Q.1 How many days a week should I do the Ex N’ Flex?
In most circumstances the Ex N’ Flex therapy can be done daily. However, some individuals find they may become too fatigued or experience increased muscle soreness when doing it every day. In this circumstance an every 2nd or 3rd day routine may be more comfortable, as well as more beneficial.
Q2. How much time should I start with on the Ex N’ Flex?
The recommended amount of time for the first week is 5 to 6 minutes per session. This time should be split between the forward and reverse directions. Some individuals will find they may not be able to achieve even 5 minutes. In this circumstance try to do as much time as feels comfortable. Once again try to split the time evenly between forward and reverse.
If after the first week everything is feeling comfortable, a gradual increase of 2 to 4 minutes is recommended. The same increase of 2 to 4 minutes is recommended each week thereafter as long as you are feeling comfortable with your routine.
Q3. What speed should I start with on the Ex N’ Flex?
The recommended starting speed is “low”. However, in cases of increased stiffness or spasticity sometimes it is necessary to begin in medium or high speed to get the legs moving. *ATTENTION: IF YOU HAVE THE EX N’ FLEX IN HIGH SPEED AND IT WILL NOT MOVE YOUR LEGS THROUGH THE RANGE OF MOVEMENT, PHONE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTAIN FURTHER METHODS OF PROGRESSING. After starting in low speed you can begin to experiment with medium and high speed after 3 or 4 sessions.
Q4. What direction should I start using?
It is recommended to use the Ex N’ Flex in both forward and reverse directions. The total amount of time should be split equally between each direction. Usually you will find the unit will work harder in the reverse direction as these muscles usually experience quicker degeneration.
Q5. How many sessions per day can I do the Ex N’ Flex ?
It is recommended that you start with only 1 session per day to begin. You can work in to multiple sessions over time. Please consult your representative to get instructions regarding multiple sessions.
Q6. What height should I set the Ex N’ Flex ?
The height adjustment for the Ex N’ Flex will be dependant on the chair from which you are working. The standard height setting is to have the main box set at one inch above the base. If you find the foot pedals are hitting the base through the lower part of the movement the height is set to low.
Q7. How far away from my chair should the Ex N’ Flex be placed ?
Once again, the distance to set the machine away from your chair will vary with the type of chair from which you are working, as well as, with your leg length. The unit should be set a distance from the chair which allows the legs to extend almost fully. IMPORTANT: THE KNEES SHOULD NOT FULLY EXTEND TO A LOCKED POSITION.
Q8. When should I try to work my muscles to override the motor ?
During your first week of use it is recommended to use only the passive motion. This allows your body time to adjust and re-establish the movement patterns which may have been interrupted for an extended period of time. Once you have achieved a smooth orbital movement pattern, it is time to begin active work.
Q9. How do I read the Control Panel on the Ex N’ Flex ?
The control panel contains 5 switches. The main power switch (located on the right side edge), the on/off , forward/reverse and mode switch and finally the speed switch.
The on off switch is a 2 way pressure switch which turns the unit on and off. The forward / reverse switch is a 3 way pressure switch. The middle switch position designates no movement in either direction.
The speed switch is a pressure switch and allows you to set the speed to low, medium or high.
The mode switch is a 4 way pressure switch with each position designating a specific function. Each time you push the mode switch the light will move through the different settings.The top position designated as “Time” will allow you to set the time in 5 min. increments by pressing the left arrow. You can also decrease the time by one minute increments when you press the right arrow. When the mode switch is set on “Trip” the display will read out the amount of distance travelled per session. This measurement is displayed in meters/ yards(for USA) and is equated to walking. This setting will automatically reset to zero when the unit is turned off.
When the mode switch is set to the position marked “Total” this indicates a measurement of the on going distance travelled. The measurement is made in 10th’s of a kilometer/ 10th’s of a mile (for USA) and therefore, may take some time before the first number is displayed on the digital read out. This measurement is also equated to walking. This reading will display the total mileage and will not reset to zero when the unit is turned off.
When the mode switch is set on the position marked “Bio- Feedback (BIOF) the display will provide a measurement of active work being done by you and/or a measurement of the amount of stiffness or tone in the limbs. In order to understand the Bio-Feedback display the unit needs to run in each speed setting prior to placing your feet in the foot pedals. When this is done in each speed setting, a base pattern of numbers will appear on the display screen. (Example: Low speed; the numbers displayed may randomly range from 45 to 50. Medium speed; the numbers may range from 55 to 60. High speed; the numbers may range from 65 to 70) These basic number patterns will provide you with standard pattern to read your results.
Once you begin to use the unit, if the numbers displayed by the bio-feedback are greater than the base number pattern in any given speed, this indicates an increased level of joint inflexibility, and/or muscles tightness, or spasticity. If the numbers increase higher than 200- 225 the automatic safety shut off will engage after a short period of time. If you are able to display numbers lower than the base pattern of numbers in any given speed, this means you are actively working your own musculature to facilitate pushing the foot pedals. If you can lower the Bio-Feedback display to zero, it indicates you are totally overriding the motor and using only your muscle power to move the foot pedals.