Therapy for Quadriparesis Using an Endless Pool

Nancy performs range-of-motion and passive exercises in her Endless Pool, which is heated to about 100 degrees.

Nancy Randall cites two milestones in dealing with her condition. The first was in finally obtaining a correct diagnosis. The second was in getting an Endless Pool and making it a part of her therapeutic routine.

Nancy suffers from a relatively obscure infirmity known as quadriparesis, a nervous-system disorder accompanying post-polio syndrome. The condition results in myofascial discomfort, or inflammation of the connective tissues around joints in her arms and legs. Similar in nature to the symptoms experienced by those with fibromyalgia, it limits range of motion and can be extremely painful and debilitating. As a result, Nancy uses a wheelchair to go shopping and to work.

These symptoms are greatly alleviated by Nancy's four to five workouts each week in her Endless Pool. Lasting some 25 minutes apiece, the sessions include both range-of-motion and passive exercises. The latter exercises -- taught to her by her physiotherapist -- incorporate holding yoga-like positions for a brief period of time. She does these in water heated to about 100 degrees, accompanied by music.

An Endless Pool owner since late 1994, Nancy has a visceral sense of its importance to her well-being.

"It really takes care of me," she notes, "and if for some reason I miss my exercise session for a few days, I have a whole lot more pain."

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