Passive resistance exercise is defined as exercise that, as opposed to active resistance, does not require any active muscle contractions when performed. It is intended primarily for elderly and disabled patients, for whom traditional exercises may be painful, dangerous or impossible. This impediment to normal mobility is a barrier to physical activity, so physicians have devised passive resistance as an alternative.
Misconceptions
The name "passive resistance" is a bit of a misnomer. Resistance, defined plainly as an opposition to movement, entails active muscle contractions by its very nature; this is simply another way of describing strength training. The idea behind passive resistance is that it is supposed to confer a few of the benefits of strength training for people who cannot usually do it.
Function
Medical professionals have traditionally stimulated muscle activity and the circulatory system through passive means by gently moving the legs or arms from side-to-side. However, new technology in the form of a passive resistance machine allows a person to engage in passive resistance without the need of a medical professional to be present. You operate the machine by placing your legs into the cushioned cuffs that are attached to a small modular platform. When activated, the cuffs swing your limbs automatically, which provides a passive range of motion needed to stimulate your body.
Features
Passive resistance machines are small -- the dimensions are equivalent to the base of a vacuum cleaner -- and easily portable. They can be used anywhere, whether you are lying on the floor or confined to a wheelchair. High quality passive exercise machines come with adjustable speeds for safety. A fragile patient can be slowly introduced to the machine before the speed is increased. Healthy people also sometimes use the machine to supplement a traditional workout.
Benefits
By engaging in passive resistance, you can promote flexibility in your ankles, knees, hips and spine and the relaxation of the muscles in your legs and back. The resulting increase in the circulation of the lower extremities helps to relieve swelling, which can build up if the body remains immobile for a protracted time. You can therefore take advantage of the same health benefits of normal aerobic exercise without putting the stress of physical impact upon your legs, back and joints.
Study
A study posted by the company Human Kinetics, which specializes in informational and educational health products, suggests that passive resistance exercise can help frail older adults perform normal daily activities; this is especially true for activities that involve muscular contractions in the extremities. The study demonstrated that muscular strength improved only a little in the lower back; however functional fitness performance improved palpably for common movements such as arm curls and chair stands, and most importantly, passive resistance was deemed safe, at least in the short term.
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