During stroke rehabilitation, many methods of therapy have exercises that are limited in range of motion and are extremely low in intensity. However, for Dick Sarns, founder and CEO of NuStep Inc., these methods were inferior and outdated. Developed in the late 1980’s NuStep set out on a mission to develop exercise equipment that was safe, effective, and easy to use regardless of disability or activity level. Armed with a user friendly display screen and additional adaptive equipment, the NuStep T5XR Recumbent Cross-Trainer makes exercise attainable for anyone.
The NuStep is exceptional and has numerous benefits for stroke patients because it allows individuals the freedom of reciprocal motion while gradually increasing their range of motion in paralyzed muscles. Unlike traditional stationary bikes or ellipticals, the NuStep has a 360-degree swiveling chair that makes it easy for all populations, even individuals in wheelchairs, to get on and off the equipment. Another great feature of the NuStep is the ability for users to customize the stride length which makes a complete body workout accessible and possible for anyone regardless of disability or limitation. The NuStep is designed in the recumbent position with an upper and lower body safety belt making it a much safer option for individuals with balance and coordination limitations.Benefits in strength and cardiovascular health are also noticeable through training on the NuStep because it has the ability to increase intensity and stride length for individuals with impairments. Constant goal design and attainment are a great way to continually see benefit. The NuStep is designed with a foot secure system and leg stabilizers which allows individuals with weak joints or muscles the ability to exercise correctly and the joints to move in safe path. The NuStep is designed with arm adjustments that allow individuals to exercise the upper and lower extremities simultaneously as well as stimulate both sides of the brain during pedaling. Arm adjustments have the capability to hold the hands in place regardless of grip strength or limb control.
Setting attainable goals is a crucial aspect of all rehabilitation programs because it keeps a focus and commitment for the client and the administrator. With the capability to track and record each individual workout, reaching individual goals becomes traceable and provides visual feedback. This provides the client with a way to see for themselves the progress they are making and the benefits they are obtaining through NuStep programming.
Following cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke, cardiovascular health often becomes impaired because of the limitations caused by the side effects. However, after a moderate to vigorous exercise program using the NuStep, significant improvements in physical performance and emotional health have been shown. Self independence and Total Quality of Life (TQL) are two of the most beneficial aspects of a rehabilitation program by regaining the previous state of performance and activity pre-injury. Through the use of intense, full-body exercise using the NuStep Cross-Trainer, the process of regaining physical performance and TQL becomes obtainable and trackable for individuals on the road to recovery.
1 User Manual T5/T5XR Product User Manual. (2012, January 1). Retrieved September 28,
2 Aunders, D., Sanderson, M., Brazzelli, M., Greig, C., & Mead, G. (2013). Physical Fitness
Training for Patients With Stroke: An Updated Review. Stroke, E54-E55. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
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