The UEU is a helpful aid designed to help children maintain an upright posture. Without the need for a therapist’s support, this system of straps and bungee cords allows kids to move freely and practice balance. Exercises done with the UEU help to improve functional skills like sitting, crawling, and walking, as well as balancing, coordination, and sensory-motor integration.
Universal Exercise Unit
The UEU system utilizes pulleys and weights to target and strengthen specific muscles needed for functional movement. This allows therapists to strengthen weak muscles, while at the same time preventing the unnecessary use of other muscles.
The UEU is a beneficial tool for physical therapy, as it enables individuals to perform exercises with the assistance of “no gravity”. This makes it possible for those with weaker muscle strength, such as 1/5 or 2/5, to initiate movement with ease. Furthermore, the UEU allows the therapist to accurately track progress and document improvements.
A pulley system used in conjunction with targeted exercises is designed to strengthen muscles, increase range of motion, prevent joint contractures, and normalize muscle tone. By isolating a particular muscle group, the therapist can ensure that muscle tone does not affect movement. The benefits of these exercises can be seen in functional improvements such as improved gait, balance, and coordination.
The “spider” suspension system provides individuals with the ability to carry out activities independently while being supported by elastic cords. Performing exercises with full or partial weight bearing allows individuals to create a motor plan for the movements while still feeling secure and confident. This system also facilitates the acquisition and mastery of functional skills.
Benefits of the Universal Exercise Unit:
- Promotes Independence
- Improves bone ossification
- Assists in motor functions
- Improves balance and coordination
- Prevents muscle atrophy
- Improves muscle strength and endurance
- Improves stabilization
What Does The UEU Treat?
Typical diagnoses benefiting from treatments in the UEU include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delay
- Traumatic brain injury
- Autism
- Spinal cord injury
- Spina bifida
- Down syndrome
- Stroke
The Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) is a key component of our intensive physical therapy treatment plans. It enables therapists to provide treatments to patients which would otherwise be inaccessible. The UEU eliminates the need for manual support, making it possible for patients to experience movement with more autonomy and efficiency. We have seen a remarkable improvement in gait, balance, and coordination in patients who have utilized the UEU. Furthermore, the UEU’s unique support system helps patients maximize the efficacy of their treatments.
At Let’s Grow Pediatrics in Edmond, OK, we provide a variety of physical therapy options to meet your child’s developmental needs. From Universal Exercise Units and Dynamic Movement Intervention to Intensive Physical Therapy and muscle and joint strengthening, we have treatments to suit every child’s needs. If your child has been diagnosed with plagiocephaly or torticollis, or if they’re in need of pediatric physical therapy, reach out to us. We’ll provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized physical therapy care plan. To learn more about our treatments and how they can benefit your child, call us at 405-562-3485 to schedule your consultation today.
