Table work - A therapist will act as a comprehensive resistance machine. Whereby allowing functional movement to take place either by facilitating the movement in all planes of motion or applying resistance to increase muscle usage.

Floor work – sequences on the floor allows the therapist to move swiftly through multiple exercises in different planes of motion, exercises such as, extensive core stability training such as sit ups, med ball work, rotational exercises. Other exercises that can be performed are developmental movement pattern exercises, for example, movements that mimic the developmental stages of the human growth cycle such as rolling, sitting, kneeling, high kneeling, 4 point position, and crawling.

Standing/standing Frames - You will begin to lose bone density and muscle mass as soon as you sustain an SCI, so it is very important to your future that you maintain your bone density. Although blood pressure is sometimes a problem, it is still imperative that you get up in the standing frame. Exercises can be performed in a standing position, with therapists supporting at the knees and hips, more of the stabilizing muscles have to work to maintain the required position.

Total gym - The primary purpose of the Total Gym is to be used as an active load bearing device. It helps with the re-organization of the nervous system, joint stability and increasing muscle mass. In level (2), the main focus is to create eccentric load bearing on the muscles of the legs. Level (3), (4) the Total Gym can now be used to perform controlled movements in a safe environment. For example: calf raises and one-legged squats; or the client can practice taking steps through weight bearing and unloading.

Spin bike – A spin bike can be used for load bearing qualities such as the increase in muscle mass and bone density, as well as to increase cardiovascular endurance. With the constant motion of the cycle the nervous system will be able to recognize the rhythm and respond to what is asked of it.

Cross trainer – Similar qualities to the spin bike, with load bearing benefits and increases cardiovascular endurance, however currently limited to level (3) to (4) clients. The cross trainer is a great adjunct to gait re-education whereby posture, function and coordination is needed to execute the motion.
For the near future…

Power Plate – The advantage of the Power Plate ‘vibration’ machine is that the reflexive muscle contractions caused by the external stimulation (the vibrations) activate the muscle spindles, which may help prevent paralyzed muscles from atrophy. It is believed that this may also cause a sensory signal to the cortex, which could help clients to regain neurological functioning and motor control.

FES Bikes - FES Cycling is an effective way of keeping fit when, following a spinal cord injury, regular exercise is difficult to get. This is a therapeutic activity that uses transcutaneous electrical current to generate muscle contractions of paralyzed limbs improving circulation, muscle strength and bone density. The order and strength of the muscle contractions are controlled by computer to generate the power to pedal a motorized cycle. The aim is not to provide passive motion - but to actively engage the muscles to generate muscle strength and improve fitness.