UNIVERSAL CAGE FOR PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENT (UCPI)
UCPI: The Universal Cage for Physical Improvement is a unit built from eight rectangular frames formed by longitudinal and transverse rods creating 4in x 2in rectangles. Joining all rectangles by special screws will create a cage with one open wall with numerous points for adjustable pulleys and/or suspensions. The pulleys or suspension can be hooked to the corner of any square. Exercises in all planes are possible without changing the individual’s position. Each frame can be replaced with a ladder frame. The cage can be assembled as one unit or combined with others to create a multiple unit. This unit can be used by physical and occupational therapists as follows:
a) Self assistive exercises.
b) Active exercises in suspension.
c) Active exercises with resistance employing the pulley system.
e) Constant stretching.
f) Self stretching with assist of ladder.
g) Traction of different spinal segments.
h) Balance exercises.
a) Self assistive exercises.
b) Active exercises in suspension.
c) Active exercises with resistance employing the pulley system.
e) Constant stretching.
f) Self stretching with assist of ladder.
g) Traction of different spinal segments.
h) Balance exercises.
Exercises performed in the UCPI have a great effect on collagen repair. In his book "Science, Theory and Clinical Application in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy: Vol1, Ola Grimsby states: "Free body movements, free weights and/or pulley system provide the most versatile training environments for controlled low dosage exercise repair. Minimal to no resistance is utilized to allow for a high number of repetitions avoiding excessive muscle fatigue and thereby creating catabolism rather than having energy left over for repair... Sling exercises can also provide a zero resistance training environment to stress collagen repetitively at extremely low loads."