Tuesday, June 28, 2011

eVO: Power-assisted Rehab

Therapy Motions introduces the second-generation eVO, a stationary motor-assisted "bike" that accommodates the user's level of physical function and provides the duration and type of therapy prescribed by physicians and rehabilitation and therapy specialists.

The highly-variable motorized assistance built into eVO can be set to provide therapeutic motion exercise at the appropriate speeds for patients unable to perform any level of voluntary motion. The eVO offers a patient with severe spasticity, paralysis or atrophy the experience of full-body exercise with the same intensity and resulting confidence as a person exercising outside of a rehabilitative setting.

As the patient's strength and endurance improve, the engineering of the cycle allows the patient to pedal faster than the motor. A display flashes positive feedback showing users that they are improving. The motor-assisted system allows them to progress to increased levels of function at their own unique rate, building muscle, tone, flexibility, coordination and stamina until the patient is released from therapy.

The eVO's rehabilitative benefits include:

Continuous passive motion. Continuous passive motion (CPM) is the movement of a joint or extremity through a range of motion without voluntary movement of the limb. Based on this definition, passive range of motion must be administered by a device external to the body. Passive range of motion has many therapeutic benefits, including reduced inflammation of the affected joint, improved range of motion, pain relief, and enhanced functional mobility.

Active-assisted motion. Similar to passive motion, active-assisted movement (initiated or maintained by the exerciser) also has documented benefits. Active-assisted exercise is a technique used to facilitate the voluntary movement of the target limb, thereby decreasing the amount of strength needed to move the joints. Active-assisted motion provides the physical stimulus necessary to improve cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and neurologic coordination. This technique has been proven effective in increasing the strength of individuals beginning at very low levels.

Active-driven motion. This is when the person has attained sufficient muscular strength to operate the system on his/her own power, over-riding the speed of the motor for full manual operation even with motor engaged. Active motion provides ongoing strength building as well as personal and emotional well-being.

"We're very excited about the newly-redesigned, second generation eVO," said James Miller, president and chief executive officer of Therapy Motions, maker of the eVO. "Over the past several years, the eVO has been repeatedly proven to provide outstanding results in rehabilitative settings. The second generation eVO offers an even more refined range of capabilities than the first, including a far greater seat adjustability, increased range of motion, greater RPMs, and 10 different levels of resistance, all designed to accommodate a broader scope of individuals with various levels of physical dysfunction."

The eVO's features include:

• An electric motor drive system provides a wide range of variable speeds to allow the user to progress as they build strength and stamina.
• Wide, comfortable swivel seat allows easy on and off access and provides a safe, relaxed, secure feeling while exercising.
• Motorized adjustable seat elevation allows easier user operation.
• Fully reclining seat back accommodates back pain and physical limitations.
• Handlebars adjust for height and throw.
• Ergonomically designed foot plates secure foot and shoe with adjustable straps for safe foot placement and comfort.
• Large display screen shows time and RPMs.
• Motorized interlinked handlebars and foot pedals provide coordinated reciprocating movement of limbs (e.g., left leg with right arm motion)
• Hand-held control unit with a one-touch automatic kill switch provides uncompromising safety.
• Over-pedal feature allows user to pedal faster than the motor for working on building stamina. As user tires and slows, motor maintains selected speed.
• Electrical current use is 110v /220-230 v 50/60hz.
• Adjustments easily accommodate individuals from children to large adults.

The eVO is beneficial to a wide range of patients, including:

• Stroke victims
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Cardiac surgery
• Hip and knee replacements
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson's Disease
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Cerebral Palsy