The SaeboFlex device has been marketed for people with a neurological condition, (like a stroke or spinal injury) that have limited their hand movement. Some injuries leave the person unable to open their hand and until now physiotherapists could do little to help. People were left unable to use their hand properly and so were disabled. Simple everyday tasks like picking up a glass or opening a door become impossible as the brain has, in effect, forgotten how to use the hand properly.

SaeboFlex was developed in 2002 in the United States by a group of Occupational Therapists who were frustrated by the lack of treatment options available to improve the grip and release functions of the hand.

It is a purely mechanical based device that is simple to understand. By using a system of springs attached to the forearm the hand is pulled open. The patient can then use their own muscles to close the hand; resulting in a ‘functional’ hand. The spring system can be altered to add or reduce the level of assistance.

Impaired individuals can re-learn how to use their hands properly over a few months of therapy. The SaeboFlex takes over the ‘forgotten’ skill of opening the hand. It demands a considerable commitment, twice a day for 45 minute sessions and the results can take months.

By using a series of exercises to build the use of the arm, shoulder and hand improve strength, range of movement and motor skill in the affected limb. For example picking up a soft ball, about the size of a grapefruit, and move it from one basket to another. Although apparently pointless they are intended to slowly re-educate the use of the hand and to regain some of the lost function.

It is claimed by the inventors that even individuals over 20 years post neurological injury can benefit from the SaeboFlex. Although they do admit that the longer the time between your injury and the treatment then the longer any improvement are likely to take. In addition, the ability to use the hand has understandably been described as being extremely motivating during the long recovery process.

But SaeboFlex doesn’t work for everyone, there are a range of people that are unlikely to benefit. For example you need to have some shoulder and elbow movement. You must also be able to flex (close) your fingers and ideally have some ability to open your fingers to get the best results.

It’s also gaining credibility as a number of American Private Medical Insurance companies will now cover the expense of the SaeboFlex equipment and treatment.

There are only two other alternatives to chose from. One is the Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (C.I.M.T.). This technique involves restraining the less-impaired arm (by placing the entire arm in a sling or placing the hand in a mitt). The philosophy is that you are in effect ‘choosing’ not to use the ‘bad’ arm or hand as it is too difficult. So by disabling the ‘good’ arm you are forced to use the ‘bad’ one. With similar shaping and repetitive task exercises to the SeaboFLEX system the brain relearns how to use the ‘bad’. With the same idea as the SaeboFLEX therapy the brain effectively gets re-wired so that you can regain use of your arm.

The advantage of this system is it is simple and therefore easy to administer. Clinical Trials have proved that it does produce results, and that those results last. The disadvantage is that during treatment you are functionally worse off – so this needs a stronger, more durable level of self confidence otherwise it could be quite depressing.

Another alternative is the NESS H200 device. Created by the American Bioness company it is a system that uses a mild electrical stimulation to get your arm working again. It is intended to help reeducate your muscles over time , giving you the use of your hand by delivering the ‘missing’ electrical stimulation your muscles will work in a natural way. The advantages are similar to the SaeboFLEX in that you gain functionality (rather than loosing it with the CMIT system). It does require expert help to install, although the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system has been around for a number of years and is widely trusted by the therapeutic profession. What is new is applying this to the forearm and hand function.

It is important to acknowledge that these three systems all produce results. The easiest solution to use is the CMIT system. The NESS 200 device is certainly less bulky, and looks better, than the SaeboFLEX and achieves the same results. Each require expert training, the SaeboFLEX is simpler to install but requires a made to measure device. The real difference is likely to be as a result of the experience and expertise of your Therapist.

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To find out more information about SaeboFLEX Therapy or to speak with Laura about Neurological Physiotherapy then click here >= http://www.NeurologicalPhysiotherapist.com
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://mattglad.articlealley.com/does-saeboflex-help-stroke-victims-reuse-their-hand-791801.html

A cadence problem when cycling?

My main sport is distance running, and I took up cycling for cross training. I cycled a lot when I was younger.
I am most comfortable when I pedal in the 60 to 75 RPM range, but I have been told I should be in the 80 to 90 range.
When I go above 75, my heart rate starts to climb, and on hills, if I drop below 55, it does the same.
Should I just live within my ‘comfort zone’, or should I try to increase my pedalling speed?
I have competed in a couple of triathlons, and would like to try time trials.
At the moment, I’m a bit unfit after a 12 month layoff, followed by knee surgery, and I’m just building up again. i average about 14 MPH over about 15 to 20 miles, but that’s on my winter bike, with fairly big tyres. I used to average around 17 – 19 MPH over a similar distance on my other bike, when I was fitter.

Answer
You don’t state whether you are using the same gear, or a lower one, and whether you are riding at the same speed, with a faster pedal stroke. However, even riding at the same speed at a higher cadence will raise your heart rate somewhat. This is normal, you are using your cardiovascular system rather than brute force to move yourself along. If you are recovering from knee surgery, it is important to not push your pedals, but to learn to spin them reducing stress on the joint. As your fitness improves, you will be able to spin higher and higher gears at the same cadence, increasing your speed. At first, you may find it more difficult to spin faster, but your knees will thank you for reducing the stress on them.