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.