Today, we're all aware of the numerous benefits physical exercise has for those looking to become healthier and live longer lives. However, for the elderly and/or disabled, traditional aerobic exercise can be painful, dangerous, or downright impossible. Although such people likely understand the tremendous value exercise has on their wellness, their decreased mobility can be a major barrier in their ability to safely engage in normal physical activity.

 

However, recent medical studies show that a new form of activity, known as passive exercise, can help almost anyone, regardless of age or mobility, in their goal to engage in regular physical activity. Passive exercise simply involves having one's body, typically the legs, gently moved from side-to-side by a medical professional to stimulate the body's muscles and circulatory systems. Patients are not required to move their limbs themselves; instead, it's done for them by a therapist, thus the term "passive" exercise.  

 

While this form of exercise has traditionally required a doctor or physical therapist to move the patient's legs, new technology has been developed that allows a person to engage in passive exercise on their own, without another person and even while at home. Specifically, passive exercise machines allow the patient to place their legs in a set of cushioned cuffs that are attached to small modular platform, and when the device is turned on, the cuffs automatically swing the legs from side-to-side, thereby providing the passive range of motion needed to stimulate the body.

 

While this may sound like it would take large complicated machine, passive exercise devices are relatively small—about the size and shape of the base of a vacuum cleaner. These machines fit nearly anywhere and can be used while the patient is lying on the floor, in a bed, and even if someone is confined to a wheelchair. The machine simply creates a gentle, swinging motion that moves the legs a few inches from right to left, and

the device repeats this movement automatically over a set period of time.

 

The swinging movement of the machine runs up from the legs through the body, which helps promote flexibility in the ankles, knees, hips and spine. This action relaxes the muscles in the legs and back while increasing circulation in the lower extremities.  This increased circulation helps relive swelling in the ankles and legs, which can build up if one is immobile for long periods. In this way, the patient is able to receive many of the same health benefits of normal aerobic exercise without putting any undue stress or impact on the legs, back, or joints.

 

For enhanced safety, the highest quality passive exercise machines come with adjustable speeds, so one's body can be gently introduced to the activity. Then, once the person is comfortable, the speed can be increased for even more benefit. Even completely healthy people who are able to engage in traditional exercise have used these devices as a way to supplement and enhance their aerobic activity. However, for those who can't participate in normal exercise, the machines can be literal lifesavers, enabling even those on bed rest to gain the benefits of regular physical activity.

 

Although exercise made so simple might sound a bit far-fetched, the best passive exercise machines are registered with the FDA as official therapeutic devices. In fact, the machines are recognized by many insurance companies, and doctors who use them on patients can be reimbursed through insurance, so they definitely have real value in the medical field.

 

If you're unable to engage in regular physical exercise because of age or disability, investing in a passive exercise machine may be the best way to get the physical activity you need to stay healthy and live longer. Best of all, with such a device, you no longer have to schedule expensive doctor's visits to get such benefits, because you'll have everything you need to start an exercise regimen on your own in the comfort of your home.