When your body is rendered unable to walk, you need to relearn the skill. As babies, we were small enough for our parents to hold us up as we developed the necessary balance and muscle strength. Adults often require special equipment because our bodies are so much heavier and have so much farther to fall.
Parallel Bars Basics
A set of parallel bars consists of two rails running parallel to one another at the same height. These rails are supported by a stable structure and can often have the height adjusted to suit the user. Regulation length for gymnastic parallel bars is 350 cm, but therapeutic parallel bars can be any length.
Physical Therapy Basics
According to information distributed by health maintenance organization Kaiser Permanente, the purpose of physical therapy is to help rebuild the body's capabilities. In the case of physical damage to a limb or joint, the therapy focuses on rebuilding muscles and restoring mobility. If the damage is to the nervous system, as is common with a stroke, physical therapy focuses on rebuilding muscle memory or even rerouting motor control to new areas of the brain.
Purpose of Parallel Bars
Parallel bars in physical therapy let somebody with limited us of his legs support his weight with his upper body while relearning how to walk. The physical therapist will help a patient mount on the bars, with a strong grip for each hand. First, the patient practices standing with help, eventually progressing toward walking with his hands on the bars. As he nears full recovery, he simply walks between them, with the bars there to catch himself on if necessary.
Indications
According to Kaiser Permanente, using parallel bars is indicated for patients with balance and leg problems when the legs are capable of bearing weight. If the legs can't yet hold weight, a regimen of strengthening and toning exercises is necessary first. Patients must also have full use and coordination of their arms and upper bodies. Without it, the safety features of parallel bars become inaccessible.
Risks
Kerry Colette works with patients and seniors on balance exercises in her capacity as a fitness instructor. She notes that the chief risk of a set of parallel bars is falling. If a patient's arms fail or if a patient simply misses a grab, the patient can take a potentially dangerous fall. This is why people in recovery should never attempt physical therapy on this kind of equipment without the supervision of a qualified physical therapist.
References
- "Healthwise Handbook"; Kaiser Permanente; 2009
- Kerry Collette; Yoga Instructor; Hillsboro, OR
- Use of Parallel Bars in Rehabilitative and Physical Therapy
