Tutor System Beneficial in Exercise Programs

Charlotte Winward MSc in an online publication on September 27, 2011 reports that fatigue is one of the most disabling non-motor symptoms for people with Parkinson’s disease. Exercise may modify fatigue. This study examines prescribed exercise effects on physical activity levels, well-being, and fatigue in Parkinson’s disease.
In this single-blinded trial, participants were randomly assigned to either a 12 week community exercise program or control group. Primary outcome measures were fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and physical activity.
Thirty-nine people with Parkinson’s disease were included: 20 in exercise and 19 in control. Sixty-five percent of the study group were fatigued (n = 24, mean 4.02, SD 1.48). Increased fatigue was associated with lower mobility and activity (P < .05). Individuals participated in a mean of 15 (SD 10) exercise sessions with no significant change in fatigue, mobility, well-being, or physical activity after exercise (P ≥ .05).
The conclusion drawn was that participation in weekly exercise did not improve fatigue in people with Parkinson’s Disease.
The HandTutor, ArmTutor, LegTutor and 3DTutor have been used as an excellent exercise program for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease or recovering from brain or spinal cord injuries.
The Tutor system consists of ergonomic wearable devices together with powerful dedicated rehabilitation software. The system is indicated for patients in rehabilitation centers, private clinics and the home where it can be supported by telerehabilitation. It is designed for those who have head, trunk, upper and lower extremity movement dysfunction.
The system consists of motivating and challenging games that allow the patient to practice isolated and/or interjoint coordination exercises. Controlled exercise practice will help to prevent the development of compensatory movement patterns. The dedicated software allows the therapist to fully customize the exercises to the patient’s movement ability. In addition the therapist can objectively and quantitatively evaluate and report on the treatment progress. The rehabilitation system optimizes the patient’s motor, sensory and cognitive performance and allows the patient to better perform everyday functional tasks to improve their quality of life. The Tutor system is FDA and CE certified.