While a person who has a normal range of abilities may lace up the ol' cross-trainers and go for a jog, staying fit is not as simple for someone challenged by mobility impairment. The good news is that there is equipment suitable for a differently-abled person to use in a variety of settings. Rehabmart carries several items that can enhance fitness for anyone, differently abled or not.

  From library.rehabmart.com
 
While it may not make the "shoop-shoop" sound like the ones you may remember from your childhood, the Digital Fitness Hula Hoop still works a user's obliques, glutes, and hip flexors while providing a low-impact aerobic workout that supports good posture. Its interactive voice system and digital read out let you know how many calories you've burned and keeps track of your progress. The Hula Hoop is suitable for all ages, and meets CE safety requirements. 

   From library.rehabmart.com
 
For anyone with a goal of strengthening the muscles in the hand, wrist and forearm or improving their range of motion, they may consider the Wrist and Forearm Exerciser. It adjusts easily and precisely to exercise the extensors and flexors in the wrist and forearm, and is suitable for sports training as well as physical therapy. The CURAMOTION Wrist and Forearm Exerciser has comfortable padding to provide a safe grip and a locking clamp to prevent the user from over-stretching the targeted areas during use.

   From library.rehabmart.com
 
Another piece of equipment that will provide a mild aerobic workout is the Mini-Trampoline. Its heavy-duty frame supports up to 250 pounds and is covered in blue reinforced vinyl with a black trampoline fabric center. The feet are made of rubber to prevent unintended movement while protecting the floor.  An optional handle supports users as they bounce their way to a new level of fitness, and replacement covers are also available.

 
 
    From library.rehabmart.com
 
 
 
 
Providing support for yoga poses and muscle toning exercises is the Yogacise Bench. It's lightweight and folds for easy carrying and storage. It provides support for many poses, including headstands, allowing the user to relax while relieving pressure on discs and vertebrae while increasing flexibility. Adjustable tension straps provide resistance for strength building and toning exercises.

 
 
   From library.rehabmart.com
 
 
For a person who would benefit from the strength, aerobic, and range-of-motion exercise that comes with riding a stationary bike but can't safely sit on one, the Cando Chair Cycle Pedal Exerciser allows him or her to work the same muscles from the comfort of a stationary chair, wheelchair or a bed. Two optional accessory kits, one for the upper extremities and the other a long leg brace, are also available.

 
 
   From library.rehabmart.com
 
 
 
While it may bring ballet dancers to mind, the Portable Stretch Barre will help anyone stretch and strengthen both the upper and lower body, accommodating user weights up to 300 pounds. It includes a sturdy cross bar, dual locking pins to ensure stability in any of its six positions, and rubber feet to prevent floor damage as well as unintentional movement. A wheeled carrying case for easier transport is optional.

 
 
   From library.rehabmart.com
 
At first, vibration therapy sounds like another fitness gimmick; however, four decades of research and use in European Olympic training centers proves its effectiveness. The Movin' Health Whole Body Vibration Trainer has been shown to provide relief for acute back pain and osteoporosis while providing postural stability; enhances low-impact strength and power training for athletes; stabilizes knee ligaments; and fights hormonally-induced obesity while increasing overall circulation. The user sits or stands on the platform, enters the time and speed on the LCD display, and lets the machine do the work.
 
  From library.rehabmart.com
 
If a patient is limited to a recumbent seated position and doesn't have enough flexibility in the knee joints to pedal a bike, the P44 Stepper Exercise Machine is a good option. The P44 may be used with either a standard chair or a wheelchair, and the independently controlled sides provide up to 50 pounds of resistance each with an emphasis on the quads. It weighs in at 25 pounds and is easily transported, making it suitable for long-term care facilities and rehab centers. The P44 come in either the standard or Pro Package for use in facilities; an optional LCD data capture with Bluetooth is also available.

These products would be suitable at home, a therapy center, or a long-term care facility. With innovative exercise equipment like this, now everyone can achieve a healthier body, regardless of physical challenges and mobility impairment. And please do remember that it is always a good idea for anyone to consult a physician before starting a new exercise program.


Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO