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
