Using Tools in a New Way, Parallel
Bars in the ICU
https://youtu.be/7vbFdHPJWmUEarly mobilization promotes best patient outcomes for discharge and decreased length of stay (Needham & Korupolu, 2010). Early mobilization can also play an important role in the psychological recovery of the patient (Corner et al., 2018, Yao, 2021). In their qualitative study of ICU patients Corner et al. noted the important of physical activity for ICU patients in the patient’s process of “recalibration”—that is the process of the patient coming to terms with their current state self as compared to their past self. Corner et al. found structured physical activity to be essential to this this process, along with goal setting to encourage the patient to look to the future (2018).
Ideally equipment used for bedside mobilization should be: 1) intuitive for both the patient and all staff 2) promote normal[GA1] functional movement 3) give both the patient and clinician confidence that they can mobilize safely 4) easily sanitized and moveable 5) take up little space[GA2] [JR3] .
The Covid pandemic illuminated the problem of the lack of stable and accessible options for patients to be seen bedside for their and staff protection. Therefore, traditional therapy options are needed for bedside therapy practice. Tilt tables are not functional movement as the patients cannot utilize postural response. Overhead harnesses are cumbersome to use and take up significant floor space. Parallel bars have long been the mainstay of physical therapy, as they allow a safer and more stable transfer than a walker. Parallel bars allow for a more structured therapy session, potentially encouraging a patient’s “recalibration” process and creating a more significant impression of therapy, as compared with simply practicing activities of daily living (Corner et al., 2019).
Parallel bars may also give the adult and pediatric patient a greater sense of safety and control, which can also contribute to the “recalibration” [GA4] process. However, traditional parallel bars are stationary and heavy and cannot be an option for bedside therapy. For any patients to be seen bedside, portable parallel bars allow for true mobilization, standing and weight bearing with postural responses. Wareologie is proud to continue its mission to help restore independence by manufacturing Portable Parallel Bars. The foldable bars on wheels can be brought up to the bed allowing for safe standing by any member of the care team to mobilize a patient, not just for therapy but for self-care activities to help change the current landscape of early patient ambulation.
Watch a full presentation at: https://youtu.be/xZZw52zI7zo
About Ware·ologie
Wareologie develops assistive devices to restore levels of independence and self-care, allowing people to maintain their dignity. Founded in 2019 with support from the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) and Lawrence Technological University’s Centrepolis Accelerator, Wareologie, is a certified WBENC company committed to developing products through user-experience research and development to ensure products meet industry demands. Products are made in Michigan. Learn more at https://wareologie.com/portable-parallel-bars
On the season finale of Someone’s Gotta Make It, Ben Goldstein of Nutshell talked to Wareologie Founder & CEO Gina Adams, who has learned plenty of cash flow lessons the hard way while designing and selling medical equipment and adaptive devices.
Wareologie has made significant strides in 2022. It took a village of dedicated, hands-on team members and advisors to move so quickly. We are grateful for the opportunity to improve rehabilitation access with the world’s 1st portable parallel bars on wheels.
Portable Parallel Bars performance & features were optimized and exceeded all expectations. The FDA Class 1 mobile device, was created under contract with VHA clinicians through a unique human-centered design collaboration known as the Greenhouse Initiative. The bars have been designed to serve quarantined patients and those challenged to stand in settings such as acute care, ICU, rehab facilities, and at-home to improve patient health outcomes and potentially workplace safety.
The Disability Network of Eastern Michigan invited Wareologie to demonstrate the Portable Parallel Bars for their YouTube Channel in December. We were joined by Cheryl Angelelli, who has an incomplete spinal cord injury and stands as part of her daily exercise routine. In the video, Cheryl demonstrates standing, balancing, and walking using our Portable Parallel Bars. The interview was conducted by Jeffrey Astrein, Community Education and Outreach Specialist at Disability Network Eastern Michigan.
After demonstrating standing, walking, and balancing using the Wareologie Portable Parallel Bars, Cheryl spoke about the bars saying:
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For people with short- or long-term physical limitations, everyday activities can feel daunting. Tasks like buttoning a shirt, clipping nails, or using a key may be completely unachievable without assistance–resulting in a loss of dignity, confidence, and time.
Enter Wareologie, an organization that believes people should have greater access to physical rehabilitation and devices that make everyday tasks easier. We spoke with Wareologie founder and chief executive Gina Adams about her passion for creating devices that shorten recovery time, improve safety, and restore independence during self-care and home management tasks….
Ideally equipment used for bedside mobilization should be: 1) intuitive for both the patient and all staff 2) promote normal functional movement 3) give both the patient and clinician confidence that they can mobilize safely 4) easily sanitized and moveable 5) take up little space.
The Covid pandemic illuminated the problem of the lack of stable and accessible options for patients to be seen bedside for their and staff protection.
Wareologie Portable Parallel Bars were created and manufactured during the pandemic. Now we are taking the bars on the road to conferences, expos and trade shows. Please check out our Fall 2022 schedule and schedule your own personal meeting with our team members.
