Exercise Book

Physical therapist and author of The Intrinsic Core, Caroline Creager addresses core exercises that can be made more efficient by using a simple ball. From abdominals to back, pelvic floor to diaphragm, this book describes many different workouts for the various areas of the body. Exercising with the inflatable Soft Gym Overball (sometimes referred to as a Pilates ball) helps focus on core muscles, facilitates correct positioning and muscle activation, and adds an instability challenge. This 80-page book contains more than 40 exercises. The small ball used in these exercises is 9 inches in diameter and has a soft, easy-grip texture. These balls are designed for Pilates, resistance training, and shoulder stabilization.
For more information, contact OPTP, 3800 Annapolis Lane, Suite 165, PO Box 47009, Minneapolis, MN 55447; (888) 819-0121; www.optp.com.

Iontophoresis System

IOMED has unveiled its new Hybresis System. The miniaturized rechargeable Controller connects directly to the Patch. The system provides three treatment modes: the Hybresis, Standard, and Patch only. The Hybresis mode provides controlled drug delivery of standard iontophoresis treatments with the convenience and time-savings of an integrated treatment. It reduces in-clinic treatment time from between 10 and 20 minutes to just 3 minutes. Contact IOMED to request a copy of the Hybresis white paper.
For more information, contact IOMED Inc, 2441 S 3850 W, Suite A, Salt Lake City, UT 84120; (801) 975-1191; www.iomed.com.

Strength Pulley

The 325 Functional Pulley from Endorphin is a space-saving, wall-mounted pulley that builds patient strength to promote independence and simulate real-life activities for patient evaluation. A multitude of exercises—lat pull-downs, bicep curls, and chest flies—can be performed. Features include a 75-pound weight stack in 5-pound increments; swivel handles for a wide range of motion; and adjustable, rotating arms. The rotating arms adjust from ground level to a full 7 feet—90o horizontally and 180o vertically. This pulley can later be added to Endorphin’s 330 STS and 355-e1 cycle and table to form the 340 Tri-Core for a space-saving, three-in-one multistation.
For more information, contact Endorphin Corp, 6901 90th Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33782; (800) 940-9844; www.endorphin.net.

Repeated Measures Protocol Tool

The X-RTS Lever Arm is a stainless-steel device used in a repeated measures protocol in which baseline lifts of unmarked steel bars are compared to corresponding lifts of workloads placed on the Lever Arm. This device allows for direct comparisons among essentially identical tasks—with the primary difference being the visual appearance of the object that is being lifted—but provides significant visual distraction to allow users to definitively assess validity of effort. A table in the user’s manual tells precisely what any of 55 possible workloads would weigh at each measurement point, giving the therapist a choice of nearly 2,000 workloads. Actual workloads are determined by the mass placed on the device and the position.
For more information, contact X-RTS, 128 Madison St, PO Box 171, Hopedale, IL 61747; (309) 449-5483; www.x-rts.com.

Walking Rehabilitation

Maxi Move has the flexibility to play an important role in rehabilitation and ambulation training. Used with a loop spreader bar and walking jacket, it enables therapists and caregivers to help patients with standing, stepping, and walking exercises. Arjo offers a variety of innovative, versatile, and easy-to-use products to meet the demands of health care professionals, including comprehensive lines of bathing, showering, lift/transport, hydrotherapy, and infection-control systems. Arjo also offers consumable disinfection and skin care products.
For more information, contact Arjo Inc, 50 N Gary Ave, Roselle, IL 60172; (800) 323-1245; www.arjo.com.

Trigger Finger Pain Relief

With the use of the new Trigger Finger Solution by Active Ankle Systems, patients no longer have to undergo an invasive procedure to treat trigger finger. This new cushioning ring relieves pressure on the affected area so patients can resume daily activities and allows the hand’s protective fat pad to heal. The device may be worn on any finger with complete freedom of movement.
For more information, contact Active Ankle Systems Inc, 233 Quartermaster Court, Jeffersonville, IN 47130; (800) 800-2896; www.activeankle.com.

Stroller

The Clip, from Innovation In Motion, is a compact, midweight stroller for families that are always on the go. Basic positioning accessories help accommodate minimal to moderate positioning. Upholstery on the Clip is washable for easy cleanup. The unit’s compact folding design and lightweight aluminum frame is crash tested and makes transporting simple. Four sizes are available with a maximum weight capacity of 167 pounds. Several different positioning options are available.
For more information, contact Innovation In Motion, 900 Growth Pkwy, Angola, IN 46703; (800) 327-0681; www.mobility-usa.com.

Support Insole

Spenco introduces the PolySorb Total Support insole that provides all the support with the comfort of cushioning. The foundation of the system is a PolySorb Support Cradle, which provides arch support and deep heel cupping. It also uses the company’s patented 3-POD cushioning system that absorbs shocks and helps prevent overpronation—the leading cause of common injuries. The insoles are heat moldable for a customized fit and provide maximum support for greater performance. They also feature ultrafresh silpure silver-based antimicrobial top cloth (which helps prevent blisters while controlling odor), a forefoot crash pad that provides extra cushioning under the ball of the foot, and a metatarsal arch support to offload pressure from the ball of the foot and help relieve forefoot pain.
For more information, contact Spenco Medical Corp, PO Box 2501, Waco, TX 76702; (800) 877-3626; www.spenco.com.

Pressure-Sensing Mat

The CONFORMat from Tekscan is a fully conforming, nonhammocking pressure-sensing mat. A pressure- and force-measurement system for the seat and back that will precisely show the location and magnitude of peak pressures without altering the support surface, the CONFORMat provides objective data to optimize seating, cushioning, and positioning solutions through a better selection of support surfaces. The CONFORMat sensor does not create or display pressure artifacts or cross talk in regions where it is not loaded. The system includes the CONFORMat sensor and USB data-acquisition electronics for greater portability.
For more information, contact Tekscan Inc, 307 W First St, South Boston, MA 02127; (800) 248-3669; www.tekscan.com.

Core Exercise

Pelvic Solutions introduces its new Pelvicore Pro FUNctional core-strengthening exercise tool, which features professionally designed programs encompassing incontinence, women’s health, men’s health, fitness/athlete, and pregnancy. Designed by a PT, the device is used in the training of pelvic girdle health and core stability. Pelvicore Pro is offered in two colors with exercises and progressions suitable for patients and clients at all ability levels. The device is offered in volume-discounted clinical packages for physical therapy clinics, fitness centers, nursing homes, medical centers, hospitals, and government-related health care facilities.
For more information, contact Pelvic Solutions LLC, PO Box 694, Park Ridge, IL 60068; (847) 430-6414; www.pelvicsolutions.com.

Elbow Brace

Serola Biomechanics Inc introduces an improved band for its Gel Arc Elbow Brace. Unlike other epicondylitis braces that compress the forearm muscles, the Serola Gel Arc Elbow Brace fits close to the epicondyle and creates a secondary attachment. This approach interferes less with the function of the muscles but prevents most of the muscle’s pull from reaching the epicondyle. The main problem with the old 2-inch band is that it was difficult to bring the band up close to the epicondyle without it digging into the crease of the elbow. Therefore, Serola has developed a new, patent-pending band that is narrower everywhere but at the pocket that holds the Gel Arc. Another featured patent-pending design is the way to shorten the band that is built into every Serola Gel Arc Elbow Brace, allowing it to fit everyone from little girls to lumberjacks.
For more information, contact Serola Biomechanics Inc, 4376 Sunset Terrace, Loves Park, IL 61111; (815) 636-2780; www.serolabio.com.

Off-the-Shelf Drop-Foot Brace

Swede-O Inc introduces an off-the-shelf drop-foot brace—the Step-Smart—with an exclusive joint design that absorbs shock at heel strike and then pushes the foot into gentle dorsiflexion. Uniquely designed with the proper dynamics to mimic natural foot and ankle movements, the brace may be adjusted to match each person’s shock-absorption requirements as well as their foot/calf angle. The 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. The Step-Smart brace is not only designed for clearance during swing phase, it is also engineered to handle shock absorption at heel strike. The exclusive Jacob Joint pushes the foot into gentle dorsifexion during swing phase.
For more information, contact Swede-O Inc, 6459 Ash St, North Branch, MN 55056; (800) 525-9339; www.swedeo.com.

No-Drip Lid

Parker Laboratories has announced a new proprietary Snap-Cap and valve that provides benefits to both user and patient. The easy-to-use, one-handed Snap-Cap keeps the nozzle and aperture protected from the work environment. The cap’s ability to close with one hand allows the user to maintain position and procedure continuity. Its self-sealing silicone valve instantly cuts off the flow of gel, maintaining a clean and safe work environment by preventing drips and product residue while eliminating product drawback into the bottle, thus reducing the potential for cross-contamination. The Snap-Cap is available on all Parker .25-liter and 8-ounce dispenser bottles, including the Aquasonic100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel.
For more information, contact Parker Laboratories Inc, 286 Eldridge Rd, Fairfield, NJ 07004; (800) 631-8888; www.parkerlabs.com.

Ice and Stretch Device

Brown Medical Industries manufactures a night splint that offers ice therapy before bedtime and gently stretches the plantar fascia while sleeping. N’ice Stretch enables easy dorsiflexion adjustment and even folds compactly. That makes the product easy to use, since patient compliance is one of the great enemies of plantar fasciitis.
For more information, contact Brown Medical Industries, 1300 Lundberg Dr W, Spirit Lake, IA 51360; (712) 336-4395; www.brownmed.com.

Integrated Pool Treadmill

SwimEx introduces an integrated motorized treadmill that allows variable speeds up to 8 mph. In combination with other standard SwimEx features, the treadmills enable PTs and athletic trainers to custom-design challenging exercise and rehabilitation protocols. Constructed from durable, high-traction rubber with a noncorrosive frame, the treadmill is equipped with a programmable monitor, speed indicator, and removable handrails for optional support. The monitor allows users to create and save interval programs with times and speeds specific to their needs. Built with the same technology as the company’s patented paddlewheel "wall of water" propulsion system, the treadmills are easy to operate and require no costly maintenance.
For more information, contact SwimEx, 846 Airport Rd, Fall River, MA 02720; (800) 877-7946; www.swimex.com.

Training DVDs

Fast Function exposes, explains, expands, and exploits the 12 key elements of functional performance in 12 60-minute DVDs. The topics include Flexibility and Mobility, Agility and Coordination, Strength and Power, Resiliency and Adaptability, Fitness and Vitality, Endurance and Sustainability, Stability and Balance, Speed and Reactions, Fundamentals and Skills, Effectiveness and Efficiency, Motivation and Empowerment, and Recovery and Restoration. The series is designed for busy professionals who want fast ideas, fast techniques, and fast results that can be immediately understood and applied. The disks enhance the experience and benefits of rehabilitation and training for kids, adults, and seniors at any level of performance. The Fast Function DVD series explores each subject in detail from a variety of perspectives.
For more information, contact Functional Design Systems, 1042 Sutton Rd, Suite 1, Adrian, MI 49221; (866) 230-8300; www.functionaldesign.com.

Supporting Bed

The Pro-HealthCore Bed by Tempur-Pedic addresses every part of the body’s support needs and is designed especially to provide back-pain therapy and promote wellness. The design, constructed with three individual body zones, provides every part of the body correct therapeutic support while delivering the optimal comfort expected from Tempur-Pedic. The back zone features a 3-inch core with a softer layer over a firmer layer of Tempur material. The head zone and foot zone are built with the softer formula of Tempur material to support and cushion these lighter areas in total comfort. The Pro-HealthCore Bed by Tempur-Pedic is available exclusively though the company’s medical division to its professional health partners. It is not available in retail stores, catalogs, or direct-to-consumer offerings; or on the Internet.
For more information, contact Tempur-Pedic North America Inc, 1713 Jaggie Fox Way, Lexington, KY 40511; (888) 811-5053; www.tempurpedic.com.

Administrative Software

TherAssist is a scheduling, documentation, billing, and administrative software solution designed to maximize efficiency for administrative and clinical staff, centralize multisite operations, and increase reimbursements. TherAssist works in LAN and WAN configurations, or as an ASP via the Internet, making it an ideal solution for any size health care facility. The software uses SQL, a relational database that is easily modified and allows the creation of daily notes, initial evaluations, schedules, and reports. The company offers online interactive demos that provide users with an overview of all of its applications, including the scheduler; and Autodocs, which integrates collected data with MSWord to generate customized documents and 700/701 forms.
For more information, contact TherAssist Software LLC, 791 Marion Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035; (800) 596-3646; www.therassist.com.

Business Counsulting

Founded in 2003, FOI Solutions LLC was created to incorporate business management, marketing, billing, and accounts receivable-management solutions into one complete package for private-practice owners. The management team offers pertinent solutions to fit clients’ individual practice’s needs. The company will walk clients through the necessary procedures, step by step, to strengthen operations. The reimbursement team offers efficient ways to effectively manage accounts receivable, taking time to make sure claims are processed quickly and accurately.
For more information, contact FOI Solutions LLC, 400 Gordon Dr, Suite 605B, Exton, PA 19341; (888) 456-4364; www.foi-solutions.com.

Exercise Belt

The Disc-Traction therapeutic exercise belt provides a do-it-yourself spinal stretch. Developed as an answer to chronic back pain, the Disc-Traction belt was awarded a Bronze Medal by the French Society of Sports Medicine in May 2005. The patented belt is made from a nonelastic fabric that fits tightly on the hips. By applying pressure on the unique lateral handles, the individual is able to produce an upward pull on the spine, stretching the low and midback. The principle of action and reaction translates the downward force on the handles into an uplifting of the spine, thus decompressing disks, joints, and ligaments that support the spinal column. It can be worn throughout the day as an efficient support in the treatment of sacroiliac conditions. A series of exercises are included for its effective and safe use.
For more information, contact BurJen Enterprises Inc, PO Box 9415, Laguna Beach, CA 92652; (877) 761-9245; www.disc-traction.com.

Performance Measurement

The new BTE PrimusRS is a computerized functional exercise and evaluation system. This device enables clinicians to obtain reproducible, objective data for muscle-performance measurements and documentation of treatment progress. It not only measures the standard performance data of strength, power, and endurance; it also has the ability to measure peak athletic performance at speeds up to 4,500º per second. The PrimusRS offers standardized testing and training protocols like isometric line graphs, isokinetic torque curves, isotonic speed tests, maximum lift testing, and a full range of testing templates. The 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.

McKenzie Table

This specially equipped table is designed with the busy McKenzie Method practitioner in mind. A narrow width and face slot eases manual low back therapy procedures. The pelvic strap is fully adjustable to stabilize patients of every stature. The generously rounded corners and 1-inch-thick top ensures the comfort of both therapist and patient.
For more information, contact Bailey Manufacturing, PO Box 130, Lodi, OH 44254; (800) 321-8372; www.baileymfg.com.

Training Bungies

MediCordz Safety products, by NZ Manufacturing Inc, provide rehabilitation and strengthening programs with the added safety and security of strong and durable high-grade bungies. The patented line of bungies provides seven progressive resistance levels from which to choose. Unlike latex exercise bands, the bungies provide resistance in rehab and exercise without the fear of latex allergies and possible breakage, as bands typically do. The dedicated Upper Body Bungie is used in upper-body exercises and for stabilization exercises of the back. This device can also be used with lower-body strengthening exercises. In addition to MediCordz Bungie products, the TurfCordz line of resistance-training products includes the Safety Bungie in even greater resistance levels of up to 200 pounds of pull.
For more information, contact NZ MFG LLC, 412 Commerce St, Tallmadge, OH 44278; (800) 886-6621; www.nzmfg.com.