Sunday, February 05, 2012

FAQ - Tailwind - Arm exercise for Stroke Survivors

Frequently asked questions - Tailwind for Stroke Rehab

  1. Is it safe?

    The Tailwind is a very low-risk device that can be used safely by stroke survivors. Over years of clinical study and research, no one has been injured using the device.

  2. Can it be used anywhere?

    You can use Tailwind anywhere! Just be sure to make sure your posture is correct as depicted in the training manual. You can use it the kitchen table or another table, or even standing up with the device on the kitchen counter. Anywhere you can get proper posture, you can use Tailwind.  

  3. Read more...

Effective home exercise for arm rehabilitation?

Working on an therapy program at home, especially if you are on your own, IS a challenge! It's no different if you are recovering from a stroke.  For Tailwind to be effective therapy it needs to be used in a regular programme of exercises. But when you think about it, this may be better than the alternatives.

Sometimes getting transportation to a therapy session in a hospital is difficult too - and so working on a program at home is very appealing.

But you do have to stay motivated. Here are a few suggestions that we have heard from other stroke survivors:

  • Involve your friends or family to encourage you. Make them aware of your program – maybe they can help you set it up or ask you about your progress regularly.
  • When you work with Tailwind, it should have your total concentration so that you can see that you are making the moves along the track correctly. Proper posture and positioning are critical for maximum results.
  • Included with your Tailwind is a progress report. Fill in your treatment schedule and see how you are improving week to week.
  • Set a few realistic goals that you want to achieve – do you want to be able to hold up a newspaper or push a grocery cart? See if you are feeling any improvements week to week.
  • Share your experiences with us.

What does Tailwind exercise feel like?

At first, it may feel very challenging to use Tailwind.  If the users stroke was some years ago then recovering arm function will take time.  You need to reach your affected arm along the track, but it should not be painful.  Some users can benefit from the encouragement of a spouse, friend or family member.

As you work with your initial settings, it should feel increasingly smoother and easier to accomplish.  Then you will be setting your stops further along the track, and your reach will be gradually increasing.

It takes work on the users part - but it will be worth it if the result is permanent improvement in quality of life.

How does this differ from regular exercise?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has designated Tailwind as an exercise device for stroke patients. Stroke survivors frequently find that limited arm movement is one of the consequences of the condition.  However, arm movement is often not top priority compared with other rehabilitation aims and the survivor may find that once other abilities have improved and stabilised, thenhe or she is still left with an arm that cant perform well.

Tailwind allows controlled exercise designed for people who want to improve their arm function and range of motion. Specifically, it is a therapy for stroke survivors or others who have experienced moderate arm paralysis on one side of the body. 

Other exercise devices and machines may work the muscles, which Tailwind does too;  but they don’t have the combined benefits of three different exercise therapies in one device.

Tailwind has been researched in clinical trials with real stroke patients. Trained Ph.D. researchers developed the arm exercise regimen and the progressive range of motion angles, with an understanding of muscles, stroke damage, and the expertise to guide patients toward improvement. The consistent movement performed with Tailwind, when synchronized with a sound cue, is believed useful in that proper Tailwind use results in permanent improvement of arm function in some patients.

How does Tailwind exercise work?

Tailwind is a non-invasive, portable and practical device that stroke patients can use on a flat surface at home.

The device consists of two handles that move along independent resistance-free tracks.  The user moves the handles along each track at a certain starting mark, in response to auditory cues from a metronome. The combination of the repetitive arm movement with sound and visual cues is believed to trigger activity in the part of the brain that controls mobility in the arm. The retraining program includes instruction in adjusting the track further away from the user’s body as more arm mobility is gained over time.

There are progressively more difficult positions for the patient that can be performed with the Tailwind device, including increased range of motion and angled arm work.

Users chart their progress over the weeks of exercise.  Six weeks training will produce results.

As a table-top device, stroke survivors can continue using Tailwind until they’ve reached their optimal level of gain in arm movement.

Safe and effective recovery is what counts.

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