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Recent Test Data Reveals ''Certified Space Technology'' Profoundly Improves Performance of Axiom Worldwide's DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System(TM)

Posted on: Tuesday, 19 August 2008, 18:00 CDT

The DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System(TM) provides relief of pain and symptoms associated with herniated discs, bulging or protruding intervertebral discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. The therapy is non-invasive and non-surgical. The device is FDA 510(k)-cleared, in compliance with EN 60601-1 and CE-marked, and is manufactured under strict ISO 13485:2003 quality standards.

The theory behind non-surgical spinal decompression is a process whereby forces are applied to the spine in a manner that maximizes spinal elongation. Spinal elongation is maximized when paraspinal muscles, the muscles that guard the spine from injury, are relaxed. When paraspinal muscles relax, applied spinal decompressive forces spread apart the bony vertebra of the spine. This relieves pressure on nerves and intervertebral discs. Where this spinal elongation occurs, pressure drops within the disc which facilitates movement of fluid, carrying nutrients and oxygen inside the disc. Additionally, the reduction in pressure can help draw in herniated disc fluids, reducing the size of the herniation.

The floating lower mattress is one of five critical subsystems in the DRX9000(TM). Some spinal decompression devices incorporate a floating lower mattress to reduce friction between the patient and the mattress as the patient's spine elongates during treatment. Spinal decompression devices may utilize Teflon slides and other composite materials to guide their floating lower mattresses during treatment. Teflon and / or composite materials tend to exhibit increased friction under load (e.g. patient body weight) and "stick & slip" behavior, or non-smooth movement. These materials also wear over time, degrading performance. The DRX9000 utilizes linear steel bearings and precision ground shafting technologies developed by Nippon Bearing (NB) of Japan, www.nbcorporation.com, to guide its floating lower mattress. Steel bearings and shafting are utilized in medical and manufacturing industries where precision and low friction is essential. In addition, Axiom engineers sought to further reduce the problem of friction by seeking out a lubricant that is superior to what is considered "industry standard." The solution was to incorporate X-1R Certified Space Technology lubricant into the NB steel bearings upon which the floating lower mattress glides during decompression therapy.

The combination of incorporating steel bearings, shafting, and X-1R Certified Space Technology lubricant is very costly when compared to simple Teflon and / or composite material slides. To validate the expense and technical benefits of steel bearings and X-1R, Axiom engineers commissioned Nippon Bearing to develop and conduct two performance tests at their manufacturing facility in Japan. Development of the two tests took into account both static and kinetic friction. In a spinal decompression device, static friction occurs during the beginning of the transition between minimum and maximum plateaus (and vice versa), becoming kinetic friction after the transitions have begun. Large static or kinetic friction can equate to abrupt or non-uniform motion which may cause paraspinal muscles to contract and limit the therapeutic benefit of treatment for that patient.

In the first test, Nippon Bearing steel bearings used in the DRX9000 were tested in three different configurations: no grease, industry standard grease, and X-1R Certified Space Technology grease. The testing was designed to determine how X-1R grease affected static and kinetic friction. The test results showed that X-1R reduced both static and kinetic friction on average 27% over an industry standard grease. Within the engineering community, a reduction in friction of 27% is considered a profound improvement in performance.

In the second test, Nippon steel bearings used in the DRX9000 were compared to machined Teflon slides found in competitive decompression devices. The testing was designed to determine which configuration, NB steel bearings and shafting or machined Teflon slides, under load demonstrates a superior friction characteristic (lower friction). In the test, as the load on the Teflon slides was increased friction drastically increased. However, the friction on the Nippon steel bearings remained low regardless of the applied load. Steel bearings and shafting are very expensive when compared to Teflon slides, but the improved performance is now indisputable.

According to Kevin Cook, Director Space Awareness Programs of the Space Foundation, www.spacefoundation.org, "Axiom Worldwide, X-1R Performance Lubricants, and Nippon Bearing have formed a partnership that is proof-positive of how technology originally developed for the space program finds undreamed of Earthly applications. From eco-friendly lubricant for the 12 million pound payload 'shuttle Crawler' mobile tracked launch transporter to improving performance of the Axiom Worldwide DRX9000 spinal decompression system; X-1R is a venerable Certified Space Technology that now protects a remarkable range of products that improve the quality of life for people around the world."

Outstanding products developed for space programs are recognized by the Space Foundation as "Certified Space Technology." Nippon Bearing's test data represents how technologies developed for space programs and recognized through certification can improve the lives for the rest of us here on Earth.

Nippon Bearing has submitted its findings for publication.

Axiom Worldwide manufactures and distributes its flagship products, the DRX9000 True Non-surgical Spinal Decompression System(TM), DRX9000C(TM), and DRX9500(TM) in medical markets around the globe. Axiom also manufactures a digital electroceutical device, the EPS8000(TM), for use in relieving pain and for use in muscular rehabilitation. Axiom prides itself on providing safe, non-surgical alternatives that patients should consider prior to undergoing surgery. For additional information please visit: www.AxiomWorldwide.com. To schedule an interview please contact: Amber Pacetti, Marketing at: telephone: 001-813-249-6444 or email: apacetti@axiomworldwide.com.

Source: Business Wire

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