Louis Casper, Regional Director of Operations, The Weston Group Incorporated, July 2010

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ABSRACT

Background: Exercise equipment options for the physically challenged are limited. The PTM Machine was designed to assist individuals with physical challenges some include: Elderly Challenges, Stroke Recovery, Spinal Cord Injuries, Neuromuscular Challenges, Post Surgical Challenges, Bed-Rest Pregnancies, Arthritis, and much more.

Objective: To determine the clinical and subjective benefits of the PTM Machine for the physically challenged.

Methods: A six week clinical test was completed on nine patients. Each visit consisted of a minimum of fifteen minutes of exercise. The majority of the patients completed at least ten visits. The outcomes examined in the study included Strength, Range of Motion, and Cardiovascular Performance (Effect on Heart Rate and Pulse). In addition to the clinical benefits, a patient survey was completed at the conclusion of the study to gather subjective feedback on the PTM Machine.

Results: The PTM Machine provided numerous benefits to patients. Improvements were seen in patients Strength, Range of Motion, and Cardiovascular Performance. The physical therapists noticed a difference in both strength and range of motion with their patients. In every patient the Heart Rate and Pulse was increased. More specifically, Heart Rate was increased by 6.4% and Pulse was increased by 10.2%. In addition, eighty percent of the patients said they would recommend the PTM Machine to someone else and seventy percent said they would like to continue using the machine.

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with physical challenges have limited options in exercise equipment. Due to their physical challenges they are limited to the amount of active mode exercise they can participate in. In particular, patients who are limited to a wheel chair and require passive assistance do not have choices for therapy. A unique feature of the PTM Machine is the ability to exercise in both passive and active modes without requiring a transfer. Benefits of passive range of motion include aid in blood circulation, promote ligament remodeling, capsule remodeling, and inhibit pain via stimulation of joint mechanoreceptors.

METHODS

Three criteria were measured to determine the overall clinical benefits from using the PTM.

Strength: A before and after measurement of strength was determined by using a manual muscle testing                technique by a licensed physical therapist.

Range of Motion: A before and after measurement using a Goniometer was taken by a licensed physical therapist.

Heart Rate: Before and after systolic and diastolic measurements were taken by a licensed physical therapist.

Pulse Rate: A before and after measurement taken by a licensed physical therapist.

In addition to evaluating the clinical benefits of the PTM Machine a survey was completed at the conclusion of the study. The questions in the study were as follows:

1.      Would you recommend the PTM machine to someone else?                      Yes                         No

2.      Would you like to continue to use the PTM machine?                                   Yes                         No

3.      What did you like most about the machine?

4.      What did you like least about the machine?

5.      What additional comments would you like to add?

RESULTS

DISCUSSION

The inability to exercise for those who are physically challenged adds a considerable burden to the health, financial condition, and social lives of patients. There are numerous patient types who would benefit from the PTM Machine.  The most notable patient type would be a patient requiring passive range of motion and is limited to a wheelchair but would benefit from cardiovascular activity. The PTM machine would be an elite option for these types of patients. Other patient types who could benefit from the PTM Machine include; Arthritic, Elderly, Diabetic, Edema,  Stroke Recovery, Spinal Cord Injuries, Neuromuscular Challenges, Post Surgical Challenges, and Bed-Rest Pregnancies.

Opportunities for improvement identified in this study include some of the following suggestions (listed in order of preferred suggestions): improved ability to adjust the arms laterally, ability to measure the level of resistance, and ability to record exercise outcomes.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

The Weston Group has developed into a premier provider of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Rehabilitation Nursing Case Management Services (temporary and full). They provide rehabilitation services to facilities and management of in-house acute care hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation centers, school districts, and certified outpatient rehabilitation agencies throughout the United States. The PTM Machine is marketed by Agile Edge Technologies (AET). The Medical Division of AET specializes in bringing to market first-in-class innovative products for the healthcare community.

Check it out for yourself   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-iTzRAub-U

For more info contact customercare@inhomeproducts.com or call 1-800-810-8475

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