alive and being able to appreciate so many people and so many things... And taking another step, my imagination flies through all the places of the earth. My legs do not support me today, some day they will do it again. Hopefully I have my chair that gets me everywhere meanwhile, and this way living, knowing, loving, laughing and crying I continue in this world full of people and unforgettable moments.

Bruno F. Merlo

Rae Rae

10-22-2003, 05:46 AM

Chris,

Rae Rae

10-22-2003, 05:51 AM

Chris
I have posted a few questions and things on here regarding excercise. My boyfriend is a T-4 Complete para. And i would like to see him be a little more active than he is. I know there are excersise but i need someone to tell me specifics about them and how to do them and how i can help because being he can't move his legs. Please help me out--i know there are web sites and info i can look up but i would like to hear it from someone that has been experimenting or working out with the equipment and stuff---Right now we don't have a home gym or anything but we're planning on purchasing one..Please can you help....I can hardly get him on the standing machine that he has at home. He wants to start working out but he doesn't understand and know how to start. His upper body is awesome (due to him pushing the wheelchair all the time) and he's pretty satisfied with that part. He would like to start working his legs and stomach more. Plus i'm sure it will help with his circulation. Can you help... Thanks a bunch Amber http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

10-23-2003, 08:32 AM

deb, can home health come and help w/the treadmill?

angel7

10-23-2003, 01:59 PM

jb,

My physical therapist does the treadmill work with me. I still have OT and PT that comes to my home 3 days a week. They are from a Home Health Care group. I think that answered your question. Now I have a great PT who really knows what she is doing. You need to make sure whomever you work with knows what they are doing as well. CR broke his leg doing treadmill work so be very careful.

Deb

antiquity

11-18-2003, 03:46 PM

Here's the link to the Flexiciser. Provides independent range of motion and can help prevent joint contractures.

http://www.flexiciser.com

littlecanoe

12-13-2003, 05:41 PM

Hi everyone this is my first ahhhh don't know where to look post..I'm a t-12 para and currently my pt., is on hold due to transportion issues..Right now my muscle tone etc., is degenerating quit rapidly in my calfs and I'm seeking information on where to purchase an electric pedle (like bike) machine..I know what I want but I don't know where to look for this piece of equipment..I would appreciate any info or guidance or better yet the wisdom I know you've aquired about equipment etc...looking forward to seeing your responce..Thanks so much!!!
ps., this forum is amazing and extremely informative

~Smile and pass it on~

~Patrick~

12-13-2003, 05:52 PM

What are you looking for and what is your ability? You say you are loosing muscle tone, this is normal due to your muscles not being used. Are you looking for FES? Or a manual bike? We need more info please.....

poonsuzanne

12-13-2003, 10:37 PM

Hi littlecanoe, are you looking for FES StimBike? Please look up website www.electrologic.com (http://www.electrologic.com) and you can also contact Heather at email address heather@electrologic.com. Please make sure you confirm with Heather whether you are the right candidate for the Bike! Good luck! Suzanne

cathy j

03-02-2004, 09:44 AM

Chris,
Thank you for your info. it is valuable. Providing the links really helps, too.
Cathy

Mike C

03-06-2004, 06:44 AM

rtr, I have an elliptical/harness setup currently so there is no need for a therapist once I'm in position. The walking/gaiting pattern is very close to normal. My feet are held in via snowboard bindings and I'm hoisted by a Guldman lift. Lower myself, hit the button and we're stepping/walking.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck.

Chris,
Are you using the Startrac Natural Runner as your elliptical trainer? When you say you just hit the button and your stepping/walking, have you had to modify the elliptical trainer to do this, or does this model have a built in program that passivly move your legs for you...at the push of a button. I need some help finding exactly this type of trainer that you are using because IÂ´m buying equipment for the PT/Neuro clinic IÂ´m setting up and I think a harness/elliptical trainer with the capabilities that yours has, is an essential, and not to mention excellent, piece of therapy equipment. Thanks.

"So I have stayed as I am, without regret, seperated from the normal human condition." Guy Sajer

Mike C

03-07-2004, 04:21 AM

Forget it. I just found out that equipment such as modified elliptical trainers would never be allowed in a clinic over here without extensive safety testing, official stamps of approval and other mountains of paperwork. Germany is legendary when it comes to beurocracy.

"So I have stayed as I am, without regret, seperated from the normal human condition." Guy Sajer

Don Quixote

03-08-2004, 12:20 PM

For those of you interested in exercise equipment, don't bother with any electrical device approved by the FDA. If you want to know why, read the posting "The joke of electrotherapy." See the web site cited there, www.galvanism.org (http://www.galvanism.org) You will get a different take on the exercise thing and the use of electricity. It would help if you knew some physics. Be aware that there are lots of scam artists out there pushing exercise machines that they themselves don't use because they don't work. Want to know why? The reason is quite simple, but a number of issues are involved which have historical roots going back to the late nineteenth century. Keep your money.

Curt Leatherbee

03-09-2004, 12:21 PM

FES does work for those that are candidates for the use of it. I can highly recommend FES, I have seen great positive changes within my own body after using a FES bike for the last 3 years after 20 years of t-4 complete paralysis.

adiejai

05-12-2004, 10:06 PM

Bruno,
Your web site is great and your story is so inspirational.
Is there any way you can add to your web site to put any of it in English. I sent you an email.

Keep up the good work

Jai

fotogrl

07-09-2004, 04:25 PM

Chris - expand this into a Power Point presentation and you have a lecture series!! I took copious notes and bookmarked links - thank you. I mentioned the balance ball to my PT today and I'm printing out the product page but could you explain in more detail HOW a para (say, oh T4) might put it to use? Thanx again!

kyle olinger

10-26-2004, 09:11 AM

For upper body I highly recommend the bowflex versatrainer. It doesn't have the range of motion of free weights but it does give you a good workout and if you balance your pulling exercises with your pushing you still get a good stretch.

I would like to do something for my lower body too but haven't been able to find a facility with an FES yet. In the mean time I've been trying to go with my spasms instead of fighting them.

When my leg kicks out I try to mentally hold my leg up and I seem to be having success. I'm able to hold the leg out longer than if I just let it go on its own. Thus, I'm gaining a mild form of control. My legs don't seem to atrophying for my efforts. By the way I'm T1 T2.

Barakabushad "May the blessings be"

mi0319

05-10-2005, 07:43 AM

THIS IS FOR KURT ABOUT THE FES BIKE . i wanted to know if the bike restored any muscle for you ? i had a huge lost of muscle tone in the legs all hanging skin . WILL IT BRING IT BACK TO WHAT THEY WERE BEFORE I HAVE BEEN INJURED NOW FOR 7 YEARS AND THE LAST 2 YEARS LOST EXTREME AMOUNTS OF MUSCLE hanging skin all over . Please email me or anyone out there that has this situation about the hanging skin with the legs like not just a little alot. Mi0319@aol.com PLEASE I NEED HELP

Jeff

05-10-2005, 08:03 AM

Milene, great to see you posting. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

FES will definitely increase the size of your legs. My legs are much bigger than before using the FES bike. It sounds like you must have lost a lot of weight in addition to lost muscle mass. I think able bodied people who lose a lot of weight experience the same thing as you where they now have a lot of extra skin. I'm sure it's fairly common. There must be information about it somewhere. Increasing the size of your legs with FES will probably help. As will the exercise and muscle strengthening itself.

Here are some links:

http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm

http://publicaffairs.uth.tmc.edu/hleader/archive/SKINHEALTH/050322/

~See you at the CareCure-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~

mi0319

05-20-2005, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by Jeff:

Milene, great to see you posting. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

FES will definitely increase the size of your legs. My legs are much bigger than before using the FES bike. It sounds like you must have lost a lot of weight in addition to lost muscle mass. I think able bodied people who lose a lot of weight experience the same thing as you where they now have a lot of extra skin. I'm sure it's fairly common. There must be information about it somewhere. Increasing the size of your legs with FES will probably help. As will the exercise and muscle strengthening itself.

Here are some links:

http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm

http://publicaffairs.uth.tmc.edu/hleader/archive/SKINHEALTH/050322/

~See you at the CareCure-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~

Chris Chappell

10-03-2005, 03:04 PM

bump for mr coffee and others.

Hopefully this information's helpful.

betheny

10-03-2005, 03:11 PM

Good idea, Chris. This is a great thread.

Mike C

11-18-2005, 11:38 PM

This thread needs revival. Keep posting your ideas and methods!

kkmay

11-19-2005, 10:12 AM

ResonantEcho

12-03-2005, 09:40 PM

I didn't scan this thread fully, so I apologize if this information has already been posted.

I think it would be useful to separate workout routines by injury level and capabilities (complete/incomplete). I am a T6/T7 Complete. I have no feeling or movement from my nipples down. Therefore, I would be more interested in seeing workout routines of those whose abilities are similar to mine.

determined2heal

12-20-2005, 08:07 PM

Check out my web site. Under my equipment section (http://www.determined2heal.org/sci/equipment.htm). I provided all the pieces of equipment that have come into my life and that I've benefited from. After each piece of equipment, I provide information on its benefits and specific qualities.

http://www.determined2heal.org/sci/equipment.htm (http://www.determined2heal.org/sci/equipment.htm)

Meredith Tate

02-20-2006, 11:06 PM

:applaud:

Meredith Tate

03-15-2006, 11:38 AM

My last post seems incomplet, so here goes. One piece of equipment that is easy to assemble is a pad on the floor to rest your knees and a rolled towel under your foot at the ankle, a spacer pad between your feet and knees , then a bench in front for balance. Up on your knees practice balance, have someone play volleyball with a balloon with you. Downward facing dog and a few yoga moves from hands and knees can help as well as trying to crawl. If you can get to standing in a walker and practice balance, leaning side to side , lifting each foot , or going up on toes. these are things my son and I did at home before coming to rehab.

Able Guy

06-23-2006, 09:27 PM

Hi All,
I am walking L1 paraplegic, I had my accident 1997 in New Zealand where I live. I was first told never to walk again, but I took my first steps 6 months after the accident. Since then until now my recovery has been steady and slow and now I am walking with crutches and only using "Swedish AFO" to keep my feet off dropping.
3 months ago I discovered vibrational training using Jet-Vibe machines.
My strength, balance and coordination have improved and also my bladder accidents have reduced since.
Basically these machines train your muscles by vibrating about 40 times a second causing your muscles under tension to contract with same frequency. Brain is not so much involved as I think the feedback is between muscles and spine.
Also the time used on the machine is more efficient and 10 minutes on the vibrating platform is told to be equal to 60 minutes gym training.
Quite possibly this type of training would suit a lot op people with spinal injuries but try to find a outfit who are specialising on rehabilitation by trained physiotherapists as these machines are used for weight loss in beauty salons as well.

ChopperChick

08-09-2006, 01:57 PM

Vibrating was discussed on another thread where someone mentioned it could loosen pins and or rods in your back or neck. They use something similiar at Projectwalk and somewhere here someone mentioned a cheaper version. I can't remember??

Walker5473

11-28-2006, 12:52 AM

http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/statusicon/post_old.gif Today, 12:20 PM #1 (http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showpost.php?p=571708&postcount=1) Walker5473 (http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/member.php?u=14393) vbmenu_register("postmenu_571708", true);
Junior Member

http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/customavatars/avatar14393_1.gif (http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/member.php?u=14393)

Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Eugene, Oregon 97402
Posts: 4

She is walking again!!!
Here is a wonderful article with Lisa. Please let me know your thought!

Ten years, two children and half a dozen life-changing events later, Lisa Barkel is closer than ever to achieving her goal of walking again. Barkel was injured in a motor vehicle collision that left her a C-8 tetraplegic, ASIA A.
Barkel currently attends physical therapy three times a week, each session a lengthy three hours in which therapists help her regain strength below the level of injury utilizing the most current equipment and technology.
The most innovative tool Lisa Barkel uses is a combination of two products: a bilateral carbon fiber stance control knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFOs) fabricated at emBracing Designs, and a Second Step Gait Harness System (http://www.secondstepinc.com/). The two products work together to provide Barkel the opportunity to safely ambulate with a natural reciprocating gait pattern.
After Barkel’s injury, she was told she would never walk – or even stand – again. But with resilience and the opportunity to use the gait harness system in conjunction with the bilateral KAFOs, she is proving her physicians and therapists wrong.
When Barkel initially started her specialized intense physical therapy program two years ago, she used the KAFOs and the gait harness system with the goals of pre-gait activities, such as weight bearing while standing to increase passive range of motion at all her bilateral L/E joints and to learn how to shift her weight while increasing her balance and proprioception.
Today, Barkel continues working on these goals; she has added reciprocal ambulation within the Second Step system with the assistance of the KAFOs. She is not currently unlocking her braces at the knee joints, but the KAFOs have the ability to be unlocked when Barkel employs the help of two therapists to actively assist her extremities through terminal knee extension.
Since her accident, Barkel has regained some movement and sensation below the level of her injury, with much return occurring since she started in the specialized spinal cord injury (SCI) program. But Barkel’s goal is to continue her therapy on her off days and walk again. Therefore, her braces come home with her and the newly purchased Second Step gait harness system is used at home with her carbon fiber stance control braces.
Barkel currently requires physical assistance from her husband, who assists her with a sit to stand into the gait harness system. The braces are made from carbon fiber, the same material that makes racecars and airplanes lightweight and dynamic, reducing the force that Barkel has to move against to complete her pre-gait/gait training.
Recently, Barkel gained strength in both her quads thanks to the therapy, drive, personal determination and teamwork. The home therapy program includes: daily PROM/stretch of trunk/bilateral L/Es, neuromuscular electrical stimulation of all major muscle groups below the lesion level every other day, hand-cycling every other day and standing in the KAFOs and Second Step gait harness system to work on endurance, pre-gait and gait activities.
In addition, Barkel remains active by volunteering at her local chamber of commerce, hosting Pampered Chef parties – donating her proceeds to SCI programs – and keeping up with her two young boys’ school and recreational lives.

Do you know of any recent research showing the benefits using an overhead system (as an initial part of therapy) in combination with a frontal plane, ground-based movement system, in a single therapy session?

dan_nc

11-28-2006, 02:02 AM

Dude, didn't you post this already?

Walker5473

11-28-2006, 11:41 AM

I am a new member and my thread was moved to this forum. If you are reading this thread then you may see how this relates! Many people are trying to find answers to be able to walk and stand again. Chris has an incredable writeup that offers many ideas and suggestions to people looking for answers. reinforcement of newly learned patterns in real world situations. This is very beneficial and much needed adjunct treatment paradign, and accentuates body weight support treadmill training. Body weight support training, in general, has shown a benefit of retraining central pattern generation and the ensuing stepping pattern. Ground support systems allow you to safely transfer and reinforce this progression to various land based gait training activities. reinforcement of the various qualities of gait during land based activities is a must for the activity to become functional. Lisa's story directly relates to this!!
Chris invited comments and ground movement is also critical to the recovery process.

Hampton

02-07-2007, 12:13 PM

Wow this is such a good initiative:applaud:

Aitor32

02-14-2007, 03:03 PM

Hello Chris, good job:

For a month I'm using another breath trainer, EOLOS and its working...I'm only wandering why I didn't purchase the trainer before.

More info about the trainer in http://www.eolosweb.com

Thank you!

Aitor

alextaz

02-19-2007, 07:24 AM

Chris i totally agree with you we need to wake up every morning and push ourselves to the limits!This is the only way we can achieve progress!
thanks for those links of the machines that we may use home!

semfamtrust

04-08-2007, 06:02 PM

Hello Able Guy, My daughter Jess is a Tetraplegic and we are in West Australia. Have you heard of ReActivate in Te Awamutu Nz? Or know of anyone who has been through their rehab progam?

Fayeboo

08-08-2007, 10:50 PM

I am interested in this vibrational training using a Jet-Vibe machine. How could I find this machine? - Fayeboo

Hi All,
I am walking L1 paraplegic, I had my accident 1997 in New Zealand where I live. I was first told never to walk again, but I took my first steps 6 months after the accident. Since then until now my recovery has been steady and slow and now I am walking with crutches and only using "Swedish AFO" to keep my feet off dropping.
3 months ago I discovered vibrational training using Jet-Vibe machines.
My strength, balance and coordination have improved and also my bladder accidents have reduced since.
Basically these machines train your muscles by vibrating about 40 times a second causing your muscles under tension to contract with same frequency. Brain is not so much involved as I think the feedback is between muscles and spine.
Also the time used on the machine is more efficient and 10 minutes on the vibrating platform is told to be equal to 60 minutes gym training.
Quite possibly this type of training would suit a lot op people with spinal injuries but try to find a outfit who are specialising on rehabilitation by trained physiotherapists as these machines are used for weight loss in beauty salons as well.

Fayeboo

08-11-2007, 10:20 PM

I am interested in this vibrational training using a Jet-Vibe machine. How could I find this machine? - Fayeboo

Thank you Able Guy. I was looking for a used machine, the new ones are so expensive, do you know where I could purchase one?

Shwetarose

08-14-2007, 04:32 AM

I m planning to buy Thera-vital Movement Therapy System or may be some other where i can do exercise from wheelchair itself.

Do anyone use similar or same? whats ur feedback on that?

Mike C

08-17-2007, 11:23 AM

If you can, get the upperbody trainer with it. It gives you excellent cardio, has a lot of resistance levels, and can really help you build up your endurance. To bad you don´t live near me, I would let you try it out for yourself in my practice.

Another thing, compare prices. Motomed is another company that makes an almost identical machine. Check eBay as well. Don´t forget...make sure the machine you buy can be plugged into your electrical outlet and has the right voltage. You need electricity for it to work.

Shwetarose

08-20-2007, 08:09 AM

Thanks Mike..

I searched on net to buy oxycycle or easycycle but unfortunately didnt got nething. there are no one to sell one piece in india. thats really sad for me.

I dont know what to do..may be i will contact some doctor or rehabilation centre.

Armando

10-31-2007, 07:20 AM

Hi
i want to start by saysing i am not so good in english so maybe i face some problems and i need all the help i can get to be guided to the right diagnosis of my mental status and condition plzzzzzzzzzzzzzz i dont know what to do or what to say i am in nursing faculty and sometimes i wish that i can kill all the people near me becuse i dont know or i dont like i need to like thim simple and happy not sad all the time what i have to

AlexAgain

01-09-2008, 10:38 AM

I have finally got set up with my home exercise room.
The equipment I have acquired is: a Saratoga arm/leg bike, a total gym, a stepper, another weight bench that uses rubber bands for resistance, ankle weights, therabands, and an EMS machine.
I got the Saratoga and EMS new but the rest I picked up used from classifieds.
I also have access to Lokomat training twice a week and a pool up to 4 days a week.
Now I just have to find someone to set me up with a good program. I am going to SCI-Step in April so I might just do trial and error until then.

fitsf

01-21-2008, 05:28 AM

I have a couple clients that were injured during recreational activities.

sophia Bong

03-27-2008, 04:57 PM

Another good piece of equiptment to suggest is called the giger the web link is gigermd.com they are out of switzerland but it will be shipped directly to your house and coustoms will knock off part of the charge if you get a script for medical neccesity from your doctor.

I have a home health care business called Strength Training and Recovery Corp., I work specifically with SCI clients performing therapy in their home. We use alot of the equiptment you suggested in addition to the giger.

sophia

Mike C

03-27-2008, 07:24 PM

Sophia, the Giger loks good, but it´s pretty expensive...way over ten grand (€) last I checked...is that still right? If you have a website about your biz, post it please.

sophia Bong

03-31-2008, 01:40 PM

Mike C, about the giger they come in several sizes from adult, juvenus, kid and baby in a laying down position as well as a seated position. If you purchase it for yourself verses a company they are cheaper (starting at $14k-$20K) They include adductor equiptment and special knobs at the foot pedals for those people that cannot cycle themselves and adjustable resistant levels. They also come with biofeedback software for HRV, harmonics, energy output...

I am not paralyzed however I have a buisness that caters strictly to SCI and most of my clients love it. Especially for breaking tone and relaxing the body, coordinated dynamic training and pain reduction.

However, This device is used for more than just spinal cord patients. It can also be used for spina bifida, M.S., Fibro., Chronic back pain, Cerebral palsy, and parkinson.

I was so impressed with how well the giger worked for my spinal cord clients that I am opening up another clinic in May 08 for physical therapy specifically with both types of giger instruments for all these other types of conditions.

If you want to find out more about the instrument you can look them up on gigermd.com. They have clinics in Europe (perhaps near you) you could visit and try it out before purchasing it.

By the way thanks for the lead on the biofeedback at Maryfreebed in Grand Rapids. It is about 2 1/2 hours away from me. It would be worth the drive to be trained in the Brucker method. I am currently looking into going to Project walk to check out the Dardzinski method. I am always excited and open to new ideas that we can learn from others. That is why I joined this carecure. Who better to talk to about what works and what new things are happening than people that are experiencing it first hand.

AlexAgain

08-21-2008, 10:08 PM

Does anyone know a good website to help plan + keep track of workouts etc

CenterIMT Atlanta

10-27-2008, 05:39 PM

Dear Chris,
I have found that there are at least 7 things required for recovery from SCI. Three are from the Outside-in; 1. Stage Appropriate Exercise, 2. Electrical Stimulation (NMES & TES), & 3. Sensory Receptor Stimulation. Three are from the Inside-out; 4. Biophysiography (groceries in and garbage out), 5. Laser (cord, nerves, and acupuncture points), and 6. Structural Work (anatomy, biomechanics, & physiology). The most important is the Mind Body Connection. This is something you really have going for you....You can visualize...Visualize your movements; visualize your anatomy improving. I suggest a program that incorporates all of these components....If you have questions let me know.........................Good Luck!
Susan Leger, DS, MS, PT, NDTc, IMTc

comad

08-16-2009, 01:21 PM

I am looking for illustrated assisted exercises for legs. As C6 incomplete, I have recently some returns 6 years after my injury. For example, I can push and pull my legs slightly, use adactors and abdactors lift my, foot and ankles but all those movements are low and limited in power and to do these exercises I need someone to help me with my legs.
Recently, I have visited Sci-Step clinic in Mason, OHio and work after stretching on those exercises.
I have feeling - if I proceed to work everyday that I can improve. However, I have limited access to PT here in Canada (8 visits per year) so I have to organize this on daily bases at home. Everyday (5 working days / week) I have girl 2 hours in the morning to help me with stretching and dressing but I think I can arrange with her to help me with exercises. That's why I need something illustrated to show how to help me....THANKS A LOT!!!!!!!!!

bluegreenocean

12-27-2009, 03:26 PM

That seems a little scary. I think I wouldn't try it without asking a dr. first. I'd be worried it would make anything unstable in my spine even more unstable.

blairc7

03-18-2011, 11:09 AM

well i go to sci steps every monday and friday for 3 hours a day ,ware i do all they have to offer and they are great to work with.and i will contiue to go there, then at home i have my own gym thanks to my brother,hoo pays for all of this at home i get a good stretch range of motion of arms and legs then i ride a fes bike for 1 hour a day every day, i use a stim belt on my abs and i have a stim system for my arms tricepts and the muscle in the front of arm i dont no what its called but it works them both, and he just got me a system for my hands, i use these for 1/2 hour a day , i use a stand gate for 1hr a day every day, then depending on the day i very my reps on a vertaglide,total gym,bowflex , i do core workouts on the mate with a workout ball (half) ball, i use a inversion board ,at first i felt light headed with this but after i got use to it i do fill better wene i get on it i use this evey other day15 minutes,i have a treadmill system i use evey other day for 45 minutes i use a spino flex harness. i would like to do the treadmill every day but my brothers helper works on those days, its a lot of work but its worth it im in great shape and filling better every day. a strict diet and i take a lot of vitamins. i wont take pain meds or spasm pills i dont wont to hinder my nervous system at all and so far im haveing good results compared to what the docs told me .:running: thanks

Chris Chappell

03-18-2011, 11:59 AM

Great job Blair, keep up the workouts..:thumbsup:

keeping on

03-18-2011, 01:59 PM

blairc7; you provide motivation for the rest of us. Your workout regimen takes discpline and work. I pray that you will be in the best shape you can be to take advantage of any theroy that comes along. Keep us posted on your work.

keeping on

Dianka

03-19-2011, 06:52 PM

Ramey

12-08-2011, 03:23 PM

Hi All,

I have spent a lot of time in this forum over the last few years. Great information that helped me get out of my wheelchair. Thank You. Check out my post "The Long Road Back" in the Life section to see the payoff.

To pay it forward I am attaching a copy of the plan I used to manage all aspects of my rehabilitation. I have created and directed training programs for elite athletes for many years. So this rehab model parallels my approach to sports training.

Patient directed care is still not well understood in much of the medical community. I also used the drawing to remind my OT's and PT's and Dr.'s and Trainers that they were part of a big team. It motivated them to make their decisions "in the context of an overall team effort" and to share information beyond a few chart notes and insurance reports.

I have many training calendars, loading models and equipment progressions if anyone is interested. They are all sub-components of the attached overview.

Again, Thank-You All,
Ramey 'Coach' Stroud

LIP26

12-10-2011, 03:23 PM

Im curious if theres any way id prolong recovery but moving certain ways. T12 incomplet, walking w came, right ankle has little movement. Im doing as much as i can and dont wwant to set myself back any.

Thanks

otiness

04-14-2012, 10:42 PM

Thumb up!! You go!!!

eclipseme

04-20-2012, 12:27 AM

C3/C4 incomplete 10 months out. I use a treadmill with a harness for safety (used to carry some of my weight) along with an engine puller (cherry picker) out in my garage. Works fantastic. Added motorcycle handle bars for some style, instead of the treadmill bar.
Also use LiveStrong recumbent stationery bike. Bolted over the ankle tennis shoes to the pedals, as hard time keeping my feet on the bike even with the plastic covers it came with. Shoes works great. Slide my feet in (others put them in), then start peddling. Like the idea of using my arms while pedaling, for heart rate to go up more.

Starting 2nd month of pool therapy. Excellent results. Am now able to walk in the shallow (3 feet) end of therapy pool (93 degrees) and practicing walking up and down special pool stairs. Usually use the lift to get in the pool still though. Highly recommend pool therapy - good results for many.

Also go to the gym once a week and workout legs & arms for one hour. Alot slower, hard to get in some machines, but a buddy helps me - getting stronger though. Also lift hand weights (5 lbs.) at home. Started with 1 lb. weights.

Get stretched out daily for one hour to keep me more limber. Helps a lot.