A newly designed exercise chair increases range of motion (ROM) for the physically disabled, opening a new avenue for wheelchair users and others with disabilities to improve health and mobility.
The chair, manufactured by Genesis Chairs, Quitman, Georgia, is available in both stationary (Exodus I) and wheelchair (Exodus II) versions and features a unique inverted gliding arc design that allows users to safely exercise.
"Used regularly, this chair helps with cardiovascular fitness and general overall improvement in muscle strength and balance," says Susan Harding, MD, a board-certified internist who has used the chair with some of her patients. "It also allows people who are debilitated from strokes or lengthy illnesses or operations to exercise safely under their own control. This chair is going to help many people go from being inactive to gradually regaining some of their mobility and strength to the point where they can function more normally, get around better, and improve both their physical and psychological health."
According to Genesis Chairs, the chair may provide these benefits:
- Increased joint range of motion
- Increased muscle activity
- Reflexive recruitment of major muscle groups
- Stimulation of respiration
- Stimulation of vascular and lymphatic activity
- Improved venous return from the distal aspects of the extremities
- Increased metabolic rate
- Improved sense of well-being born of autonomy while propelling the glider
- Increase in movement amplitude
- Improved performance in activities of daily living (ADLs), especially transfers between sitting and standing
According to private practitioner Jane R. Davis, PT, among the many patients that may be helped by use of the exercise chair are those with adhesive capsulitis, amputation, hemiplegia/hemiparesis, muscular dystrophy, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and spinal dysfunction.
Another nice feature of the chairs is that they don't look "institutional"--but rather like handsome pieces of patio or lawn furniture.
The chairs cannot tip over, are easy to clean, and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
The chairs have a slat design for air circulation, a seat lock lever, a seat belt for added safety when using, in-place beverage holders, a locking mechanism to stabilize seating for easy entry and exit, a power therapy bar, lumbar back design, and comfort-grip therapy handles. A DVD showing range-of-motion exercises is included, and optional accessories are also available.
"I believe that there are individuals with varying disabilities who could benefit greatly through the use of this chair," says Robert H. Rider, PhD, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, who saw the new chair demonstrated. "Certainly people with lower-extremity impairment can experience facilitated movement, which may lead to increased range of motion in the ankle and knee joints," he is quoted as saying on the Genesis Chairs website. "I also see this device offering assistance to those who have restricted total body movement. Just experiencing dynamic motion may encourage persons with severe hypokinetic disorders to become more involved in active movement."
For more information, visit www.genesischairs.com
