Equipment supported physiotherapy

Note

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  • Physiotherapy

Fields of application

In equipment-based physiotherapy, the exercises are performed in accordance with the training theory on medical training equipment (rope pulls, medical strength training equipment, bicycle ergometers, etc.). Equipment supported physiotherapy is useful in any form of muscular instability (poor posture, spinal column malpositions, herniated discs, recurring “blockages”, muscle weakness after immobilization due to injury or surgery, paralysis) and in cases of reduced heart and lung function (chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases). The use of the different devices is based on the creation of an individual training plan, which results from the different problems of the patient and the desired therapy goal, i.e. the therapist tests the different areas such as cardiovascular function and strength condition of the patient before instructing the correct execution of the exercise.

Variables are the number of exercise repetitions, the type and speed of exercise execution, the use of weights and resistors. During the training sequence, the therapist controls the execution of the exercise and monitors the cardiovascular function if necessary. The effects of the training on the different devices differ according to the choice of device and the respective objective.

Usually a training sequence consists of a warm-up part on ergometer machines, a strength part on strength training machines and a “cool down” = warm-up program. A sequence of stretching exercises promotes mobility, but neither prevents muscle soreness nor, contrary to hopes, effectively prevents the risk of injury. For this reason, the main part of the stretching exercises should take place in the warm-up section and not in the cool down section.

Effects

Accompanying the training sequence in the weight room, the physiotherapist should work out exercise instructions for at home with the objective of improving the” condition“, (Nordic walking, jogging, swimming, cycling), the mobility (mobilization, stretching exercises) and the strength (use of small devices: Thera- Band ®, dumbbells, weight cuffs, mobile documents), as a training intensity of 2-3 units per week is necessary. For this achievement an appropriate additional qualification of the therapist is necessary.

  • Improvement of the cardiovascular system and respiratory function ( condition, increase of endurance )
  • Improvement of muscle blood circulation and oxygen utilization
  • Improvement of muscle function, mainly strength endurance in therapeutic training
  • Automation of functional motion sequences