Passive and Active Exerciser: A Step-by-Step Training Solution for Patients with Muscle Strength Grade 0-5, Covering The Full Rehabilitation Cycle

The Challenge of Limb Rehabilitation: When Patients "Want to Move but Can't"

In China, there are 1.2 to 1.5 million new stroke cases every year. Among survivors, about 75% are left with disabilities and lose the ability to walk. What's even more challenging is that for patients with muscle strength grade 0-2 – those who cannot move at all or can only produce weak muscle contractions – traditional rehabilitation methods often have little to offer.

"It's not that I don't want to exercise – I really just can't move." This is a common sentiment shared by many early-stage rehabilitation patients and their families.

Patients after orthopedic surgery also face risks such as joint contractures, limited mobility, and muscle atrophy. For patients with COPD and asthma, exercise therapy is essential for improving cardiopulmonary function – and it is the most evidence-based treatment in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Against this clinical background, the Passive and Active Exerciser was developed.

What Is A Passive and Active Exerciser?

The Passive and Active Exerciser is a rehabilitation device that drives the upper or lower limbs in a circular motion, either through a motor or the patient's own effort. It fills the treatment gap in traditional rehabilitation for patients with muscle strength grade 0-2. 

Core function: It supports early passive training, mid-stage active-assisted training, and later active resistance training – covering the full rehabilitation cycle from bed rest to walking.

Three Training Modes: Precisely Matched to Different Muscle Strength Levels

1. Passive Training (Muscle Strength Grade 0-1)

Target users: Early-stage rehabilitation patients, patients with complete limb weakness, long-term bedridden patients

The motor drives the patient's limbs like a "patient massage therapist," helping maintain joint flexibility and preventing muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. Just 15-20 minutes of passive training per day can effectively maintain limb function.

2. Active-Assisted Training (Muscle Strength Grade 2-3)

Target users: Patients with weak residual strength who can sense movement but lack sufficient power

This is the device's most unique feature – when the patient uses even minimal force to turn the pedal, the motor actively "lends a hand" to help complete an incomplete movement cycle. This function not only discovers the patient's residual muscle strength but also strengthens that strength through repeated training, giving patients confidence in their recovery.

3. Active Resistance Training (Muscle Strength Grade 4-5)

Target users: Later-stage rehabilitation patients with some muscle strength

The patient controls the movement independently, and the device provides adjustable resistance to strengthen muscles and endurance, preparing them for daily activities and walking.

Smart Safety Feature: Spasm Management System

Sudden spasms are a common problem during rehabilitation. The Multi-Joint Active and Passive Trainer has a built-in smart spasm control system that continuously senses the user's muscle tension, automatically detects potential spasms, and responds:

When a spasm occurs, the device gradually slows down and stops

It then slowly moves in the reverse direction to relieve the spasm and relax the muscles

The entire process causes no damage to muscles or joints

This feature is designed based on the same principles physical therapists use to manage patient spasms.

Data-Driven Rehabilitation: Making Results Visible

The device features a color touchscreen that displays in real time:

Training duration, distance traveled, calories burned

Left and right limb symmetry – helps correct abnormal movement patterns

Number of spasms, active/passive time ratio

Automatically generated report after each session

Therapists can use this data to understand patient progress and adjust rehabilitation plans accordingly.

Who Can Use It? Applicable Conditions and Departments

Indications: Stroke hemiplegia, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, post-fracture, post-joint replacement, multiple sclerosis, muscle atrophy, and more

Applicable departments: Rehabilitation medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, ICU, geriatrics, nursing homes, etc.

Real-Life Case: From Bedridden to Walking Again in 15 Days

Aunt Zhang suffered a second stroke and had been bedridden for a long time, with lower limb muscle strength reduced to grade 2+ (able to contract muscles but unable to lift the leg against gravity). Under the guidance of his rehabilitation team, he trained daily using the Multi-Joint Active and Passive Trainer.

After 15 Days:

Lower limb muscle strength improved from grade 2+ to grade 3+ (able to lift the leg against gravity)

Could stand independently for 1 minute

Could walk short distances with the aid of a walker

"I was a bit worried about the effect at first, but after using it for a while, I clearly felt my legs getting stronger." – Real feedback from stroke patient Aunt Zhang

Recommended Training Protocols

Short-term goals (improve flexibility, relieve spasticity)

Passive training for 5-20 minutes; train for 10 minutes if spasms occur

Add 5-10 minutes of active-assisted training if possible

End with 5 minutes of passive training

Long-term goals (improve walking ability, enhance muscle strength)

Train 2-3 times per day, 5-30 minutes per session

Start with 3-5 minutes of passive training as a warm-up

Then use residual strength for active training

End with 3-5 minutes of passive training

Key principle: Low-resistance, long-term training is more effective than high-resistance, short-term training. Sessions should not be too long, too tiring, or painful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will using the device make patients dependent on it?
A: Quite the opposite. The device's core purpose is to "assist" rather than "replace." It helps patients perform movements they cannot yet do on their own. As muscle strength recovers, assistance is gradually reduced, eventually transitioning to fully independent movement.

Q: Is the device suitable for home use?
A: Some models come with portable handles, touchscreen controls, and wireless remote control, making them easy to operate and suitable for home environments.

Q: How does the device protect patients when a spasm occurs?
A: The device automatically detects spasms → gradually slows to a stop → slowly moves in reverse → relieves the spasm → resumes normal operation. It also supports manual emergency stop, overspeed alarm, and four other protective features.

About Sunnyou Medical

Founded in 2002, Sunnyou Mdical is a leading R&D-driven enterprise in China's rehabilitation medical device industry. It provides a full range of rehabilitation products and integrated solutions to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and elderly care facilities nationwide. The Passive and Active Exerciser holds CE MDR certification and complies with national medical device standards.