Balance System

Biodex Medical Systems introduces Balance System SD, a balance testing and training tool to enhance kinesthetic abilities that may provide compensation for impaired proprioceptive reflex mechanisms following injury. The unit features four test protocols (fall risk, athletic single-leg stability, limits of stability, and postural stability), five training modes, and touch-screen operation. The unit provides fast, accurate, fall-risk screening and conditioning for older adults, in addition to closed-chain, weight-bearing assessment and training for lower-extremity patients. With the Balance System SD, clinicians can assess neuromuscular control by quantifying the ability to maintain dynamic bilateral and unilateral postural stability on a static or unstable surface. All test results and training sessions are documented on easy-to-read, 8.5- x 11-inch reports that can be placed into the patient’s file. Comparisons to the stored normative data can be made for population-specific tests.

For more information, contact Biodex Medical Systems Inc, 20 Ramsay Rd, Shirley, NY, 11967-4704; (800) 224-6339; www.biodex.com.

Aquatic-Therapy Pool

SwimEx Inc offers the 600T Aquatic Therapy Pool, which generates more than 30,000 gallons of water flow per minute and has a water speed that reaches up to 6.5 mph. The multi-depth aquatic-therapy pool is adjustable to a depth of 4 and 5 feet and features eight distinct workout stations, including plyometric pads, open and closed kinetic exercise benches and steps, and an angled running platform. The treadmill stimulator (a 40°-angled pad) allows the patient to begin running in a limited weight-bearing environment, and the adjustable floor allows the PT to gradually increase weight-bearing activities to allow a smooth transition to land.

For more information, contact SwimEx Inc, 846 Airport Rd, Fall River, MA 02720; (800) 877-7946; www.swimex.com.

Step-Up Cane

Full-life Products introduces the Pilot™ Step-Up Cane, which provides the stability of a quad cane with a flip-up platform that allows patients to easily step up to curbs, stairs, and vehicles. With the push of a button, the hinged platform can be flipped open to allow users to safely step half the distance of conventional steps and curbs. With the step retracted, the cane functions as a standard quad cane. The unit also features an Easy-Rise™ Handle, which is positioned lower on the cane to help the user rise from seats and toilets using less arm strength. Its 4-foot-wide base provides stability and support.

For more information, contact Full Life Products, 300 W Route 38, Suite 102, Moorestown, NJ 08057; (866) 385-5543; www.fulllifeproducts.com.

Transdermal PLO Gels

Aiken Compounding Pharmacy offers Transdermal Pluronic Lecithin Organogel (PLO) gels, which are a form of medication administered directly to the skin. The gels are made by mixing poloxamer gels and a lecithin/isopropyl palmitate liquid. When applied topically, the gels allow practitioners to lower the dose of potent narcotics. Because of the dosage form, users are able to decrease the number of potential and harmful side effects associated with most pain-relieving medications.

For more information, contact Family Pharmacy, 333 Newberry St, NW, Aiken, SC 29801; (866) 649-1776; www.dexrx.com.

Fitness Board

Perform Better offers the Vew-Do Fitness 101 Board, which is designed to be used as a balance, wobble, or rocker board. The conversion can be made in seconds by simply changing the fulcrum supplied. A wide riding surface of rugged 7-ply deck with a low center of gravity provides considerable control.

For more information, contact Perform Better, PO Box 8090, Cranston, RI 02920-0090; (800) 556-7464; www.performbetter.com.

Hand Cycle

Endorphin Corp offers the 300 Series hand-cycle platform, which is a closed-chain, low-impact, upper- and lower-body muscle-conditioning unit that allows the user to train independently and improve his or her cardiovascular capacity. Its body-stabilizing chest-support pad adjusts to a vertical or horizontal position for maximum comfort, and it has a 7-foot range of motion.

If crank-arm height adjustability is required, the e-resistance system may also be attached to the optional 355 Series platform. This allows the crank arm to be adjusted from 36 to 50 feet from the floor and enables the patient to use the unit from a seated or standing position. Optional foot pedals for lower-body use are available.

For more information, contact Endorphin Corp, 6901 90th Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33782; (800) 940-9844; www.endorphin.net.

Stability Trainer

The Thera-Band® division of The Hygenic Corp introduces the Thera-Band Extra Soft Stability Trainer to its line of balance products. The Extra Soft Stability Trainer is filled with air to provide multiple displacement directions, as well as greater challenges to the user than its sister products: the firm (green) and soft (blue) foam pad stability trainers.

Made of durable PVC, the Extra Soft Stability Trainer’s heavy-gauge sidewalls resist the tendency to roll the ankle during exercise. In addition, it offers two options for use: one surface with rounded points, which provides tactile inputs for sensorimotor training; and the opposite surface with  antiskid bars that resist slipping. At 17.25 x 10.125 x 2.5 inches, the oval Stability Trainer can be used by health care professionals to provide balance and proprioception training for patients who have suffered ankle or knee injuries, core strength and stability training, ankle-range-of-motion and flexibility training, and sensorimotor training.

For more information, contact The Hygenic Corp, 1245 Home Ave, Akron, OH 44310; (800) 321-2135; www.thera-bandacademy.com.

Wireless Iontophoresis System

Sammons Preston Rolyan offers Companion 80, a wireless, battery-operated system that is designed to maximize valuable clinic time through quick and easy application. Using low current over a long duration, Companion 80 minimizes skin irritation and eliminates current sensation. The system adjusts to varying patient skin resistance; stays on in the shower; and, with its adhesive border, sticks to highly contoured areas.

For more information, contact Sammons Preston Rolyan, a Patterson Company, 270 Remington Blvd, Suite C, Bolingbrook, IL 60440-3593; (800) 323-5547; www.sammonspreston.com.

Hamstring Support

The Saunders Group introduces the Sully® Hamstring Assist, which supports patients with an injured hamstring. Its neoprene straps ensure smooth resistance as the leg nears extension and provides consistent assistance during flexion. The neoprene thigh support provides heat and compression to the injured muscles. With its low-profile design, it can conform to the body and fit comfortably. It can be worn during reconditioning, as well as during competition. The one-size-fits-all Sully has a universal left or right design.

For more information, contact The Saunders Group, 4250 Norex Dr, Chaska, MN, 55318-3047; (800) 778-1870; www.thesaundersgroup.com.

Muscle-Strengthening System

Thought Technology Ltd introduces MyoTrac Infiniti and MyoTrac Infiniti Clinical, which give therapists and patients accurate feedback tailored to their needs.

The MyoTrac Infiniti system measures high-resolution RMS surface electromyography (SEMG) signals and delivers stimulation in a large number of configurations. The system incorporates user-definable biofeedback, stimulation, or EMG-triggered stimulation, with easy-to-use display settings that give rapid control over treatment parameters. A touch-screen graphics display enables easy navigation, where progress can be viewed through a bar-graph scale, or line graphs; or conversely, heard through the rising or falling tonal pitch.

The MyoTrac Infiniti Clinical system includes all of the features of the MyoTrac Infiniti, as well as a USB connection, BioGraph Infiniti software, and a specialized Rehabilitation Suite. This allows patient sessions to be recorded and replayed on a PC, and saved data to be downloaded from a compact flash.

The MyoTrac Infiniti systems can be securely worn on a belt, used from the desk, or held comfortably in one’s hand for a variety of usage scenarios.

For more information, contact Thought Technology Ltd, 2180 Belgrave Ave, Montreal, QC, H4A 2L8 Canada; (800) 361-3651; www.thoughttechnology.com.

Rolling Walker

Hugo® offers the X5 Rolling Walker, which is designed for patients who require extra support. With its wider frame, it can support a patient who weighs up to 400 pounds. The walker features a plush padded seat and backrest, extra-large wheels, ergonomic handgrips with locking hand brakes, and a deluxe storage bag with a built-in beverage holder.

For more information, contact Hugo, 3780 Mansell Rd, Suite T50, Alpharetta, GA 30022; (866) 321-4846; www.hugoanywhere.com.

Diabetic Skin Cream

DiabetiCare™ Labs introduces Borage Diabeticare™ lotions and creams to aid dry skin caused by diabetes. The lotions and creams soothe severely dry skin by supplying gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) directly to skin cells. The products contain a high percentage of Borage Oil—a rich form of GLA—to retain moisture, treat chronically dry skin, and restore the skin’s natural GLAlevel.

For more information, contact DiabetiCare Labs Inc, PO Box 2866, Santa Rosa, CA 95405; (888) 544-3427; www.diabeticarelabs.com.

Fitness Trainer

Fitter International Inc offers the Xco Trainer, which helps build muscle while strengthening the surrounding connective tissue and stabilizing the joints. Xco provides a total-body at-home or group exercise workout that improves muscle tone and definition while enhancing cardiovascular fitness. When used in rehabilitation, the Trainer reduces the risk of injury, supports the healing process, and optimizes physical performance.

Its design consists of a closed aluminum tube filled with a special granulate. As the tube is moved in different directions, the granulate shifts in the tube, creating a delayed soft impact at the end of each movement. This impact results in mechanical overload at the critical point in the movement—when it changes from eccentric to concentric.

For more information, contact Fitter International Inc, 3050–2600 Portland St SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 4M6 Canada; (800) 348-8371; www.fitter1.com.

Recovery System

Game Ready offers the Accelerated Recovery System, which lessens pain, muscle spasms, tissue damage, and swelling, resulting in a faster recovery time, enabling users to return to their daily activities sooner.

Each ergonomic wrap is designed to fit a specific body part: the ankle, knee, back, hip/groin, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The wrap is applied to the injured area and secured. The control unit is then filled with ice and water and connected to the wrap. When the unit is turned on, the temperature is adjustable, while microprocessors control the time, temperature, and intermittent compression that is applied to the injured area via the wrap.

The Game Ready unit combines active compression, which quickly pushes fluids away from the injury site, with cold therapy,  which promotes faster healing. Game Ready’s customizable cold therapy helps prevent tissue damage after injury due to the rapid circulation of ice water, while the wrap’s compressive action helps reduce swelling and speed recovery time.

For more information, contact Game Ready, 2201 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94704; (888) 426-3732; www.gameready.com.

Balance Trainers

SPRI® Products offers the Flexor™ line of core balance-training products, which incorporate resistance and instability components of rehabilitation and sports-conditioning regimens. Flexors allow therapists to adjust the levels of both resistance and instability to create a controlled environment, from elementary rehabilitation requirements to advanced sports conditioning and performance-enhancement goals. 

The Rotational Flexor™ allows therapists to control an unstable environment that challenges core and lower-body stability while providing multidirectional variable resistance to train hip and knee rotation. It helps patients rehabilitate in a true-to-life functional environment by permitting the hips and knees to function in their natural biomechanical patterns and rehabilitate from piriformis syndrome by strengthening the internal hip rotators and reciprocally inhibiting the piriformis.

For more information, contact SPRI Products, 1600 Northwind Blvd, Libertyville, IL 60048; (800) 222-7774; www.spriproducts.com.

Hand Grip Accessory

NuStep® Inc introduces WellGrip™, a handle-gripping accessory that makes patients’ workouts comfortable and safe. WellGrip accompanies the NuStep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer. It is made from a 3-D spacer fabric that is designed for orthopedic and sports-medicine applications where comfort is critical. The built-in cushion minimizes pressure points against the hand, and the breathable material transports moisture away from the skin. It is available as a set, or individually in a left hand or right hand. A 1-year warranty is included.

For more information, contact NuStep, Inc, 5111 Venture Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108; (800) 322-2209; www.nustep.com.

Exercise and Evaluation System

BTE Technologies offers the PrimusRS computerized functional exercise and evaluation system, which can be used with any patient in the rehabilitation or sports clinic. It offers isometric, isotonic, isokinetic, eccentric, and CPM modes, with all the testing and training features of four machines in one.

 The PrimusRS allows clinicians to obtain reproducible, objective data for muscle-performance measurements and documentation of treatment progress. It measures not only the standard performance data of strength, power, and endurance, it also has the ability to measure peak athletic performance at speeds of up to 4,500° per second. The PrimusRS offers standardized testing and training protocols, such as isometric line graphs, isokinetic torque curves, isotonic speed tests, maximum lift testing, and a full range of testing templates. Its software can provide bilateral comparisons to establish individual normative ranges and calculate CVs to help determine validity of effort. The system’s touch screen provides easy access to comprehensive evaluation reports and treatment-progress graphs.

For more information, contact BTE Technologies, 7455L New Ridge Rd, Hanover, MD 21076; (800) 331-8845; www.btetech.com.

Acupressure Program

Ball Dynamics International offers the FitBALL® Pressure Points™ system, which is a self-administered acupressure program that helps one prepare for workouts, manage injuries, and relieve the aches and strains of an active lifestyle. The FitBALL Pressure Points package includes two firm FitBALL Pressure Points balls (approximately 2 inches in diameter), an instructional DVD, and a full-color poster referencing 20 acupressure points. The 30-minute DVD lists muscle groups affected by each point and conditions treated with each point (such as back spasms, leg cramps, shoulder arthritis, and neck tension), so you can choose exactly what area on which to work.

For more information, contact Ball Dynamics International, 14215 Mead St, Longmont, CO 80504; (800) 752-2255; www.fitball.com.

Balance-Assessment Tool

The Metitur Good Balance System® provides objective assessment and retraining of the sensory and voluntary motor control of balance with visual biofeedback. The System utilizes a patented triangular 32-inch by 32-inch digital force plate to measure the vertical forces exerted by the patient’s feet. The System’s trigger functions enable the Good Balance to be synchronized with other measurement systems, such as EMG registration or movement analysis.

Exercise protocols available on the Good Balance System can be tailored to meet individual patient needs and can be progressed as patients’ capabilities improve. Reference values for different age groups from 8 up to 98 years are available; these values are based on a random population sample of more than 10,000 subjects.

The Metitur Good Balance System utilizes Bluetooth wireless technology to eliminate the need for any cables or connectors from the force plate to the computer. The composite force plate weights 12 lbs, and has an integrated handle for easy transportation. The Good Balance Evaluator screening software provides the clinician with an efficient portable tool to quickly screen individuals for balance impairments.

For more information, contact Metitur USA, 221 Mill Valley Dr, Colleyville, TX 76034; (888) 498-7874; www.metiturusa.com.

Therapeutic Exercise Unit

BackProject® introduces the ATM2-MD travel model, which weighs only 32 pounds and can easily strap to a door or bolt to a wall within minutes. The “Mini” is designed like the ATM2 system to immediately manage chronic and acute pain through the use of stabilization belts and resistance training, all in a weight-bearing posture with changing muscle-activation patterns. The ATM2-MD can go anywhere and can be setup and taken down for transport within minutes.

For more information, contact Back-Project Corp, 341 N Montgomery St, San Jose, CA 95110; (888) 470-8100; www.backproject.com.

Soft-Tissue Mobilization Instruments

Graston Technique® introduces the Graston Technique (GT) instrument-assisted soft-tissue-mobilization technology, which detects, treats, and resolves connective soft-tissue injuries. GT features six stainless-steel instruments that detect fibrotic tissue and treat at greater depth and specificity. GT helps restore function, reduce manual stress, and return the patient to normal activity more quickly.

For more information, contact TherapyCare Resources Inc, 3833 N Meridian St, Suite 307, Indianapolis, IN 46208; (888) 926-2727; www.grastontechnique.com.