Abstract
Five participants with unilateral, upper extremity amputation were recruited from a convenience sample and participated in a supervised resistance training exercise program in their own local exercise facility using the Carter Cuff (Carter Medical Devices, LLC). The Carter Cuff is a relatively new assistive device that allows people with unilateral, upper extremity amputation and other disabilities or injuries of the hand to engage in resistance training exercises. Following a six weeks training period, an online survey was made available to the participants who provided demographic information and answered questions about their exercise habits and their satisfaction with the ease of use and effectiveness of the Carter Cuff as well as its impact on their lives. The results of the survey provided preliminary support for the effectiveness of the Carter Cuff and its positive effects on people with amputations. Though more quantitative data on physiological and psychological measures are needed, these preliminary findings have important implications for occupational therapy practice.
Highlights
Upper extremity amputation were recruited from a convenience sample and participated in a supervised resistance training exercise program in their own local exercise facility using the Carter Cuff (Carter Medical Devices, LLC)
The Carter Cuff is a relatively new assistive device that allows people with unilateral, upper extremity amputation and other disabilities or injuries of the hand to engage in resistance training exercises
We examined user satisfaction of five people with unilateral upper extremity amputations that exercised with the Carter Cuff for a period of six weeks
Summary
In terms of the physiological benefits, it has been well-documented that resistance training exercise leads to increases in the size of the muscle, increases in short-term and long-term muscular strength, improvements in bone composition, reduction in resting heart rate and blood pressure, strengthening of cardiac tissue, favorable changes in blood lipids, and improvements in glucose metabolism [3]-[8]. These effects on physiological function have been shown to reduce factors associated with coronary heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. As a result of this supportive research, the American College of Sports Medicine in 2011 published updated guidelines that included recommendations that resistance training exercise should be performed by all adults, including the elderly, at least two to three times a week [11]
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