A rare
rehabilitation facility can be found in the Kinesiology Department at Tarleton
State University. Established in 1994, the Laboratory for Wellness and Motor
Behavior has been providing paraplegics and quadriplegics with a workout
facility which targets full body movement. The laboratory’s nickname, Psycle Lab, derives from an interesting
piece of machinery. The Psycle is an
innovative recumbent bicycle which allows those with paralysis to engage in
cardiovascular exercise which targets the lower body. These Psycles are
generated by a flywheel, which corresponds to the effort exerted by the rider.
As astonishing as it sounds, paraplegics and quadriplegics can benefit from the
Psycle.
The Psycle allows paraplegics and quadriplegics
to engage in aerobic activity to enhance their cardiovascular health. These
clients propel their legs by using their arms to push and pull under the knee
cap and thigh. The Psycle is also a great for preparing those who will be able
to walk again by stimulating muscle cells. Benefits of using this Pscyle have
shown improvements in flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, decrease in muscle
spasms, and hypertrophy.
The
neat thing about this laboratory is that it’s FREE. Anyone with a disability can take advantage of this facility
and improve their overall health and even their chances of walking!
I think it's great that TSU has the Psycle lab for those who are disabled. I know Dr. Priest and those who work in the lab daily out a lot of time and effort into working with disabled people to help them. I wonder if using supplements like whey protein or joint recovery supplements like shark cartilage would be beneficial to the paralyzed individuals who work out in the lab? Not only would it build lean muscle tissue in the patients but it would also keep their joints nice and well-kept for when they do get the opportunity to walk again.
ReplyDeleteThe exercise lab was one of my favorite things about TSU and the students who worked in there. Dr. Priest has put a lot of time into this lab and the benefits that I've witnessed paraplegics and quadriplegics gain is amazing! Exercise is so important in making out bodies healthy and this gives them a way to reap the rewards like everyone else. I know there were some people who achieved greater results than they or their doctors ever thought was possible. I wish this was something that everyone in need had the ability to be a part of. The human body can make amazing changes and improvements when exercise is incorporated.
ReplyDeleteGood thought, Chase. Some do take recovery shakes after workouts.
ReplyDeleteValerie, anyone can be admitted to the lab for exercise, granted a doctor has given the OK. It is a great opportunity for local paralyzed individuals to receive exercise training at no cost!