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60 pieces of equipment have now been given the IFI seal of approval, fitness equipment manufacturers from all over the world were approached with the tender.
A list of criteria that inclusive equipment should meet was drawn up and the suppliers were invited to submit their machines for consideration.
Once met, these criteria mark a machine not only as inclusive, but of enhanced benefit to non-disabled users.
These criteria were:
The Inclusive
Fitness Initiative (IFI) invited suppliers to respond. The suppliers
subsequently provided a list of equipment which was then assessed by a panel of disabled and non-disabled users. The results of this process culminated in the initial accreditation of
27 items of equipment. These have just been increased to 60 items. Access4fitness will bring you the latest list of equipment as soon as it is available.
Click Here for the EFDS IFI Current List of Accredited
Equipment
In practical terms the following simple design features can make an item user-friendly to a wider range of users…
- The effort level required (watts/rpm) to initiate or maintain cardiovascular exercise/the console. Common starting requirements of, for example, 40 watts/30 rpm can be too difficult for many users - those unused to exercise/rehabilitating/with mobility impairments.
- Treadmills equipped with a DC motor, so that the starting speed is from zero – rather than a figure predetermined by the machine/AC motor.
- The genuine effectiveness of a ‘Quick Start’ feature on a cardiovascular console. If there is no requirement to first locate a ‘Quick Start’ button, and thereafter input entry data, this can provide benefit to a user with a learning difficulty.
- The ease of understanding and use of (intuitiveness) a cardiovascular console impacts on the facilitation for a user with a learning difficulty.
- The introduction of the Unicam pedal system to enable those with temporary or permanent differences in lower limb ranges of movement, and length.
- The use of colour to create contrast between different elements on any machine – for example between flooring and seats/weight guard and frame/adjustable parts; or simply to differentiate between one machine and another. This can be of benefit to both visually impaired people and those with learning difficulties.
- Tactile numbering and signage, and general visibility – for both a console and weight stack.
- Simple range of motion devices.
- Swing-away seats – allowing a wheelchair user to remain in their own comfort zone/the wheelchair.
- Supported seat options – torso support straps for those with poor postural stability.
- Transfer Rails – providing support to enable a wheelchair user to transfer to and from an item of equipment.
- Variety handgrip positions.
- Wider and more vertical seat positions – which better provide for users with poor postural stability.
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