Physical fitness is defined by five components:

Cardiovascular endurance
Muscular strength
Muscular endurance
Flexibility Composition of body mass (fat/no fat)

From the point of view of exercise specialists, cardiovascular endurance is the most important component; primarily present in the aerobic part of a training. However, such conventional training present considerable metabolic and cardiovascular stress to the human body. At maximal physical activity a health person is increasing its muscular metabolism 5-fold, the metabolism of the entire body 10-fold and the cardiac output 4- to 6-fold. These rates are mainly due to the 3-fold increase of the heart rate.

At less than maximum strain, the relationship between heart rate and oxygen intake is basically linear. It is for this reason that the maximal oxygen intake capacity (VO2 max) is considered to be the best measure for physical fitness. The VO2 max is decreasing with age; this downward trend however, is less evident with people who exercise regularly.

For pathological reasons, many people cannot, or will not accept the training-stress proclaimed by physical exercise specialists.

All these will find that the passive-dynamic exercise unit, Thera Plex, is offering them the unique possibility to follow a fitness and therapy program which includes a gradual progression from passive (motorized) movement of joints, etc., to active muscular training at a low intensity – and further to a dynamic (from Greek: force) slightly aerobic exercise program for the entire body.

At this the load-intensity will determine the substrates (energy source) used: low load-intensity and training within aerobic limits is primarily using free fatty acids from triglyceride-depots and from fatty tissues.

The Thera Plex unit has been developed and medically researched by a medical team in the USA.

Description of Passive - Dynamic Exercise Therapy:

Based on systematically developed and adapted movements, the programs perform as part of an integrated therapy concept preventative, rehabilitative, and eutonitive (to be physically and psychologically in a balanced inner and outer state)

Three main programs (upper body, pelvis, and lower extremities) as well as two combination programs (upper body/pelvis and upper body/lower extremities) can be individually programmed and dosed in regard to speed, duration, and sequences according to the objective, the medical history and physical biography (active or passive exercise).

Active exercise will strengthen cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance as well as the feeling for motion.

Passive exercise is increasing flexibility (mobilization of joints without strain, etc.), regulate muscle tonus (e.g. reduce tonus of spastics), train propriorezeption (e.g. on paresis without spastic, passive motion has the effect of a senso motoric neuro-training) and will lead to mental relaxation.

Passive-dynamic exercise has effect on vital functions (respiration, digestion, metabolism, secretion, water system, etc.), the basic metabolism (thermal effect also with passive exercise), the composition of the body tissues (body fat), the plasma-lipoprotein patter (HDL, LDL, triglyceride level), will regulate pulse and blood pressure and increase insulin sensitivity.

Passive-dynamic exercise is reducing the incidence of heart-circulation illnesses, cerebrovascular problems, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertony, colon cancer (intestinal transit time), mamma-cancer (optimal lymph activity) and depressive moods.

Each of the five passive-dynamic programs offers much rhythmic exercise (possibility of many repetitions) at low to moderate intensity (slightly aerobic effect) and will include large muscle groups (general endurance).

Main features of the Trainings/Programs:

Upper Body Program (Main Program)

On the arm bars we have alternative pushing and pulling movements (approximately 20cm each way) either passive (motorized) and/or active (up to 10 kg per arm). The underarms are either pronated or suppinated with the hands accordingly in upper or undergrip. The hands can also push outward or inward (isometric exercise). As a shoulder movement is not only depending from the shoulder joint (art. humeri glenohumeralls), but also from the movement of the shoulder blades (scapula), we find the movement of the arm bards combined with an adequate movement of the shoulder pads and optimal adaptation to physiological circumstances. This program is exercising joints, tendons, and muscles of the upper extremities as well as the shoulder area and the torso.

Pelvis Program (Main Program) Counter rotating movements (up to 160 rpm) of the pelvis-pads initiate a rocking motion of the pelvis; this will effect the entire pelvis area with its muscles, tendons and viscera (e.g. intestinal transit time). The lower back, the sakroiliakal and the hip joints are being mobilized. The program is leading to an optimal physical and mental relaxation. It is promoting excellent circulation (prevention of open wounds).

Lower Extremities Program (Main Program) With the leg pads we have reverse bicycle (angle speed up to 540/s) either passive (motorized) or active (strength up to 20kg with or against the movement; isometric exercises are also possible); these movements exercise the muscles, tendons and joints of the lower extremities and activate the leg-muscle-pump (thrombose-prevention, oxygen absorption and cleaning of the blood, better circulation, activity of the lungs). With the cycle motion we have increased blood flow-back; but the effect is considerably dependent of the frequency (active muscle work is secondary). For an upright stance, it is necessary that the extensors dominate over the flexors. This program is considering these, from a physiological and bio mechanical standpoint, important relationship of forces.

Upper Body / Pelvis (Combined Program) Synchronized arm bar/ shoulder pads / pelvis pads – movements offer a training-pattern which is working simultaneously upper extremities, shoulder area and torso (vertebrae, chest, pelvis area). As it is impossible to consciously follow this pattern, it is ideal to relax subconscious muscular tensions.

Upper Body / Lower Extremities Program (Combined Program)
This with the leg-work combined upper body activity is exercising upper extremities, shoulder area, torso, and lower extremities. This program will effect – with individually adapted intensity, duration and number of repetition – all five components which define physical fitness.

Passive-dynamic exercise therapy can be used in/by:

Chiropractors
Rehabilitation
Paraplegioly
Physical medicine
Rheumathology
Neurology
Sports medicine
Inner medicine
Osteopathy
Physiotherapy
Geriatrics
Psychotherapy
Health centers
Wellness-centers
Fitness-studios
Massage