Information for the Health Professional
The MediFlexor™ (seated leg exerciser):
•
allows regular effective activation of the ‘calf muscle pump’
•
assists in reducing patient risk of post-operative DVT
•
bridges the gap between foot & ankle exercises and regular ambulation
•
is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
(ARTG)
What is a MediFlexor™?
A MediFlexor™
is an exercise device that enables a person to effectively exercise their
calf muscles and therefore activate the ‘calf muscle pump’
while seated.
The device is portable, lightweight and simple to use. It is covered in
a non-slip material enabling it to be used on any floor surface.
The exerciser has been biomechanically designed to simulate the action
of walking with regard to the foot, ankle and lower leg.
The body of the MediFlexor™ consists of a flexible asymmetric foam
prism. The foam density is such that it offers an ‘appropriate resistance
to movement’ when both feet are placed on the longest sloping face
of the prism then flexed forward against it. The combination of appropriate
foot position, foot action and resistance to movement allows the patient
to effectively activate their ‘calf muscle pump’ while seated.
There are two densities available according to the patient’s age
and level of well being.
Why your patients may benefit from using a MediFlexor™?
We are all aware of the post-operative risk of DVT. The risk varies depending upon the type of surgery undertaken and the patient’s associated risk factors.
The major preventative
measures utilised are:
•
blood thinning agents
•
exercise
•
compression stockings
The MediFlexor™ addresses the exercise component
of preventative DVT management. The current exercise prescription is non-weightbearing
‘foot & ankle exercises’ and ambulation.
Our clinical testing demonstrates that blood flow in the lower leg when
using the MediFlexor™ is significantly higher than
during ‘foot & ankle exercises’ and comparable
to walking. The MediFlexor™ therefore effectively bridges the gap
between these two forms of exercise.
During post-operative recuperation, the patient ambulates a short distance
twice a day with a physiotherapist or nurse. Otherwise the patient is
relatively immobile with a reduced exercise capacity. This situation creates
an increased risk of blood stilling or pooling as the ‘calf muscle
pump’ is not being regularly activated. The MediFlexor™ addresses
this problem when the patient is seated. It enables the patient to regularly
exercise their calf muscles while their ambulatory capacity is reduced.
If your patient uses the MediFlexor™ in hospital post-operatively
and at home while recuperating, they will be able to regularly and effectively
activate their ‘calf muscle pump’ during non-ambulatory periods.
The Elderly patient
The elderly patient may not be able to ambulate safely on their own and
as a result may remain seated for extended periods of time as busy staff
attend to other patients’ needs. The reduced ambulatory capacity
in this situation predisposes to potential DVT formation again due to
insufficient ‘calf muscle pump’ activation.
How
long and how often should your patient use the MediFlexor™?
After appropriate instruction is provided, the patient should use the
exerciser at a steady continuous pace for 30 seconds. This should be repeated
three to four times each hour when seated. The MediFlexor™ will
offer appropriate resistance to the patient’s foot pressure so that
their calf muscles gradually fatigue over the 30 seconds.
This prescription is relevant for the patient both in hospital following
an operation and at home while recuperating until regular safe ambulation
can be utilised.
It equally applies to the elderly person who is seated for extended periods
due to the inability to ambulate safely and independently on a regular
basis.
Clinical Test Results Summary
We tested a
cohort of healthy subjects with an age range of 15 to 64 years. The study
was conducted using air plethysmography (APG): a diagnostic procedure
used to measure blood volume changes in the lower leg. APG is the best
non-invasive test currently available.
The ejection fraction measures the percentage of blood
volume ejected from the leg during a single calf muscle contraction (ie
the volume ejected with each footstep during walking). The residual
volume fraction measures the percentage of blood volume remaining
in the calf following repetitive calf muscle contraction (ie the blood
volume remaining in the leg when walking).
The higher the ejection fraction, the more efficient the calf muscle is
at ejecting blood from the leg.
A lower residual volume fraction indicates more effective emptying of
the calf muscle during exercise.
(Clinical testing performed by J. Paige,
Vascular Imaging Services, VIC. Australia)
How to use the MediFlexor™
Step
One:
Position the MediFlexor™
approximately one foot length in front of your seat.
Place both feet on the longest sloping face, with the balls of your feet
near
the apex (diagram 1).
Step Two:
Rock both feet back and forth at a steady pace, lifting your heels as
you
point your toes over the apex (diagram 2).
Step Three:
Repeat the rocking motion continuously for 30 seconds.
Note: When seated for several hours, repeat
this exercise three to four times each hour.
Note: This product does not claim to prevent deep vein thrombosis, blood clots or pulmonary embolism - it allows you to exercise in the manner recommended by doctors and physiotherapists (ie. walking) to reduce the risks associated with remaining seated for long periods of time. When frequent ambulation is not possible, the MediFlexor™ enables you to effectively exercise your calf muscles while remaining in your seat. If you have any redness, swelling or soreness of the leg which persists, consult your doctor immediately.
