Off-the-Shelf Orthoses

Cascade Dafo has introduced JumpStart, an off-the-shelf orthosis designed specifically to meet the needs of the low-tone patient who can be difficult to cast and fit properly. The JumpStart brace provides an alternative for patients who are unable to afford custom bracing support and offers an early-intervention option. The flexible inner shell provides comfortable, wraparound control of the foot position, while the outer shell provides additional support and stabilization to the heel. The nested shells fit easily into the patient's normal shoe and reliably holds the feet in an optimal functional position for improved stability during standing and walking. The JumpStart product family is available in pink and blue, and currently comes in two models—JumpStart Mid and JumpStart High—with sizes available from Cascade size 4 to 7.5 to cover the birth to the 3-year-old population. For more information, contact Cascade Dafo Inc, 1360 Sunset Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248; (800) 848-7332; www.cascadedafo.com.

Workout Pads

Airex Balance Pads from Perform Better improve joint stability by creating moderate instability. The unique closed-cell design allows users to slightly sink into the mat, causing them to feel as if they are standing on a gel-filled pad. Airex also offers the angled wedge design and the "balance pad plus" design with a nonslip base. For more information, contact Perform Better, PO Box 8090, Cranston, RI 02920; (800) 556-7464; www.performbetter.com.

Data-Capture Software

Hoggan Health Industries announces new data-capture software for the microFET2 handheld digital muscle tester. The program features user-friendly navigation, on-screen images to assist with proper unit placement and patient positioning, and full-color graphs and session reporting for patient education and progress tracking. The new microFET2 software is the first in a software series for use with microFET gauges. For more information, contact Hoggan Health, PO Box 488, West Jordan, UT 84084; (800) 678-7888; www.microfet.com.

Standing Aid

Altimate Medical's new EasyStand Evolv with a Shadow Support Tray option follows and supports the user in all positions from sitting to standing. As the user rises to the standing position, the tray and chest pad follow. The tray is securely attached under the seat and flips up and pivots out of the way to make transferring easier. Also, the tray includes a safety mechanism that prevents it from shifting out of place. The Evolv's redesigned modular base allows options like the tray to be added at any time. Altimate Medical manufactures standing technology that enhances health and independence for kids and adults with disabilities. For more information, contact Altimate Medical Inc, PO Box 180, 262 W First St, Morton, MN 56270; (800) 342-8968; www.easystand.com/evolv.

Suspended Platform

The ShuttleBalance suspended platform by Contemporary Design Co produces an unstable surface, invoking the use of stabilizers throughout the body. Exercises can be varied and progressed according to training and/or therapeutic goals. For example, programs aimed at falls prevention for the elderly would use wide placement of the suspension ropes under the platform and up to the frame. The platform would be a few inches off the ground, and fore and aft movement would be restricted by the safety tethers. They would progress from a bilateral to a unilateral stance, eyes open then closed, with hands holding the frame to no support at all. For more information, contact Contemporary Design Co, PO Box 5089, 10005 Mt Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA 98244; (800) 334-5633; www.shuttlesystems.com

Resistance System

SCIFIT Systems Inc introduces Rex™, an exercise system that enables users to perform optimal Orbi-Linear™ movements. The Rex system helps build kinetic energy as the user's legs move in a natural orbital motion and his or her arms move in a smooth arc. Rex uses SCIFIT's Tele-Rail™ system to create a smooth slowing and transition at each end of the range. The Rex provides exercise in both directions and features SCIFIT's Iso-Strength training program, as well as Fit-Key™ compatibility. The easy-to-read computer lets users increase resistance in 0.1 increments for 200 levels and provides programmed workouts, including one-touch quick start, heart rate control, and Iso-Strength. For more information, contact SCIFIT Systems Inc, 5151 S 110 E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74146; (918) 359-2000, ext 228; www.scifit.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.

Balance System

Biodex Medical Systems offers the Balance System SD, a simple and versatile balance- testing and training tool that incorporates static, dynamic balance-testing and training capabilities. The system features four test protocols, five training modes, and touch-screen operation; and it provides fast, accurate fall-risk screening and conditioning for older adults, plus closed-chain, weight-bearing assessment and training for lower-extremity patients. Clinicians can assess neuromuscular control by quantifying the ability to maintain dynamic bilateral and unilateral postural stability on a static or unstable surface. The Balance System SD also enhances kinesthetic abilities for impaired proprioceptive-reflex patients following injury. An easy-to-follow touch-screen format makes the system simple to learn and operate, and leads the user step by step through testing protocols and training modes. 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.

Training Ball Guide

Colleen Craig’s latest book, Strength Training on the Ball, combines a unique series of Pilates strength-building exercises with the use of Swiss exercise balls, resistive bands, and weights. The book details more than 75 different exercises, and 200 step-by-step photographs illustrate the instructions. The text is formatted for all fitness levels with exercises that are safe for beginners, children, teens, and older adults. Goal checkpoints and teaching tips, which are included for trainers and educators, encourage readers to set practical and motivating personal goals. By following the exercises contained in this book, readers can build strong bones, increase their balance abilities, and lose weight. For more information, contact OPTP, 3800 Annapolis Lane, Suite 165, PO Box 47009, Minneapolis, MN 55447-0009; (800) 367-7393; www.optp.com.

Compression Wrap

The Shin Splints Compression Wrap by Pro-Tec Athletics alleviates symptoms of medial and anterior shin splints. A compression strip provides targeted compression, which helps prevent the soft tissue from tearing away from the tibia. In addition, the Shin Splints Compression Wrap absorbs stress to the tibia and helps stabilize the area. It is contoured by design to keep pressure off the calf area in medial tibial stress syndrome cases. For more information, contact Pro-Tec Athletics, 2743 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052; (800) 779-3372; www.injurybegone.com.

Hand Brace

The new Adaptable Geriatric and Contour Hands by Restorative Care of America Inc are indicated following stroke; arthritis; trauma; and for the treatment of finger, wrist, and thumb contractures. Made from a durable, foam-covered aluminum, the brace can be bent without heat or tools. The device features palmar-thumb abduction with the use of a foam roll for the severely adducted thumb, as well as a foam-covered "T" bar for the severely contracted hand and fingers. Right or left, small, medium, and large sizes are available. For more information, contact Restorative Care of America Inc, 12221 33rd St N, St Petersburg, FL 33716; (800) 627-1595; www.rcai.com.

Ankle-Pain Relief

Swede-O Inc has developed a new comfortable treatment option—the Thermoskin Heel Jack—for a wide variety of conditions, including Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, apophysitis, heel bruise, and post-Achilles tendon ruptures. The Heel Jack removes stress from the heel and Achilles tendon, allowing microfractures in the calcaneous and tears to heal by resting this tissue. The device’s low-profile design is meant to be worn inside the shoe as it helps strengthen and reinforce the Achilles tendon while still allowing a close-to-normal gait. The device has a Trioxon lining that wicks away perspiration to minimize moisture buildup, keeping the user comfortable. For more information, contact Swede-O Inc, 6459 Ash St, North Branch, MN 55056; (866) 317-5678; www.swedeo.com.

Exercise DVDs

The Egoscue Method has released two exercise DVDs designed to improve posture and relieve musculoskeletal pain. Workouts include detailed explanations from Brian Bradley, Egoscue’s VP of therapy protocol, about how these exercises will improve posture and relieve pain. For more than 25 years, the Egoscue Method has been used by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, including celebrities and professional athletes. The exercises from Pete Egoscue’s four best-selling books were used to create the two workout DVDs for advanced users and beginners. The book, Pain Free, is endorsed by Jack Nicklaus, Anthony Robbins, and Deepak Chopra. For more information, contact TherapyZone Inc, 5808 S Rapp St, Suite 210, Littleton, CO 80120; (800) 822-2889; www.therapyzone.com.

Ultrasound Muscle Stimulator

The SynchroSonic US/752 offers the benefits of therapeutic ultrasound and high-volt muscle stimulation for muscle rehabilitation, prevention of muscle atrophy, pain management, and edema reduction. The device’s panel design provides simple operation of ultrasound and high-volt muscle stimulation separately or in combination through the ultrasound transducer. The practitioner can precisely manage treatment with a selectable frequency range, a selectable independent on/off surge duration, and a selectable pulse width. The unit produces pulsation, tetanize, surge, and reciprocal output. The additional benefit of bipolar application eliminates the need for a single, large, dispersive electrode. Designed to promote patient assurance, the treatment stop switch allows the patient to discontinue stimulator output at the press of a button. All Amrex ultrasound transducers are lightweight, ergonomically designed, and sealed for underwater therapy. For more information, contact Amrex, 641 E Walnut St, Carson, CA 90746; (800) 221-9069; www.amrex-zetron.com.

Foot Pads

TuliGEL is a new, specially formulated polymer that is lighter, softer, and more resilient than the material used in other heel cups. The gel’s unique character, combined with the heel cups’ patented waffle design, provide excellent shock absorption. Available in classic and heavy-duty versions of the heel cups, TuliGel offers instant relief from painful heels and heel spurs; shin splints and arthritic joints; tired, burning, aching feet; and back and neck ache. The gel is also available in heel mats and metatarsal cushions for high-heeled shoes. For more information, contact Medi-Dyne Healthcare Products, PO Box 1649, Colleyville, TX 76034; (800) 810-1740; www.medi-dyne.com.

Explanation of Benefits Reader

PTOS Software has recently announced the release of a new software module that automatically reads in explanation of benefits or electronic remittance advice files from insurance carriers. The module can save billing staff hours of time hand-entering remittances, freeing them up for collections and other activities. It also reduces the error rate resulting from hand entry. For more information, contact PTOS Software, 18455 Burbank Blvd, Suite 408, Tarzana, CA 91356; (800) 824-4305; www.ptos.com.

Fitness Center

Lifeline’s Train Station is a total fitness/rehab center that is quick and convenient and has many exercise possibilities. The Train Station is portable and adjustable, yet it can also be affixed to a door or wall to be used as a stationary wall-pulley system using resistance cables. Weighing only about 1 pound, it can fit into a pocket or backpack and can change lengths in seconds. The Train Station is completely self-contained and has no weights or stations to change. The unit is a multidimensional, full-body workout tool that attaches two separate fitness cables, with rotator handles, to the quick-release buckle. It allows up to three separate resistive cables and comes in a door-mount or wall-mount configuration. For more information, contact Lifeline USA, 3201 Syene Rd, Madison, WI 53713; (800) 553-6633; www.lifelineusa.com.

Biofeedback Device

The NeuroGym Trainer is a mobile, multifaceted biofeedback device designed to help clients regain motor control and coordination. The unit uses input from various sensors to control the action of computer games—for instance, to move a paddle to intercept a ball or to steer a car along a track. Targeted muscle activity and movements can be encouraged or discouraged by simple adjustments to software parameters. Successfully playing the game depends upon meeting the minimum therapist-determined muscle-activation or movement parameters. This mechanism provides real-time, speed-sensitive feedback, allowing highly intensive goal-oriented and motivational rehabilitation. Unlike traditional biofeedback devices, the NeuroGym Trainer provides versatility through the use of various input sensors that monitor muscle activity, weight shift or pressure changes, tilt, and proximity to a target. For more information, contact NeuroGym Technologies Inc, 103-1644 Bank St, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1V 7Y6; (877) 523-4148; www.neurogymtech.com.

Patient-Handling Aid

The Phil-e-Slide system is a versatile and simple range of aids that encourage patient independence and mobility, and can significantly reduce the risk of caregivers’ back injuries associated with patient handling. The components, made from low-friction material for easy patient transfers in lying or sitting position, can work separately or together as a versatile system for safer patient transfers. The Flexi-Discs can be used for standing pivot transfers from bed to chair, seated pivot transfers, transfers on or off the side of a bed, or transfers in and out of a car or bathing seat. The pads have waterproof covers, and they can be washed or wiped clean. For more information, contact Phil-e-Slide Inc, 389 Main St, Salem, NH 03079; (866) 675-4338; www.phil-e-slide-us.com.

Spinal-Stretching Belt

Intromark Inc has introduced the Disc-Traction, a unique spinal-stretching belt with exercises to help reduce and prevent lower back pain and disk compression. The belt can be worn and used anywhere, is available in all sizes, and comes with a set of isometric exercises to use with the belt. These exercises facilitate tractioning, muscle relaxation, and blood circulation in the lower back. The belt is made from nonelastic canvas and is secured to the lower back with hook and loop fasteners. Once secured, it sits firmly on the pelvic bone with its handles attached to the bottom of the belt. For more information, contact Intromark, 217 Ninth St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; (800) 851-6030; www.intromarkstore.com.

Home Electrotherapy

The IF 3Wave is composed of three core technologies that aid in pain management, muscle rehabilitation, and edema reduction, giving patients the ability to use a single device through both pain and rehabilitation cycles. Patients use interferential mode, which blocks pain signals to the brain, to pinpoint deep pain and deliver nearly 50 times the power of a TENS unit. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation mode prevents disuse atrophy; while the pulse direct current mode increases blood flow and circulation, reducing swelling and inflammation. Combining these into a single solution allows clinicians to effortlessly integrate home electrotherapy into care plans and improve patient outcomes. The device has remote reporting capabilities, giving clinicians both quantitative and qualitative information to help them better manage their patients’ care paths. For more information, contact Rehabilicare, 1811 Old Hwy 8, New Brighton, MN 55112; (800) 343-0488; www.rehabilicare.com.

Muscular Therapy

The new Therbo™ Robot, by Meilus Muscular Therapy Sports Inc, uses robotic technology to improve function in shortened, fibrous, and inflexible muscles through repeated acupressure. Results include increased blood flow, improved electrical conduction, and restoration of chemical homeostasis in muscle tissue. The Therbo Robot is designed to provide pain relief in various conditions, such as repetitive stress injuries, scar-tissue modeling, muscle strain, performance enhancement, and even beauty applications. Usage of this device for muscle treatment requires knowledge of thorough physical therapy evaluation techniques and developed palpation skills, and the perception to orient the probe perpendicular to the tissues being treated. For more information, contact Meilus Muscular Therapy Sports Inc, 8301 49th St N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781; (727) 547-1233; www.meilus.com.

Balance and Stabilization Station

Endorphin Corp introduces the 240 Tri-Core balance and stabilization multistation. The exercise machine combines three revolutionary products into one space-saving multistation. Included in the Tri-Core are the functional pulley, the STS sit-to-stand exerciser, and the 355 series with e1 resistance system. Each of these products can be used for various exercise and rehab functions individually, yet they work together to improve the user’s balance and stability. The combination of the three stations progressively takes the user through a strengthening exercise routine. The Tri-Core’s compact design maximizes floor space while allowing up to three users to exercise simultaneously. The 340 Tri-Core multistation unit is a convenient and cost-efficient approach to fitness and rehabilitation equipment. For more information, contact Endorphin Corp 6901 90th Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33782; (800) 940-9844; www.endorphin.net.