Self Help for Arthritis Sufferers

A woman's concern for her husband resulted in help for others.

Some years ago, an Otaki woman tried to find a way to help her husband manage his severe arthritis. After much experimenting she made him an inflatable exerciser which she called an Air Cycle. It was so successful that it was written up in the national magazine of Arthritis NZ and Air Cycles were then made for other people. Now, almost ten years later, arthritis educators still demonstrate them as it is such an easy way to exercise.  Recently Air Cycles have been made more widely available, as they have proved useful for a range of health problems.

As well as helping to relieve arthritic pain and keeping joints moving, the Air Cycle is helpful for a variety of foot and leg, hand and arm, muscle and joint problems. It is a self help aid for reducing swollen ankles, improving muscle tone, leg strength and balance, all of which help people remain mobile and independent. It is also an easy way for travellers, office workers and convalescent patients (anyone who sits for long periods) to relieve aches and pains and avoid the chance of DVT (blood clots).

The Air Cycle exercises are helpful for people with diabetes to improve circulation to the feet and help avoid foot problems - narrowing of blood vessels, loss of feeling and even loss of toes.

Air Cycle exercises help to relieve night cramps and restless legs, varicose veins, venous ulcers, cold hands and feet. After a stroke and for those with Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis or Muscular Dystrophy it is an easy way to exercise without weight bearing or strenuous activity.

The Air Cycle consists of two foot-shaped chambers, separated by a small passageway, allowing air to pass through when under pressure. Air is transferred from one “foot” to the other by a “pedal” (or walking) action. When the Air Cycle is turned sideways and “treadled” (heel, toe action) the calf muscle works like a pump to aid circulation and reduce swollen ankles.

The Treadle Action









The Pedal Action









Placed in the lap or on a desk top the Air Cycle  can also be used to exercise fingers, arms and shoulders. The exercises are helpful when using the computer for long periods to avoid OOS and relieve shoulder tension.

The Air Cycle is relaxing, enjoyable to use and soft on hands and feet.  

Kept beside a comfortable chair it is a reminder to exercise while reading, watching TV, talking on the phone or having coffee.  Use it under the table at meal times, at meetings, while using the computer, travelling by car or plane or lying in bed.  The Air Cycle deflates to carry in a pocket or purse to take with you on holiday or to the office.

An Arthritis Educator says:

“Many members and clients of the Wellington Service Centre have purchased and used an Air Cycle since they first came on the market years ago. They are very easy to use and the benefits (with regular use) for some people with arthritis have included improved muscle strength, improved movement - especially in the ankle - improved circulation, improved balance and in turn, improved confidence.”

The Air Cycle is helpful for:                                               

• Improving circulation            

• Reducing swollen ankles

• Diabetes foot care

• Relieving arthritic pain

• Strengthening muscles

• Increasing joint flexibility

• Stroke rehabilitation

• Parkinson's

• Multiple sclerosis

• Muscular dystrophy

• Cramps

• Restless legs

• OOS (RSI)

• Varicose veins

• Venous ulcers

• Cold hands and feet

The Air Cycle is registered with Medsafe and used and recommended by hospitals, diabetes clinics, podiatrists and physiotherapists.  It costs $25 and is guaranteed for 12 months.

For more information visit www.aircycle.co.nz.

Published 19th Aug 2009

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