II Move

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2007

design:

Anja Weddeler

Aqua-cycle “II Move” is a piece of movable aquatic therapy equipment used for the rehabilitation of muscles in the lower limbs and other sports-related injuries.

Once a patient’s hospital stay is over, his or her muscles have usually atrophied and are not able to achieve the full range of movement in the joints. Sports-related injuries can also affect the lower limbs. II Move takes advantage of the positive properties of water, and helps to rehabilitate the affected muscle and joint without causing pain. Currently, the only available pieces of equipment for rehabilitation of injuries in water are buoyancy aids and gym equipment that can be placed in the pool. The design concept of II Move redefines the traditional approach to water rehabilitation for lower limb injuries.

II Move is able to float with the use of buoyant material for the seat and wings. By turning the pedals, the patient drives the propeller, which moves the patient forward through the water. Due to the forward motion, the patient is given a visible result linked to the exercise. This is a very important factor for the patient’s motivation. The patient is able to use II Move in two different positions with different levels of difficulty. The sedentary position can be used at the early stage of rehabilitation while the more difficult horizontal position will be used in the later stages. To change the position from “sedentary” to “horizontal”, the patient must turn and swing the pole together with the drive backwards.

II Move would not only help people with injured legs, but also patients who have problems with their back. In addition, it improves the coordination and balance of the user by incorporating the gentle vacillating qualities of water.