The patient holds the handle and reaches forward. The arm carries as much of the weight as they need, and gives less as they get stronger.
Measures reach in centimetres3 sets10 reps60–90 s rest≈ 5 min
One station. Many treatments.
The same arm helps a weak arm after a stroke, loosens a stiff shoulder and strengthens a knee after surgery. It switches with the patient's plan.
AssistedGuidedResistedTests
Forward reach1 / 6Muscles at work
Muscles at work
Muscles at work
Muscles at work
Muscles at work
Muscles at work
Illustration. Muscle activity is not measured; the arm measures reach, angle and force.
The arm leads the hand round a smooth circle, keeping the shoulder moving freely in every direction.
Measures range of movement3 sets8 circles each way60 s rest≈ 5 min
Lifting the arm as high as is comfortable brings back the range of the shoulder, step by step.
Measures lifting angle in degrees3 sets10 reps60–90 s rest≈ 5 min
With the elbow at the side, the forearm turns out and back. It loosens a frozen or stiff shoulder.
Measures rotation in degrees3 sets12 reps60 s rest≈ 4 min
The arm rests against the shin and pushes back. It rebuilds the thigh muscle after a knee or hip replacement.
Measures force in newtons3–4 sets8–12 reps90–120 s rest≈ 7 min
The arm holds still and measures how hard the patient can push. The plan follows their measured progress.
Measures peak force3 pushes5 s each60 s rest≈ 3 min, once a week
One session
15 to 30 minutes. Several sets, not one.
A patient never does an exercise just once. Each exercise is done in sets: a block of repetitions, then a rest, then the next set. Three or four exercises fill one session.
- Sets build recovery. Repeating a movement many times, spread over sets, is what helps the body relearn it and get stronger.
- Rest is part of the plan. 45 seconds to 2 minutes between sets, so every repetition is done well, not tired and sloppy.
- The specialist sets the dose. Sets, repetitions and rest per patient. The arm counts every repetition and tells them when to rest.
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Warm-upEasy movements, arm fully supporting
- Set
- Rest
- Warm-up · next exercise
Example plans. The real numbers come from the patient's specialist.