Progressive Peripheral Strength Training
Programmable resistance supports safe, measurable strengthening of deconditioned peripheral muscles evidence-supported in cardiac rehabilitation, particularly post-surgery and in heart failure.
Advanced Robotic Solutions for Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a structured, multidisciplinary programme for patients following cardiac events or with chronic cardiovascular conditions, combining supervised exercise, risk factor modification, education, and psychosocial support
Roles
Robotics in Cardiac Rehabilitation
The evidence base for robotics in cardiac rehabilitation is emerging, with current applications centred on peripheral muscle strengthening, balance rehabilitation, and functional exercise capacity. Rymo devices address the musculoskeletal consequences of cardiac disease: peripheral weakness from deconditioning, sarcopenia in heart failure, balance deficits in older patients, and reduced limb function following cardiac or thoracic surgery. Progressive resistance training is now explicitly supported by major CR guidelines (AHA/AACVPR, 2024; ESC, 2021) as an adjunct to aerobic exercise.
Relevant Clinical Indications
Rymo devices may support musculoskeletal and functional components of CR, subject to clinical assessment and cardiologist clearance:
- Post-MI (Phase II–III)Progressive peripheral resistance training; upper limb strengthening within sternotomy precautions where applicable
- Chronic Heart FailureLow-to-moderate intensity resistance training for skeletal muscle dysfunction; evidence-supported in stable HF alongside aerobic training
- Post-Cardiac Surgery (CABG, Valve)Functional limb rehabilitation within post-surgical and sternal precautions; ROM restoration
- Post-Cardiac TransplantationProgressive functional strengthening under close monitoring; exercise response is atypical in denervated hearts
- Peripheral Artery DiseaseResistance and coordination exercise as a functional adjunct; claudication thresholds must be established before commencing
- Elderly Cardiac PatientsMend's balance training for falls prevention; cardiac medications significantly increase falls risk in this population
Robotic Rehabilitation vs. Traditional Approaches
Resistance Progression
Functional Monitoring
Peripheral Muscle Training
Balance Training
Patient Engagement
Outcome Documentation
Traditional Therapy
Therapist-estimated load
Periodic clinical assessment
Manual or free-weight exercises
Therapist-supervised floor exercises
Therapist-facilitated
Narrative clinical records
Robotic-Assisted Therapy
Precisely programmable resistance with session-to-session data
Continuous strength, ROM, and endurance metrics
Controlled, joint-specific resistance training
Sensor-based static and dynamic balance with objective data
Gamified exercise supporting adherence in longer programmes
Quantified longitudinal data for multidisciplinary team reporting
Optimal Approach
Rymo devices integrated as the functional and musculoskeletal component of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme delivered by a cardiac physiotherapist, coordinated with the cardiology team, and complementing, not replacing the supervised aerobic conditioning component of CR.
Benefits
Balance and Falls Prevention
Mend's sensor-based balance training addresses compounded falls risk from cardiac medications and deconditioning in older cardiac patients.
Objective Data for Multidisciplinary Reporting
Session data supports quantified functional progress reporting to the cardiac rehabilitation team.
Sustained Engagement Across CR Phases
Gamified formats support motivation across the longer outpatient and maintenance phases, where adherence determines programme benefit.
For Patients and Families
Part of a Bigger Programme
Rymo-supported exercise targets your strength, movement, and balance working alongside the aerobic exercise and lifestyle components of your cardiac rehabilitation programme.
Safe, Measured Progression
Resistance and range are set and adjusted by your physiotherapist within the parameters confirmed by your cardiac team, progressing only as quickly as your recovery allows.
Progress You Can See
Session data allows your physiotherapist to track changes in your strength and function and share this with your wider cardiac care team.
Staying Engaged
Varied, interactive exercise formats support your motivation across what is often a multi-month rehabilitation journey.
Rymo Products
Relevant Products for Cardiac Rehabilitation
Solutions for Cardiac Recovery and Secondary Prevention
MEND
MOBI-L
All use of Rymo devices in cardiac rehabilitation requires individual medical clearance from the treating cardiologist or cardiac rehabilitation physician, and must be prescribed and supervised by a physiotherapist with cardiac rehabilitation competency. Rymo devices address the musculoskeletal and functional components of cardiac rehabilitation only; cardiovascular conditioning requires dedicated cardiac rehabilitation equipment and monitoring. Outcomes vary by cardiac diagnosis, functional status, and individual patient factors.