Z Axis does not change the therapy process, it helps clients to cooperate so they can complete the process.
Here at Z Axis Unweighting Systems all of our models allow clients unrestricted movement in all directions while unweighted up to 250lbs. This is accomplished with weight stacks integrated into an overhead gantry structure and hi-tech rail system. These machines are made of high grade extruded aluminum that is very attractive and ultra strong with a lifetime guarantee on the frame. Clients that are using the machine can move forward and back, side-to-side, jump, or perform ground exercises. The benefit of our devices are as much related to protecting the body of the clients as they are to strengthening the body through the exercise. With the utilization of the Z Axis system, the negatives are reduced or eliminated allowing all the positives to be experienced.
Our Z Axis Single Unweighting Models are built with four weight stacks to provide very even unweighting in all four directions. This provides the clients with more space to perform athletic fast movements in all directions. We currently have two available sized models for purchase, the XS77 System with a 7' x 7' footprint and the XS55 System with a 5' x 5' footprint.
Our large model is the Z Axis Single XS77 System that is 7'L x 7'W x 9'10"H in size. This machine is used for clients that need to replicate strong complex athletic movements in a larger space. Clients are allowed to step an additional one foot outside of the machine in all directions. Providing a 9' x 9' floor space for the client to work in.
Our smaller sized unit the Z Axis Single XS55 System was developed for facilities with constricted space. This 5' x 5' machine is for clients that don't require as much movement. The XS55 specifications are 5'L x 5'W x 9'10"H and will provide the right amount of unweighting while conserving space for the facility. This model also provides the client additional foot outside the machine providing 7' x 7' floor space.
Our Z Axis Double Unweighting Models were developed to save facilities space by allowing a therapist to work with two users at a time. They are built with two weight stacks per user and are used to perform more stationary movements. We currently have two available sized models for purchase, the XD55 System with a double 5' x 5' footprint and the XD57 System with a double 5' x 7' footprint.
The Z Axis Double XD55 System is our smaller model and it's a double 5'L x 5'W x 9'10"H system. The halo at the top of the unit measures 11'6"L x 7'W. We developed this machine to have a smaller footprint so it can be used in smaller facilities to maximize space. This double unit will allow therapist and trainers to work with multiple clients at the same time.
The Z Axis Rehab XD57 System is our double 5'L x 7'W x 9'10"H system. The halo at the top of the unit measures 11'6"L x 9'W. This unit is two feet wider in size at the columns compared to the Rehab XD55 model. This double machine will also allow therapist and trainers to work with multiple clients at the same time in a more spacious environment compared to the Rehab XD55 model.
The Z Axis Unweighting System allows clinicians to reduce their clients body weight as much as needed to help the client complete any physical activity necessary to get well. Clients quickly become the “I Can Do This!” client as opposed to the “I can't do this” client. This allows clients of all shapes, sizes, age, and physical abilities to experience success in their recovery.
Currently there are a number of unweighting devices on the market. Some lift in an upward direction so clients can walk or run on a treadmill with less weight on their joints. Some are used primarily to help balance clients and fall prevention. Many of these devices can lift only a small amount of weight before becoming uncomfortable. There are so many different machines at different price points and varying capabilities which makes it difficult to make a decision on the right equipment for you.
The Z Axis system dramatically improves the interaction between the clinician and the client. This is because of the built-in safety features, as well as the benefits of unweighting. The clinician doesn’t have to be constantly on guard in case the client falls or hurts themselves because of too much excess weight on their joints. Being at the ideal weight helps prevent further injury. Giving clinicians the ability to focus more on the details of their clients body and limb positioning during training.
The Z Axis also enhances the emotional connection with the client. The clients have a huge boost in confidence and are much more cooperative, engaged, and thrilled to be able to perform the tasks required. This experience makes clients feel that they are receiving the best possible care, and they are excited to return.
Utilizing the Z Axis Unweighting System elevates the entire rehabilitation process. It gets clinicians excited again because they can do so much more when they have the Z Axis System. We also provide training videos for various conditions. These videos are all under 30 seconds. They provide a starting point for each condition that clinicians see every day and they also provide valuable tips and techniques for each condition. The Z Axis system is a game-changer in rehabilitation. It creates so much excitement inside and outside of the facility, from clinicians jockeying to have time on it, to existing and new clients calling and asking when they can try it.
Guiding correct form is critical in helping patients reclaim lower extremity function. Body weight support devices such as the Z-Axis enable therapists to work hands-on with patients and focus on the details of proper form without requiring the therapist and therapy aids to support the patient.
Read about how the Z-Axis enables therapists to work hands-on with patients and focus on the details of proper form without requiring the therapist and therapy aids to support the patient. Read more about the Z Axis Unweighting System in the Sept/Oct 2020 Issue of Physical Therapy Products.
Written By: Montgomery “Monty” Merrill, MS, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Provided are some sample training videos that demonstrate how the Z Axis System is used for patient rehabilitation.
Therapists and trainers can easily visualize and manually correct movement errors while the user is performing their specific exercise.
Paul is a 27-year-old male who, as a teenager, had extensive radiation over the right hip to treat Ewing’s osteosarcoma. He has, over the years, experienced compression and degeneration of the femoral head and proximal femur, resulting in a 10-inch leg length discrepancy. He required two crutches for ambulation, non-weight bearing on the right side. He was fitted for an adaptive HKAFO with accommodation for his leg length discrepancy. With the Z Axis unit therapists trained upright control in double and single leg weight-bearing, progressing towards functional gait. He trained on variable surfaces to progress to walking without any assistive device and eventually was able to play basketball.
Bob is an 85-year-old male with bilateral knee arthritis, spinal stenosis and general weakness. He has had several falls in the home and out of doors. He is unable to get off the floor when he falls. The clinic used the Z Axis Unit to train the patient to be able to sense loss of balance, particularly falling backward. The device was used to progressively train getting down to the floor and getting off the floor, breaking the progression down into small component parts, and then putting them together allowing him to get off the floor independently.
Mike is a 61-year-old male with severe right knee medial compartment arthritis. He has a 30-year history of L4-5 disc involvement with radicular symptoms into the right leg. His goal is to put off a knee hemiarthroplasty as long as possible but continue golfing and hiking with his children. He has significant right hip girdle and calf weakness, walking with varus thrust during the stance phase of gait. With the Z Axis unit therapists can work on double and single limb control, training varus thrust control during weight bearing activity. During unweighted functional activities, single leg stance, pivoting and twisting on the leg, therapists used manual facilitory techniques, adding variables of load, velocity and direction as he was able to control them. Because of the ability to maneuver the suit through its attachments to the apparatus therapists could pre-position the patient into posterior tilt, alleviating painful stressors to the spine. As his trunk control progressed, resistance was added to promote further core control with superimposed lower extremity activity.
Dennis, Z Axis Founder, uses the Z Axis Unweighting System for weight loss and fitness. Dennis once weighed around 437 pounds before he came up with the idea of inventing an unweighting system to help himself loss weight. He was having trouble with his mobility and doing everyday tasks because he was caring so much extra weight. Since developing the Z Axis Unweighting System, Dennis has lost 106 pounds by doing a weekly unweighting fitness routine that includes balance and floor exercises for weight loss. Besides the weight loss, Dennis has noticed his joints and feet don't hurt as much and has improved balance and stamina.
