Overview
GigerMD is a device whereby the arms and legs are executing cycling movements (with feet and hand pedals) in coordination. This creates movement in each segment and creates interference waves which simulates neurotransmission along the whole spinal cord. Motor development is promoted by the GigerMD medical device, thereby facilitating the repair of lesions in the CNS (central nervous system). A biofeedback software records patient’s progress.
Giger MD is also known to improve muscle strength, circulation,
respiratory function, bowel and bladder function, decrease
neuropathic/spinal cord pain, reduce spasticity, and ease depression.
Basic Principles of the Giger MD Therapy System
- The Entire Body is kept constantly in motion while the effects of gravity are eliminated
- Continuous active and passive motion
- All four limbs are kinematically linked together
- Arms, legs, back, pelvis, shoulders and head are guided
- Limbs and back are alternately stretched and rotated
- Can be used by anyone easily and without fatigue
GigerMD Therapy prevents the following: 
- Skin breakdown (decubitus ulcers)
- Osteoporosis and fractures
- Pneumonia
- Heterotopic ossification
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Cardiovascular diseases
Giger MD is also known to improve muscle strength, circulation, respiratory function, bowel and bladder function, decrease neuropathic/spinal cord pain, reduce spasticity, and ease depression.
How does it work?
The Giger MD medical device positions the patient in a way that all four limbs are kinemetically connected. It creates a three-dimensional movement that runs through the body as a spiral wave. The device uses cyclic patterns of movement that guide the arms legs, back, pelvis shoulders and head in a coordinated manner. Patient positions enhance performance by eliminating the effects of gravity, which makes initiation of movements difficult especially for those with neurologic deficiencies; Moreover, the body can sustain the constant motion easily without fatigue.
Biofeedback is provided through connection of the patient positioned at the Giger MD device to a computer. The computer uses a light, music, film or actual number of electrical units (representing bodily states like the heart rate) to indicate that patient performance is succeeding. As the patient progresses, tasks are made more difficult for further challenge.
Basis for the Giger MD Therapy
(The Theory of Coordination Dynamics and Re-learning)
In the advent of brain or central nervous re-organization, neurogenesis (or the ability of the nerves to regenerate) and functional cell proliferation, Giger MD instruments are intended to induce these on the basis of re-learning. The devices use rhythmic, dynamic coordinated movements that promote re-learning of basic CNS functions. They trigger spatial-temporally coordinated impulse patterns in the receptors of skin, muscles, joints and other tissue that when done repetitively many times, the impulse patterns result to changes in the organization of the neuronal networks. Re-learning also achieves training of automatisms, postures and old learned movements that are slightly affected when the CNS is impaired.
For example, in the case of paraplegia (inability to use the lower limbs for movement), the legs or the brain are not usually organically damaged. The Giger MD device utilizes rhythmic, coordinated movement that stimulates the base of the brainstem while movement of the hands stimulates the cerebrum. The spiral movement of the body as whole, in turn activates the locomotion center in the spinal cord. This makes walking for patients with paraplegia a possibility again.
SUMMARY of Intended Benefits: Physical
- Anticipates spasticity
- Increases muscle strength
- Improves locomotion skills
- Improves balance
- Improves mobility
- Overcomes gait problems
- Corrects scoliotic deformations
- Prevents skin breakdown (decreases decubitus ulcers)
- Reduces muscle and joint injuries
Physiological
- Decreases neuropathic pain
- Improves bladder and bowel control
- Improves digestion
- Improves general cardiovascular function
- Improves respiratory function
- Inhibits osteoporosis and prevents fractures
- Prevents thromboses
Psychoemotional
- Achieves a sense of accomplishment
- Improves cognitive functions
- Improves mood and lifts depression
- Patient feels more in control
- Promotes relaxation and an overall feeling of wellness
- Reduces feelings of isolation
Other advantages:
- It has no known side effects
- It is a painless treatment
- It promotes continuous active and passive motion (CAPM)
- It can be used in the acute or chronic stages
- It is applicable to all degrees of spasticity
- It has no age requirement or limit
POSSIBLE Applications:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Morbus Parkinson
- Osteoporosis
- Poor blood circulation
- Spina Bifida
- Spinal Cord Injury (quadriplegics and paraplegics)
- Stroke
- Various orthopedic disorders (joint and back problems, arthrosis)
- And other neurologic deficiencies
References:
- http://www.gigermd.com- Giger MD Therapy articles on:
- infantile cerebral palsy
- apoplectic stroke
- paraplegia and tetraplegia
- 2006. The Giger MD medical device with biofeedback fliers. Switzerland.Combo Ltd.
- 2002..Magazine Report: Exceptionally satisfied users of the Giger MD therapy instruments. www.paraplegic-online.com
- 2001. Schalow, G, et.al. Myelomeningocele(spina bifida). Physiotherapy 2001. Finland
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