Tailwind Product Comes to UK

Tailwind is a new arm exercise technology designed to help stroke survivors recover arm movement.  Based on research method called BATRAC, or Bilateral Arm Trainer with Rhythmic Auditory Cueing, it works by helping the brain to move the arms after a stroke or other brain injury. For more information about the science behind the Tailwind, please read about the clinical trials on this site. The product launches in the UK in June,

Tailwind is a completely mechanical device. It does not need to be plugged in. The device can be used at home, and does not require specialized training or the presence of a physical therapist. A caregiver or family member can set up the device, and the user can do the exercise unaided.

The exercise is easy to do. After the Tailwind is set up on any table or countertop, the user sits in front of the device, turns on a metronome to create an auditory cue, grasps the handles, and attempts to move them along a frictionless track to reach an end point. The combination of the repetitive exercise, the bilateral nature of the exercise, and the auditory cueing, helps to improve arm movement and range of motion. The recommended training is three times per week, 30 minutes per session, but users can work out more often if they wish.

Progress can be measured in a number of ways. The device enables users to measure the number of repetitions, the length of their arm movement, the height of the tracks, and the width of their shoulder movement. In addition, the training manual includes a number of functional measurements, so users can see how they are progressing with everyday tasks. A training log is included with the manual so users can track their training sessions.

The entire training sequence is also demonstrated on the included DVD. The DVD also includes a demonstration of unpacking the device from the shipping box, set up on a table top, and initial positioning.  Instructions are also given for storage and cleaning of the Tailwind. The Tailwind also comes with a soft strap that can be used to strap a user’s hand to the handle if preferred.