Fitness Equipment Information

Wheel Chairs and Curb Ramps


Impact of curb ramps on people with mobility impairments

Curb ramps are designed to provide access to people who use wheeled forms of mobility. Without curb ramps, people who use wheelchairs would not be able to independently access the sidewalk and street. However, not all wheelchairs perform the same on a curb ramp. Common types of wheeled mobility devices include manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as powered scooters. Each type of technology will benefit from different aspects of the curb ramp design. For example, most powered mobility devices are maneuverable in small spaces due to their short wheelbase. Scooters have a longer wheelbase but have manual steering, and most can perform a three-point turn in tight spaces. Manual wheelchairs can turn on their own wheelbase but are difficult to steer on a cross slope as they tend to turn downhill.

For many people with mobility impairments, curb ramps are not critical to access. In fact, in some situations curb ramps make it more difficult for some people with mobility impairments to navigate. Crutches and canes are sized to fit the individual user so that the energy required for ambulation is minimized on a hard, level surface. Use of these types of walking aids is more difficult on sloped surfaces such as curb ramps. Cane, walker, or crutch users must lower their body forward when going downhill. On uphill slopes, the cane or crutch must be lifted higher and placed on the surface. The user must have the strength to lift his or her body up over the supporting device. Widening the crosswalk to allow people to use either the curb or the curb ramp will enhance access for cane and crutch users who are not comfortable traveling on a sloped surface.

Nicole Thomas offers wheel chair tips and advice at:
http://www.wheelchairtips.com


MORE RESOURCES:

PR Web (press release)

With the Opening of iFitnessGear.com Finding Quality Fitness ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Nov 20, 2008
iFitnessGear.com dedicated to carrying only the highest quality exercise, health and fitness equipment has officially opened for business. ...


Hanover YMCA expansion on its way
The Evening Sun, PA - 13 hours ago
Only the installation of six 42-inch-screen televisions and the fitness equipment from the old aerobic-cardiovascular room need to be moved into the new ...


Fitness Equipment Guru Launches New Fitness Equipment Site
MarketWatch - Oct 30, 2008
FitnessEquipmentGuru.com), an eCommerce company that provides fitness equipment, nutritional products, customer reviews and content tailored to individuals ...


Precor Selects Sport Chalet for California, Arizona and Nevada
MarketWatch - Nov 20, 2008
"It is an undisputed fact that Precor is the world's leader in making the very best quality cardio and strength fitness equipment," said Sport Chalet ...
Precor Selects Sport Chalet for California, Arizona and Nevada PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)
Precor Names New England, New York Metro Home Fitness Dealer MarketWatch
all 28 news articles


Dick's Sporting Goods Beefs Up Product Offering With Life Fitness ...
MarketWatch - Nov 3, 2008
A selection of Life Fitness equipment will be represented by a unique "store within a store" shopping experience branded by Life Fitness, ...


Examiner.com

Get fit now for free
Examiner.com - 2 hours ago
Unfortunately, for most people this includes gym memberships, fitness equipment, supplements, and even diet products. Even if your household budget and ...


New Specialty Retailers Sign Up to Sell Life Fitness Equipment
MarketWatch - Oct 31, 2008
SCHILLER PARK, Ill., Oct 31, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Exercise equipment leader Life Fitness will be carried through 15 new specialty retailers ...


Fitness Equipment Market - Home Vs Commercial Segment - www ...
Live-PR.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - Nov 19, 2008
Participation rates for all types of fitness equipment continue to be strong. Product innovation is also driving participation trends. to the commercial ...


Resort to provide playground
The Press Association - Nov 21, 2008
Mature residents of Eastbourne, East Sussex, will be able to enjoy gentle workouts on a range of specially-designed fitness equipment if the proposals ...


New Specialty Retailers Sign Up to Sell Life Fitness Equipment
International Business Times, NY - Oct 31, 2008
It is the largestcommercial fitness equipment provider in the world and the only fitnessequipment manufacturer that has been providing premium equipment for ...

Fitness-Equipment - Google News

home | site map
© 2006