GPK UPPERTONE - Manual (Page 22)

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Rickshaw
Rickshaw Facing Out
Rickshaw Exercise
You can do the rickshaw exercise facing in, or out, of the UPPERTONE. Use the direction most comfortable for
you. If you use a power chair with a high back and find it difficult to back into the UPPERTONE, do the
exercise facing in.
1. Adjust the resistance on the left and right sides to the desired level.
2. Adjust the height of the UPPERTONE so that the deltoid pivot points (the pegs) are just below your
shoulders.
3. Pin the deltoid arms in the up angle position. The foam pads on the deltoid arms should be at shoulder level
or slightly higher.
4. Use the higher hole for the pin for the most range of motion. Use the lower hole for lower range of motion,
or if you can not use the lower hole for some other reason.
5. Hang the top or bottom rickshaw loop on the deltoid arm between the collar and the foam pad so that the
heel pad on the rickshaw handle is at about waist level.
6. Position the deltoid handles so that you are in a comfortable position and the wheelchair does not interfere
when you push down on the rickshaw handles.
7. Position the wheelchair so that when your hands are on the rickshaw handle pads, your elbows are slightly
bent and you can push straight down without leaning or slouching. In other words, the hands should be in
the position you would use if you were trying to lift yourself straight up using the wheelchair arm rests.
8. Place the heel of the hand on the pad, with the fingers hanging over the pad. This will avoid putting too
much pressure on the fingers, or bending the wrist. But, if you are more comfortable doing so, place your
palm on the rickshaw handle.
9. Now do the rickshaw exercise. Push downward extending the arms and shoulders straight down. Do not
shrug your shoulders.
10. It is important that you push straight down in a controlled motion. That is, the arm should become straight
without moving around or swinging. This will both strengthen the shoulder and arm muscles, and help you
develop a sense of balance.
11. Throughout the entire movement you should sit up straight. Do not lean or slouch.
12. Use the same motion for the desired number of repetitions.
13. You should usually do this exercise both arms at a time. However, if you have balance problems, and find
that it helps to do so, in the beginning you can do this exercise one arm at a time with low resistance.
14. Advance users may want to do this exercise one arm at a time with high resistance.
15. You may also want to start with a low resistance and a smaller range of motion, increasing both gradually
as you become stronger and more flexible.