A showcase of the latest products in the physical therapy marketplace, including elliptical machines, digital programmable TENS units, and a spotlight on ambulatory aids.
Ambulatory aids are products, devices, and equipment that help people who are mobility impaired to maintain or improve their ability to function. The products may help people perform tasks or participate in activities, and often foster independence. Devices may enhance physical functioning, build strength, or help prevent a condition from deteriorating. The category includes power chairs, scooters, standing and walking aids, walkers and walker accessories, ramps, strollers, crutches, and canes and cane accessories.
Rolling Frame Walker
Adepta's Deluxe Walkeroffers style and functionality. Custom ergonomic handgrips are shaped to assist arthritic hands. The height adjusts from 32 inches to 39 inches at the push of a button. Two levers allow each side of the walker to fold independently. The product is offered in black and red.
Cosco Home and Office Products
2525 State St, Columbus, OH 47201
(812) 314-4302
Self-Propelled Mobile Option for Standers
Altimate Medical Inc offers Evolv with the Mobile Option, a self-propelled mode for its EasyStand Evolv youth and adult standers. The pushrims move forward when the kneepad is flipped up, maximizing transfer room, and the wheel locks secure the stander while transferring, providing users with optional safe, stationary standing. Dynamic standing helps youths independently explore their environment and interact with peers. The product relies on a chain drive with a drivewheel positioned close to the user, aiding propulsion and steering.
Altimate Medical Inc
62 W First St, Morton, MN 56270
(800) 342-8968
www.easystand.com
Gait Trainer
The Grillo, from Innovation in Motion, is a gait trainer for children who can bear weight through their legs but need assistance with balance and reciprocal leg motions. An open-back design accommodates ingress and egress, and can be used as a forward- or rear-facing gait trainer. It is offered in indoor and outdoor versions, and a folding frame provides portability. Options include chest, pelvic, and arm supports, and abduction straps. Four sizes are available, with a maximum weight capacity of 165 pounds.
Innovation in Motion
900 Growth Parkway, Angola, IN 46703
(800) 327-0681
www.mobility-usa.com
Power Wheelchairs
The MPV 5 power wheelchair from Hoveround Corp maneuvers in tight spaces and its round frame and compact design fit though most doorways, hallways, and small spaces. It features a flip-up footplate, 300-pound weight capacity, 15-mile battery range and lightweight portable charger, 5 mph maximum speed, 2.5-inch ground clearance, 2-inch maximum step climb, and measures 38 inches long, and 24-inches-wide overall. Dual motors power the front-wheel drive for jaunts indoors or outdoors. An optional power-seat lift is controlled through the joystick. The chair is portable, and can be placed in vehicles with the aid of a ramp or lift, or disassembled and stashed in the trunk of most cars.
Hoveround Corp
2151 Whitfield Industrial Way, Sarasota, FL 34243
(800) 771-6565
www.hoveround.com
Pediatric Mobility Products
The Kimba family of products from Otto Bock HealthCare combines positioning and fit for children with user-friendly features for parents and caregivers. The products offer versatile systems with two different seats that work with five different bases, to accommodate varied activities. The Tilt-in-Space Mobility System looks like a stroller, but serves as a mobility and positioning system for children as young as 1. PTs can adjust the contoured seating unit to the optimal position for a child's body proportions as the child grows. The shock-absorbing frame reduces the likelihood of fluctuating tone and reduces the jarring that can compromise the integrity of a child's positioning, an advantage for children with spinal injuries. Other products include the Spider, a height-adjustable home/school underframe; the tilt-in-space Home Underframe; and the Cross, with a low center of gravity and pneumatic tires.
Otto Bock HealthCare
Two Carlson Parkway N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55447
(800) 328-4058
www.ottobockus.com
Support for Amputees
Gerber Chair Mates Inc manufactures a unique, Swing-Away Stump Support for amputees that maintains proper positioning to help prevent knee-flexion contracture and edema. Proper healing of the stump promotes correct fitting and/or use of a prosthesis. The support is a natural part of the wheelchair, not a glaring adaptation. Individuals can maintain a sense of independence and a positive self-image. The Gerber stump support is not a leg rest; it is designed for optimal healing. Approved by PTs, the stump support facilitates patient transfer and allows daily activities to be performed with ease. It is padded for comfort and features horizontal and vertical adjustments for varied stump lengths and cushion thicknesses.
Gerber Chair Mates Inc
1171 Ringling Ave, Johnstown, PA 15902
(814) 269-9531
www.gerberchairmates.com
Walker Accessories
Full Life Products introduces Pilot™ accessories, which are attachable to the Pilot walker to provide needed help and convenience. The accessories include a large, lightweight, removable, and sturdy storage bag; a lightweight, squeeze-controlled grabber, which uses rubber suction cups to grip both large and small objects that are out of reach; a portable and compact carrying pouch; and an inserted intravenous pole that eliminates the need to drag a separate rolling pole.
Full Life Products
300 W Route 38, Suite 102, Moorestown, NJ 08057
(866) 385-5543
www.fulllifeproducts.com
Pediatric Forearm Crutches
Walk Easy Inc offers comfortable and lightweight, epoxy-coated forearm crutches for ages 3 and up. They feature either full plastic cuffs or open half cuffs. The full cuffs have a V-shape front opening for quick release and pivot 90°. The height of the crutch is fully adjustable and secured with durable clip-on metal pins. The distance from the handgrip to the cuff is also adjustable by a secure double push-button mechanism. Crutches are latex free and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Available in a wide assortment of colors and three sizes: toddler, pediatric, and youth.
Walk Easy Inc
601 N Congress Ave, Suite 204, Delray Beach, FL 33445
(800) 441-2904
www.walkeasy.com
Pediatric Adaptive Equipment
REAL Design Inc introduces its SwiftLift product line for children, a series of adaptive equipment that includes a chair, tilt-in-space chair, activity stander, and preschool table. Each piece incorporates a pressure-locking mechanism that provides height adjustment. The chairs are made from sturdy, powder-coated tubular steel frames with bent plywood seats. Seat depth and segmented hardwood backs are adjustable to grow with the child. The portable chair can be compactly stored when not in use. The tilt-in-space chair adjusts in angle from 0 to 30°. The table adjusts in height from 14 inches to 29 inches from the floor and can be used with children's seating systems such as floor sitters, pediatric wheelchairs, and standard classroom chairs. The duo-sectioned hardwood tabletop allows the work/play surface to tilt from 0 to 90° and features a stationary section that holds crayons and pencils. The table frame, made from bent tubular steel, provides a strong, wide base of support. The stander offers support in during therapy. Its base adjusts in angle so it can be positioned against a countertop or table, and when the base is extended, it can be used freestanding. Optional accessories adapt the furniture to provide support for children with different positioning needs.
REAL Design Inc
187 South Main St, Dolgeville, NY 13329
(800) 696-7041
www.realdesigninc.com
Core Challenge Roller
OPTP's new Core Challenge Roller combines the essential properties of exercise balls and rollers in one dynamic inflatable, fitness roll for the whole body. Its size, shape, and physical properties enhance exercises that strengthen and tone abs, obliques, and core muscle groups, while improving stability, balance, and flexibility. Core stabilization training using dynamic surfaces recruits proprioceptive, kinesthetic, and balance systems. Because the body is elevated, it allows more range-of-motion during prone execises. The equipment, which keeps the thoracic area open, is useful for stretching and can be incorporated in a Pilates routine.
OPTP
3800 Annapolis Lane, Suite 165, Minneapolis, MN 55447-0009
(800) 367-7393
www.optp.com
Digital Programmable TENS Unit
The new EV-904 two-channel digital TENS unit from Medi-Stim Inc offers five treatment modes (burst, normal, MW, SD1, SD2), adjustable pulse rate and width, a treatment timer, a compliance monitor, and storage for five custom programs that can be set and locked to disable changes. It offers the option to store and recall preset programs, and a choice of five settings for various areas of the body or pain conditions. Patients can choose their favorite pain-relief settings.
Medi-Stim Inc
217 Industrial Court, Wabasha, MN 55981
(800) 363-7846
www.medi-stim.com
Balance Instruments
Balanceback's Dynamic Postural Stability Platform (DPSP) furnishes clinicians with assessment and rehabilitation of their patients' balance, mobility, neuromuscular strength, and proprioception capabilities. The system helps patients with disequilibrium, neurological disorders, vestibular disorders, and weakness of muscles and joints that may result in falls. The DPSP uses an objective measurement and database system to record improvement of patients' week-to-week progress. Its quadrant-based exercise protocol and vestibular rehabilitation training allows clinicians to customize treatment based on their patients' conditions and abilities.
Balanceback
1 W Camino Real, Suite 208, Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 995-8883
www.balanceback.com
Cervical Traction
Pronex pneumatic cervical traction from Glacier Cross Inc provides up to 35 pounds of continuously adjustable traction for clinic or at-home therapy. It produces an even distraction in the anterior and posterior cervical disks while supporting the cervical curve. The equipment relieves pressure in the posterior, muscular, ligamentous, and connective tissue of the cervical spine and offers no restraint on patients' TMJ. Ergonomic design encourages patient compliance. It is available in three sizes, two of which accommodate 97% of patients. A carrying case, flexion wedge, and print and DVD instructions are included. Medicare Code EO855 covers the product.
Glacier Cross Inc
1694 Whalebone Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901
(800) 388-4828
www.glaciercross.com
Pilates Spine Stretcher
Balanced Body's Contour Step Barrel is a new generation of Joseph Pilates' original Spine Corrector, which enables stretching of the spine and shoulders in a safe and stabilized manner. This new, ergonomic version uses an elongated arch to fit a wider range of body types and a rounded step to improve support. The redesigned equipment includes both dowel and cutout handholds, and can be upgraded to include a spring resistance system or a built-in mat to accommodate a variety of exercises.
Balanced Body
8220 Ferguson Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828
(800) 745-2837
www.pilates.com
Bariatric Treatment Table
Bailey's bariatric treatment tables are therapeutically designed and tested to provide work surfaces that are durable, rigid, and comfortable, and offer flexibility for future use. The tables have a six-leg, special-frame design that accommodates a 1,000-pound patient capacity. They measure 26 inches high, 34 inches wide, and 78 inches long. Available in natural wood or walnut finishes, the tops are covered in 2-inch-thick camel upholstery or in a palette of optional upholstery colors. The product has a 5-year warranty.
Bailey Manufacturing
118 Lee St, Lodi, OH 44254
(800) 321-8372
www.baileymfg.com
Diabetic Insoles
Sroufe Healthcare Products LLC introduces its new Sher brand inlays, the 4200 model trilaminate and 4210 bilaminate diabetic insoles. The full-length foot orthoses protect the feet of individuals with diabetes and those at risk of skin breakdown and ulceration from diabetes. Model 4200 offers three layers of protection. The 20 Shore A Procell compresses for total contact with the plantar surface of the foot. A layer of STP urethane provides rebound and cushioning to protect skin, and a 3¼16-inch 40 Shore A Procell molds and shapes the orthoses over a true anatomical mold of the foot. Model 4210 offers two layers of protection. It also provides a layer of 20 Shore A Procell to take compression and create a total contact layer next to the skin. The second layer is 3¼16-inch 40 Shore A Procell, so a mold can be shaped over the anatomical mold of the foot. Both types are available in women's shoe sizes 5 to 11, men's sizes 6 to 15, and European sizes 36 to 48.
Sroufe Healthcare Products LLC
PO Box 347, Ligonier, IN 46767
(260) 894-4171
www.sroufe.com
Heel Pain Relief
AliMed's Freedom Dorsal PF Night Splint gently stretches the plantar fascia to relieve heel pain. Its dorsal design is easy for patients to tolerate, significantly improving compliance. The soft base construction allows for nighttime ambulation without the need to remove the splint. Adjustable neoprene calf and toe straps make the device easy to apply and remove. Its padded instep is also adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit. It fits either the left or right foot, and it is available in medium and large.
AliMed Inc
297 High St, Dedham, MA 02026
(800) 225-2610
www.alimed.com
Stroller for Older Children
The New Novus from Innovation In Motion is a highly versatile stroller designed for children with minimal to moderate positioning needs for use on multiple surfaces. Large rear wheels and a standard directional lock mechanism on the front wheels enable it to easily traverse rough terrain. The New Novus comes with removable/washable fabric. With four sizes available and a weight capacity of 154 pounds, the New Novus can accommodate larger children. The seatback is height adjustable, and the seat is width- and depth-adjustable. Many different positioning options are available.
Innovation In Motion
900 Growth Pkwy, Angola, IN 46703
(800) 327-0681
www.mobility-usa.com
Elliptical
The 210M from Quantum Fitness Corp features a patented, compact design with a low-step height and minimal knee flexion. It is 44 inches long and maintains a 21-inch natural stride length. Mid-drive technology promotes core stability and balance during rehab. The foot pedals are cushioned to reduce foot fatigue, and the upper-body arms reduce stress to the wrists. Thirty-plus levels of resistance and a custom display suit the machine to medical and rehabilitation settings.
Quantum Fitness Corp
10245 W Airport Blvd, Stafford, TX 77477
(800) 937-2282
www.quantumfitness.com
Portable Measurement Technology
Noraxon USA Inc introduces MyoTrace 400, a portable, handheld two- or four-channel EMG and sensor instrument that accommodates compatible plug-in sensors. Force transducers, goniometers, inclinometers, accelerometers, and hand dynamometers can be used to help clinicians evaluate the functional status of the musculoskeletal system. The device provides an open-ended expansion path to meet present and future needs of clinics and training centers. Though self-contained, the instrument can be used as a four-channel EMG/sensor telemetry device. With a PC, it provides advanced analysis using the company's MyoResearch XP software. Bluetooth data transmission allows free motion up to 20 meters, synchronizing with digital video while presenting data in real time on the PC monitor. The signal quality meets current recommendations of research societies, yet the software is user-friendly and clinically meaningful for busy clinicians.
Noraxon USA Inc
13430 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 104, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(800) 364-8985
www.noraxon.com
Pulley
Brookdale Medical Specialties' Euro Pulley is a frameless unit that can be customized for rehabilitation centers or individuals. Model R2910E is available in a standard 50-pound weight stack, in 2.5-pound and 5-pound increments. The equipment expands from 8 to 80 inches in 3-inch increments. The handles provide 180° pivot articulation. Standard attachments include ankle and shoulder straps, a lat bar or tricep bar, and handgrips. A balance handle is optional. The pulley is part of the company's Response line of fitness and rehabilitation equipment, which includes combo units, range limiters, and multistations.
Brookdale Medical Specialties
418 Hanlan Rd, Unit 27, Woodbridge, Toronto, ON, Canada L4L 3P6
(800) 655-1155
www.brookdalemedical.com
Ankle Brace
Cascade Dafo Inc, Ferndale, Wash, has announced the DAFO FlexiSport, which is designed for active ambulators and features the company's Softy Foam Liner, offering excellent foot control and comfort for patients using the brace. The brace was designed for active patients who need comfortable control of foot position, combined with firm but flexible ankle control. The FlexiSport design consists of a wraparound soft foam liner for comfortable control of a bony or fixed-foot anatomy, combined with a strong, but flexible, outer shell. Flexible ankle control is achieved via a pair of cutouts in the posterior upright of the outer shell. These cutouts allow the shell to flex with a spring-like resistance without breaking. The FlexiSport is designed for larger, more mature patients who may otherwise overpower the flexibility of the DAFO 3.5, and is less limiting than the stronger control provided by the DAFO Turbo design.
Cascade Dafo
1360 Sunset Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248
(800) 848-7332
www.cascadedafo.com
Pain-Relieving Spray
Biofreeze pain-relieving Cryospray complements Biofreeze Gel and Roll-on, delivering a blend of science and nature. Using 100% natural menthol and 100% natural essential oils and natural extracts, the Cryospray relieves pain without the burn of other sprays. Using arnica and white tea extracts, the spray provides strong pain relief without a prescription and is easy to apply. The spray can be used at any angle and penetrates the skin immediately for deep pain relief. The Biofreeze family of pain-relieving products also includes a soothing gel and a convenient roll-on. Biofreeze can be used up to four times per day; and it is available in a 16-oz spray bottle and a 16-ounce, 32-ounce, and 1-gallon gel pump bottle. The Gravity Dispenser Box is filled with 100 single-use application packets for clinical use.
Biofreeze
1017 Boyd Rd, Export, PA 15632
(800) 246-3733
www.biofreeze.com
Wheel Gym
The Lifeline USA Wheel Gym has been created to maximize the wheelchair user's ability to perform an incredible variety of resistance exercises properly, conveniently, and independently. Attaching the Wheel Gym to the door may be the only step requiring a standing person to assist you. The Wheel Gym makes adjusting the equipment and performing the exercises easy for the wheelchair user. The dual-track adjustable buckle design provides infinite adjustability and adaptability to the Wheel Gym. Various resistance bands, coupled with simple and convenient adjustability of band tension, provides a great range of resistance intensities. For people with balance concerns, the Wheel Gym can easily be used with nearly any portable chair. Simply place a folding chair, a dinner table chair, or any moveable chair in the position of the wheelchair. The Wheel Gym works completely and limitlessly for exercises performed in the standing position as well.
Lifeline USA
3201 Syene Rd, Madison, WI 53713
(800) 553-6633
www.lifelineusa.com
Microwavable Heat Pack
North Coast Medical introduces MediBeads™ reusable heat packs. The soft packs are filled with nontoxic beads made from natural materials and can be microwaved for approximately 1 to 2 minutes. The heat, which lasts for up to 30 minutes, provides relief for aches and pains associated with arthritis, tendinitis, strains, and sprains. After treatment, the beads rejuvenate themselves naturally by recovering moisture from the air. An antimicrobial agent inhibits odors, mildew, and bacteria buildup. The hand-washable and durable packs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes that conform comfortably to different body contours.
North Coast Medical
18305 Sutter Blvd, Morgan Hill, CA 95038
(800) 821-9319
www.ncmedical.com