Inside NuStep: Press

NUSTEP AND UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI ANNOUNCE COMPLETION OF STROKE STUDY
February 1, 2006

NuStep and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine announced the completion of a study examining the effectiveness of the NuStep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer in improving lower limb impairment, balance and function in stroke patients. The study's data suggests that NuStep's Recumbent Cross Trainer may help stroke survivors with their recovery.

"NuStep TRS 4000 enables low impact resistance training, making it a highly effective rehabilitation tool for stroke patients," said Steve Sarns, vice president of sales and marketing at NuStep. "Exercise is critical to successful rehabilitation; NuStep helps those with limited mobility enjoy some of the same benefits provided by walking while also providing resistance training."

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Collage of Medicine Neuromotor Recovery and Rehabilitation Laboratory (NmRRL), located at the Drake Center for Rehabilitation, have found that use of the NuStep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer may improve balance and selected arm functions in stroke patients.

"We were quite pleased but definitely not surprised with the results," states Steve Page, PhD, lead researcher for the project. "Previous studies have suggested limited effectiveness for conventional physical therapy interventions for balance and leg function in stroke patients. However, exercise interventions, such as using a treadmill, have shown a lot of promise in improving a stroke patient's motor function and conditioning. The nice thing about the TRS 4000 is that unlike a treadmill, patients are seated, so safety and supervision are not a factor, yet we see comparable effects."

Specifically, in this randomized, controlled, crossover study, researchers tested 12 patients who had experienced a stroke at least six months prior to the study. The patients needed to have experienced a loss or a compromise in the function of their leg as a result of stroke. The participants were then put into two groups. One group came to the lab three days a week for 10 weeks and used the NuStep TRS 4000, then "crossed over" to a group in which they performed no exercise for 10 weeks. Patients randomized to the second group started with no exercise for 10 weeks and then used the NuStep TRS 4000 in the lab three days a week for 10 weeks.

"Results suggested that, regardless of training order, NuStep TRS 4000 use resulted in improved balance and cardiovascular fitness, and reduced leg impairment in the stroke patients," said Dr. Page. "The conventional thinking is that stroke patients cannot regain motor function months or years post stroke. This study, as well as others that are now coming out, suggests that this belief is a misnomer."

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States, causing motor impairments that compromise performance of activities of daily living and quality of life. Although millions of dollars are spent annually, evidence to support the efficacy of rehabilitation for stroke-related paralysis is limited. Only recently have the first evidence-based statements emerged regarding the potential health benefits of exercise after stroke.

About NuStep

NuStep, Inc., with headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is the maker of the NuStep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer. This patented machine was developed by exercise physiologists to help people stay in motion regardless of physical condition. The company’s products are in use at fitness, wellness and rehabilitation centers across the country, including The Mayo Clinic, The University of Michigan, the Cleveland Clinic and the Duke Center for Living. For more information, call 1-800-322-2209.