Stroke Survivors Given Boost by Tailwind - Revolutionary Arm Exerciser Launched in the UK | Latest press releases | PressGo

Dr Derek Jones, Director of Anatomical Concepts said: “This is the first time that such an effective arm exerciser has been available for stroke survivors to use at home. It marks an important step forward in the UK’s ability to offer stroke patients with arm movement difficulties, the chance to take stroke rehabilitation into their own hands.”

The TAILWIND bilateral arm trainer was created in the USA by two leading researchers from the University of Maryland Medical School. It was designed to assist the growing number of stroke victims with the rehabilitation and recovery of their arm movement.

Anatomical Concepts (UK) was founded in 1996 by clinicians, engineers and business professionals with experience of the complexities of modern health care. The company designs, develops and distributes innovative rehabilitation and healthcare products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has designated Tailwind as an exercise device for stroke patients.

Dr Jones said: “TAILWIND is an exceptional exercise product for stroke survivors. It’s very easy to use too. The user simply moves two handles in response to audio cues given by the device. By connecting movement to sound in the brain, it helps to rebuild neural pathways and improve communication between the brain and the body.”

TAILWIND is exclusively available in the United Kingdom from Anatomical Concepts (UK). In recent clinical trials, TAILWIND demonstrated measurable, permanent results when seeking improvements in motor skill function, arm movement and range in stroke survivors.

The device is already available in the USA, from the manufacturer, Encorepath, and the physician Daniel F Hanley reports

"We observed the effect the Tailwind repetitive bilateral training had on people who have chronic motor impairment following stroke. Our findings suggest that Tailwind restores upper body movement to stroke survivors. We recommend Tailwind as a potential therapy for upper extremity rehabilitation for stroke survivors."

Jones added: “This arm exercise product is really changing the way that we think about stroke rehabilitation.”