D., Director of the Wellness and Motor Behavior Program at Tarleton, to initiate the program which would especially benefit those who have spinal cord injuries or other neurological disabilities. The Psycle, developed and tested by Jennings over a 10-year period, has now been used successfully in clinical applications for more than five years. The Tarleton laboratory is home to two Psycles, one purchased by the local Stephenville Lions Club and one purchased by Tarleton. The actual operation of the equipment is relatively simple. The patient sits in a recumbent position with legs outstretched, and the feet are placed in pedals specially designed for those with impairments.
Heart rate is monitored via telemetry.
Many of the patients are unable to initiate any movement their first time on the Psycle, but after a couple of weeks of minimal assistance, all of the participants in the program have been able to initiate and maintain movement. During exercise the subject is able to work out at a heart rate of approximately 70 percent of their maximum heart rate. This is often equal to the exercising heart rate of persons without disabilities. The Tarleton program has been available to students with disabilities. Their ages range from four to 85, with paralysis dating from recent to as long as 40 years post injury.