|
As far as I know, there are only two
machines capable of giving paraplegics who are in wheelchairs all of the time,
weight bearing exercises.
One is a tilt table onto which one is
strapped and then the table is raised in so many increments at a time until
the person is in a standing position or as close as they can get to one.
It may take some time, especially if the patient is also dealing with low blood
pressure. When I was using one in Ann Arbor, the therapist was taking
blood pressure readings at close intervals during the whole process. If I
remember correctly, it took me three or four sessions before I was standing
fairly upright and I never made it completely.
The other machine is one in which you drive your chair
in toward the machine then your feet are strapped into boots attached to pedals.
Above the apparatus for your feet are two bicycle handles (?), that you use to
rotate the foot pedals. The more you use the handle bars, the faster and
farther you go on the "bike". Your legs and feet move as fast as your arms
can move. It's a great feeling to see your legs moving and I find it
uplifting.
The only problem is that these machines must be
expensive and are not available in most rehab units. I was fortunate to be
at U of M in Michigan at the time it was initiating their studies of TM.
Now they are still behind Johns Hopkins, but are gaining quickly and will become
one of the most preeminate TM hospitals in the
country.
I hope this helps. Most of you probably don't
need to worry. Those of us with brittle bones need to be careful.
That's all we can do.
Peace,
Jude |
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