The Tiltcycle is a therapeutic assessment and
exercise device. The Tiltcycle is a modified ergometer that allows patients
with lower extremity movement deficits to pedal safely in a variety of inclinations
from supine to upright (Figures 1, 2). It can provide therapeutic exercise for a wide range of patients, including those with stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, and amputation. In particular, it can be used by patients who are non-ambulatory or pre- ambulatory, allowing their rehabilitation to begin earlier. The Tiltcycle can also provide an objective assessment of the patient's biomechanical deficiencies. It thus bridges the gap between the traditional subjective visual methods for assessing lower extremity movement and the expensive electronic motion analysis systems. The Tiltcycle has been designed to be a safe and practical clinical tool. A secure strapping system provides postural stability at all tilts and reduces hip sway, as well as stabilizing the ankle and the foot. The ergometer workload and the body orientation can be easily adjusted to meet a particular patient's requirements. A limb platform allows the patient to pedal using either one or both legs. Information about the position, velocity, and acceleration of the crank is monitored and can be used to assess the patient's capabilities and to guide his or her treatments.