Pilates Guidebook
OPTP has released a new text that details exercises that are supported with a clinical foundation of Pilates and rehabilitation by referencing experts, such as Diane Lee and Vladimir Janda. Pilates for Rehab was written by authors/practitioners Elizabeth Smith, PT, ATC, and Kristin Smith, BA, CFT. They have combined their hands-on rehab, training, lecturing, and teaching experience to create a guidebook for incorporating Pilates into a rehab program. The book includes clinician tips: pieces of advice that will help the clinician smoothly transition the patient through the various exercises.

Additionally, the text serves as a reference guide with detailed instructions and photographs focusing on imagery. Pilates for Rehab also includes a section on using equipment to enhance or vary the routine. The authors describe exercises with foam rollers, Swiss Balls, and exercise bands. Case studies, references, and resources are included throughout the book, which is softcover, spiral bound, and weighs in at approximately 200 pages.

Two-Sided Staircase
Hausmann Industries has added a new item to its existing line of bariatric physical therapy equipment: the model 1564 Bariatric and ADA Two-Sided Staircase. The new model features three 4-inch steps and two 6-inch steps with a patient weight capacity of 750 pounds. The staircase is made of reinforced plywood with steel supports, has handrails that extend 12 inches beyond the step to conform to American with Disabilities Act requirements, and is 40 inches wide to accommodate large patients. Along with Hausmann’s power and stationary treatment tables, parallel bars, tilt table, power mat platforms, and power stand-in table, the new staircase provides the necessary products to equip physical therapists to safely and efficiently handle the bariatric patient.

For more information, contact Hausmann Industries Inc, 130 Union St, Northvale, NJ 07647; (888) 428-7626; www.hausmann.com.

Back Cane Hardware
Varilite has introduced a new generation of Evolution Back hardware. The lightweight aluminum hardware fits new and existing Evolution Back systems. New Evolution Back hardware mounts to back canes using a single tool, and allows for up to 15º of seat-to-back angle adjustment without losing seat depth. The new hardware is designed for single-handed installation and removal of back installation, making it beneficial for car use. Additionally, the hardware is lightweight and is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. An 18-inch regular back weighs 4.2 pounds, and the all-metal hardware makes up only 8.5 ounces of the total system.

For more information, contact Varilite, 4000 First Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134; (206) 676-1462; www.varilite.com.

Dumbbells Alternative
FitBALL SoftMeds are the newest alternative to dumbbells. Perfectly sized for small hands and constructed from a pliable soft vinyl, the FitBALL SoftMeds are filled with sand and range in weight from 1.1 to 5.5 pounds. The balls are easy to grip and safe to use with a FitBALL exercise ball. Ball firmness can easily be adjusted with a standard needle pump. FitBALL SoftMeds are sold individually or as a set—including one of each ball plus a storage rack. They are part of the newly expanded FitBALL brand line of professional-quality fitness and therapeutic products.

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

Half-Trapeze Retrofit Pilates Kit
Balanced Body has introduced its new half-trapeze retrofit kit. The kit enables users to convert any Balanced Body studio Reformer into a fully functional Reformer/half-trapeze combination. The retrofit kit’s vertical tower frame attaches to the Reformer, providing stability and safety. The bracket used to secure the tower to the head-end of the frame is made of chrome-plated steel. The kit contains an easy mat-conversion system, in which two mats fit over the carriage and on top of the frame so that users don’t have to lift and turn over the carriage.

Additionally, users can use the twin mats for floor work. The kit also includes a three- or four-sided push-through bar adjustable to three varying heights; a push-through safety strap; two light blue and two medium red push-through springs; two light yellow roll-down springs; two leg springs and loops, and 35 eye-bolt positions for springs; a hardwood roll-down bar; a cotton belly strap; and a set of Velcro^® thigh and ankle cuffs.

For more information, contact Balanced Body, 8220 Ferguson Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828; (800) 745-2837; www.pilates.com.

Pivoting Device
Perform Better has released the RefitR, a pivoting device that develops core strength, balance, and proprioception. Users stand or kneel on RefitR and shuffle forward and backward, activating core muscles. By standing on RefitR and adding bungee cords, users incorporate upper-body activity. Grips may be used for push-ups, upper-body walks, or advanced core exercises. The RefitR rocks, tilts, and pivots, increasing proprioceptive demand of each movement. The RefitR board, hand grips, knee pads, and a variety of light, medium, and heavy bungee cords are included, as are exercise instructions.

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

Rehabilitation Software
Hands on Technology Inc introduces the Treatment Encounter Note that is now available in TheraWriter.PT and TheraOffice.  Since 2001, Hands on Technology has developed cost efficient business solutions for the therapy community around the world. Documentation, scheduling, patient accounting, enterprise management, and administration software modules are available.  

TheraWriter.PT is designed to quickly, and easily create professional physical therapy documentation. Produce and manage initial evaluations, plan of care forms, daily notes, progress notes, discharge summaries, 700, 701, home exercise reports and more. Also included is TheraFreedom, the mobile Pocket PC version of TheraWriter.PT, which allows for creating physical therapy documentation while in front of the patient or away from a computer. Schedule integration helps to keep track of patients from initial entry to completion of documentation with an integrated interface.

For more information, contact Tom Kero at (866) 562-8413, or visit us at www.rehabsoftware.com.

Visceral Manipulation DVD
The Upledger Institute offers a two-part DVD about visceral manipulation, a gentle hands-on therapy that focuses on problems associated with the body’s viscera, such as the heart, liver, intestines, and their connective tissues. In the DVD, Jean-Pierre Barral, DO, gives an insider’s look at visceral manipulation, and discusses and demonstrates a number of signature techniques that help dissipate the effects of both physical and emotional stress, and enhance general health and resistance to disease. The DVD, which includes an interview with Barral, covers techniques for the chest, liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, colon, kidneys, bladder, and uterus.

For more information, contact The Upledger Institute, 11211 Prosperity Farms Rd, Suite D-325, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410; (800) 233-5880; www.upledger.com.

Sit and Stand Transfer Unit
Endorphin Corp offers the STS, which is designed to effortlessly duplicate a patient’s sit and stand motion. The machine strengthens muscles; increases range of motion; and provides stability for sitting, standing, and transfers. Using an assisted height-adjustable seat, the patient is able to perform a sitting-and-standing-motion exercise. The unit is adjustable to provide a percentage of assistance based on the user’s body weight. This eliminates the need to lift and lower a patient manually, which prevents back injuries to the therapist. As a result, the therapist is able to maintain control of the patient’s stability level and incrementally adjust the patient’s support.

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

Bariatric Hi-Lo Table
Tri W-G Group offers the Ultimate TG1900 Series Bariatric Hi-Lo Mat Table with expanded capacities of up to 1,000 pounds. The table is UL Classified 60601-1 with a 17- to 39-inch working height range, and it allows easy patient transfer from wheelchairs and easy patient positioning. An optional motorized backrest adjusts to 80º by pushing a button. Heavy-duty directional casters provide total mobility, making positioning the table in the room or maneuvering it to another location an easy task. Attachments allow exercises such as sit-to-stand activities, and the clearance between its frame and the floor enables patient lifts to be positioned over the mat table.

For more information, contact Tri W-G Group, 215 12th Ave NE, Valley City, ND 58072-0905; (800) 437-8011; www.triwg.com.

Mock Cobblestone Walkway
Cobblestone walking, a popular reflexology treatment in China, has been harnessed by a new, portable mat. A recent study by the Oregon Research Institute (ORI) on 108 physically inactive adults over a 16-week period suggests that cobblestone walking is safe and acceptable, improves physical function, and reduces blood pressure in older adults. Cobblestone walking provides an effective, therapeutic, health-enhancing exercise alternative. Fitterfirst is the executive distributor for the educational component that applies to the Cobblestone Walkway. Each Cobblestone Walkway includes a 16-week education program based on the ORI’s findings.

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

Drop Foot Brace
Swede-O Inc has introduced an off-the-shelf drop foot brace, the Step-Smart™, with a joint design that absorbs shock at heel strike and then pushes the foot into gentle dorsiflexion. Designed with the proper dynamics to mimic natural foot and ankle movements, the Step-Smart brace may be adjusted to match each person’s shock-absorption requirements as well as their foot/calf angle. The exclusive Jacob Joint™ pushes the foot into gentle dorsifexion during swing phase. The preloaded feature of the joint absorbs shock and decelerates the plantarflexion phase instantly during heel strike. The Step-Smart brace comes complete with multiple compression components that allow the practitioner to set the Jacob Joint™ at one of five different degrees of dorsiflexion assistance based on the requirements for each individual patient. A compression component guide is also provided, as well as a sizing chart.

For more information, contact Swede-O Inc, 6459 Ash St, North Branch, MN 55056; (800) 525-9339; www.swedeo.com.

Lymphedema Treatment Supplies
Lymphedema Products carries current, ethically sound, and medically safe treatment tools for lymphedema approved by many of the world’s leading authoritative organizations, including the International Society of Lymphology, the National Lymphedema Network, and many prominent educational institutions in the field of lymphedema management. The company focuses on supplying products appropriate for the safe and effective treatment of the condition and for those who are benefiting from complete decongestive therapy for the treatment of lymphedema; as well as patients with other edema disorders responding to compression therapies, such as venous edema, lipedema, postsurgical edema, and traumatic edema.

For more information, contact Lymphedema Products, 750 State Rte 34, Suite 7, Matawan, NJ 07747; (866) 445-9674; www.lymphedemaproducts.com.

Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation
Bioness Inc has introduced the NESS H200 Neuroprosthetic and Rehabilitation System, which combines and accelerates the traditional steps in upper-extremity rehabilitation. When the H200 is used on a regular basis, it can have a significant impact on improving upper-extremity function, which will aid the patient in performing activities of daily living, as well as give him or her a greater feeling of independence. The NESS H200 is designed to improve hand function and voluntary movement, facilitate muscle re-education, reduce spasticity, help prevent atrophy, and increase range of motion and blood circulation—all combined into a patient-friendly and easy-to-use system.

For more information, contact Bioness Inc, 25134 Rye Canyon Loop, Suite 300, Santa Clarita, CA 91355; (800) 211-9136; www.bionessinc.com.

Pediatric Walking Therapy System
The LiteGait family of products provides a safe and effective environment for walking therapy. As part of the next generation of the LiteGait product line, the MX models combine the affordability and versatility of its pediatric manual systems with the ease of use and functionality of its adult LiteGait I systems. A unique design allows the power-lift mechanism to be built directly into the supportive arms of the device. This preserves all of the manual adjustment available in units such as pediatric units while providing 18 inches of power lift. Users can bring the patient from sit to stand and change the amount of support with a push of a button. The rechargeable battery-operated, lightweight system provides all the functionality you need without the mess of oil pumps or cranks. All LiteGait models are backed by a 1-year replacement warranty, a service department, and an education department.

For more information, contact Mobility Research, PO Box 3141, Tempe, AZ 85280; (480) 829-1727; www.litegait.com.