Physical Activity after a Heart Attack
Exercise after a heart attack has enormous therapeutic benefit when gently introduced as part of a rehabilitation program. A rehabilitation therapist will work to build up physical activity.
Biking is one good way to resume exercise following a heart attack, alongside walking and swimming. Yet whilst swimming is not alway accessible and walking can be difficult with other complications such as arthritis, cycling is excellent cardiovascular exercise and is accessible to almost everyone.
Cycling after a Heart Attack
Cycling offers an ideal therapeutic rehabilitation activity thanks to its adaptability. Biking can command either light or moderate effort and can be adapted to suit different needs in individual exercise regimes.
Biking does not create the same impact or weight bearing strain on the joints because body weight is supported by a seat or saddle rather than the hips and knees, and the movement of the leg joints when cycling is smooth, consistent and fluid. In many cases a bicycle will be ideal, but in more complex situations where there may be issues of balance, or confidence, a Tomcat tricycle may hold the answer.
A tricycle offers a stable platform under all conditions where the rider’s body is also stable and supported. This enables our skilled Tomcat assessors to change any pedal or drive parameters to ensure the rider is comfortable and able to use the least effort to the best effect.
The key to heart attack recovery and rehabilitation is regular, gentle exercise that builds in effort and duration over time as strength returns to normal. The recent revolution in transport with the advent of small, efficient battery powered motor drives allows Tomcat to utilise this new technology for therapeutic purposes in many of its products, offering electric propulsion.
With the e-drive option, seven power settings allow the rider to choose between very minimal effort through to being fully independent. What is more, the motor drive is intelligent in any setting and will automatically compensate for hills and inclines by applying the right amount of power to maintain the rider’s chosen exercise level.
The system will effortlessly power a trike to the legal maximum of 28kph with pedal assistance, however, for starting off, or for emergencies, there is an override button that will power the machine to 6.5kph without pedalling.
If a trike sounds like a great solution but a little impractical, you may be surprised to know that most Tomcat products are highly transportable. They have unique, Queens Award-winning transportation features that allow almost all trikes to be disassembled in seconds to store on a wall rack, or put in the boot of a car – all without the need for any tools.
If you have experienced a heart attack and are looking for the best exercise for you, a trike supported by Tomcat’s renowned expertise as specialists in customised cycling solutions will be an ideal practical and therapeutic solution for you.
