Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University Sports Medicine
and Rehabilitation Center
Fairfield, CT 06432
The unique Bodyblade Inertial Training System (I.T.S.) is the innovative creation of Bruce Hymanson, PT from California. For the past 11 years the Bodyblade has been an integral component of my clinical practice in a variety of outpatient settings. I have used the Bodyblade with patients of all ages with a wide variety of dysfunctions involving the upper and lower extremities, trunk and spine.
The Bodyblade offers a type of variable resistance that is not simply unique but also therapeutically and functionally relevant. The blade-like structure is engineered to provide inertial resistance characterized by rapid changes in direction which induce significant efferent and afferent reactions. Furthermore, unlike gravity dependent resistance, Bodyblade permits the application of resistive forces to a joint in any plane of motion or angle of application, independent of the influence of gravity. This allows full ROM and application of resistance precisely where you want. The oscillation of the Bodyblade is initiated and maintained by the patient. Acceleration and deceleration of the blade is produced by the rapid concentric, eccentric, econcentric, and co-contraction of uni-articular and bi-articular synergists. The manufacturer claims that the oscillating inertial force is capable of producing up to 270 muscle contractions per minute. Although the frequency of the oscillation remains constant at 4.5 cycles per second, the amplitude is variable. The resistance provided by the Bodyblade is directly related to the amplitude or flex of the tips. Increasing the flex, therefore, provides greater resistance. Importantly, Bodyblade demands the simultaneous contribution of multiple joints in all three planes of motion. It allows for the integration of stability and mobility while providing a significant source of proprioceptive information via the muscle spindle and articular mechanoreceptors.
Available in various size-weight configurations, each Bodyblade provides a specific range of resistance. The smallest blade (Bodyblade Lite) is 32 inches long, weighs 1 pound, and offers 1–5 pounds of resistance. The largest blade (Bodyblade Pro) is 60 inches long, 2.5 pounds in weight and provides 1–34 pounds resistance. Intermediate options include the Classic and Sportblade. The shorter and lighter blades are good options for the frail patient, pediatric patient or the post op athlete, as they can be easier to handle and offer less resistance. These blades also allow for tri-planar movement of the extremity through larger arcs, thereby promoting the integration of mobility and stability. The longer and heavier blades, however, offer the widest range of resistance, between 1 and 34 pounds and may be good alternatives for the more sturdy patient, or those older or neurologically impaired patients requiring greater proprioceptive stimulation. These blades are particularly helpful in facilitating reactions in the trunk, spine and lower extremities.
I have used the Bodyblade with patients of all ages and a wide variety of dysfunctions. Pediatric and geriatric patients find the Bodyblade to be a fun and challenging compliment to other therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques. Patients with impaired joint mobility, motor function, posture and muscle performance of the shoulder initially benefit greatly from the stabilizing forces facilitated by the Bodyblade. Progression of the Bodyblade program, in addition to increasing the amplitude of the oscillation, might include movement through safe planes of motion while maintaining the oscillation of the blade, thus superimposing mobility on stability. Ultimately, the Bodyblade can be used to facilitate tri-planar glenohumeral joint mobility in various postures against variable resistance.
Patients with lower extremity dysfunction involving impairments of muscle performance, joint mobility, motor function, balance and gait can benefit greatly from the Bodyblade as well. In this instance, the Bodyblade is held and activated by the arms (either bilaterally or unilaterally) thereby eliciting the desired reactions in the lower extremities to promote joint stability and static equilibrium. Initially, the patient may move the Bodyblade in a single plane while in a stable two-legged stance of preferred width. This can be advanced to either a narrower stance or to a single-leg stance. In both instances the Bodyblade can be used with tri-planar motion of various amplitudes to perturb the balance of the patient. A similar strategy can be superimposed onto such activities as a single leg squat, lunge, or step-up exercise to promote dynamic equilibrium, muscle strength and endurance, dynamic joint stability and motor function.
Lastly, Bodyblade can be used with patients with dysfunction of the spine or trunk involving impairments of muscle performance, joint mobility, and motor function. Using the upper extremities to facilitate the muscles of the trunk and spine is a common intervention to promote dynamic stabilization. The Bodyblade Pro or Classic are particularly effective in this regard. Again progressions through various stances and motions, as well as increased workload will improve the functional strength, endurance and enhance dynamic stability. Additionally, colleagues have reported success using Bodyblade with patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.
The portable and lightweight Bodyblade is suitable for nearly all practice settings and patient populations and essential for the restoration of function via the integration of mobility, stability and control. The Bodyblade inertial training system offers a versatile and functional therapeutic intervention for dysfunctions of various systems involving pain and impairments of muscle performance, motor function, balance, posture, joint mobility and proprioception.
