Expert: Alan Kahn - 2/14/2005

Question
Mr. Kahn, I have a friend who is a paraplegic and uses a wheelchair, but her upper body is fine, and I think she could use a speed bag as a home activity..  ?

I have heard about your training program "The Speed Bag Bible" (Book and video's) and that you also created a video specialty video about using the speed bag from a wheelchair?  Is that possible?  My question is: if there such a video, is it still available and where can I get it?

thank you for any help you can offer.

Elizabeth B.  

Answer
Hello Elizabeth B.

You are right! your Paraplegic friend CAN use the Speed Bag as an excellent home exercise activity.  There is no reason why someone has to stand up to hit it, for it works perfectly well sitting down.  The only adaption needed is to get the bag lowered to the proper height for the user. No other adaptions are needed! Someone in a wheelchair, even with Limited upper body strength, can benefit from speed bag training. Punching it can help increase their upper body and trunk strength, body balance, eye-hand coordination and arm/hand/fist proprioception. It can help build and tone the upper back, shoulders and arms. With skill, it can also help with cardiovascular conditioning.

The VIDEO (DVD) you have heard about is called "RHYTHM & REHAB". I created this video several years ago to demonstrate how Speed Bag Punching, and several elbow stikes, can be used as a rehabilitation activity. My target audience was two fold: First, those who are physically challenged or disabled. Second, It is also geared towards therapists such as Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Athletic Trainers. It teaches both parties what is needed about Equipment purchase and set up, Basic Punching and Elbow Striking Movements and how to structure a customized workout for to target the individualized needs of the user. Personally, I would like to see a Speed Bag in Every General Rehabilitation or Sports Rehabiliation facility.  

This video, in DVD format, is available from me through several sources:

SpeedBag.info  (follow link and scroll down to bottom)
http://www.speedbag.info/wst_page5.html

or from SpeedBagCentral.com
http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Store_SpeedBagBible.html

You may contact me via either site for sale items. RHYTHM & REHAB is available for $24.95 + PH, ( depends on where you live..)  

Personally, I think the speed bag could be very beneficial for ANY type of movement disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinsons, bradykinesia, spasticity and other Dystonias. In fact, the sight of the rebounding bag or the auditory sound of the rebounds can be a positive cue for movement initiation and guidance. There is currently a lot of positive research findings regarding "Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation" (RAS), using music or a metronome pacing sound as an external guide or cue for initiation and repetition of physical movement. It has been tested and used mainly for gait/walking therapy, but here is a link showing that
"Bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing (BATRAC) will improve motor function in the hemiparetic arm of stroke patients.."

http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/31/10/2390
and I'm hopeful there is more research available using the Upper Extremities.  

I think The rhythmic and repetitive rebounding beat of the bag might be an excellent auditory source for improvement in this area, particular since the user gets to establish the auditory rhythm by their own punching.  I have no research to back that up, but I personally believe that the sounds and sight of the rebounding bag are an untapped source of aid in this area.
http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Rehabilitation_RehabTraining.html

Finally, Elizabeth, I wish you and your friend good luck in your training.  Here is a link to a video clip showing the speed bag being punched by someone in a wheelchair.  I hope you find it inspirational.

Music 4
http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Demos.html

Sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible