Uniform Standards for the Universal Design of Fitness Equipment (UDFE) Beneficial Designs, Inc. – Minden, NV Peter W. Axelson, M.S.M.E. Seanna L. Kringen, M.S.Why Standardization?Assistive Technology Standards (ATS) Provide clinicians and consumers with objective information Allow government agencies to set minimum performance requirements Promote safe and quality products International standards reduce trade barriers Standards are under constant revisions due to changing technologyStandards Organizations International Standards Organization (ISO) Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) – ANSI acredited ASTMRESNA Standards Used as a Model RESNA Assistive Technology Standards (ATS) Committees develop standards: Minimum safety criteria  Minimum performance criteriaRESNA ATS Board Oversees RESNA Standards Committees for: Wheelchairs Wheelchair and Related Seating  Wheelchairs and Transportation Assistive Technologies for Persons with Visual Impairments and Hearing and Visual Impairments Support Surfaces (mattress/overlay)  Adaptive Sports Equipment Emergency Stair Travel DevisesRESNA Committees Consumers, organizations representing people with disabilities, researchers, practitioners, and manufacturers  Develop objective minimum safety and performance test methods Repeatable  ReproducibleRESNA Standards Based on applicable ISO Standards Drafted, reviewed and voted on for committee approval 2/3 vote for approval Funded in part by: PVA – Research and Education Program for Wheelchair Standards RESNA – Balloting and Membership Beneficial DesignsRESNA Draft Standards RESNA WC-1: 2009 Wheelchairs – Volume 1: Requirements and Test Methods for Wheelchairs (Including Scooters)  RESNA WC-2: 2009 Wheelchairs – Volume 2: Additional Requirements for Wheelchairs (Including Scooters) with Electrical SystemsRESNA National Standards RESNA WC-1: 2000 Wheelchairs –Volume 1, Section 19: Wheelchairs used as seats in motor vehicles  RESNA ASE-1: 2007 Adaptive Sports Equipment – Volume 1: Winter Sports EquipmentUniversal Design of Fitness Equipment (UDFE) Standards Accessible “mainstream” fitness equipment – user friendly Health benefits Social benefits Increase access by persons with impairment Decrease cost of accessible fitness equipmentExample: Chest Press with minimal accessTypically: Non-removable seat Pin/adjustment locations No information High start weightExample: Chest Press with greater accessIncreased Access: Wheelchair access Reachable pins/ adjustments  Color contrast Low start weightAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III applies to public accommodations People of all abilities:Access fitness centersAccess fitness equipment Including those with disability Physical Sensory CognitiveAccessible Fitness Equipment Milestones Beneficial Designs NIH/NICHD SBIR Phase I grant United States Guidelines Universal Design of Fitness Equipment (UDFE) (2006) Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) United Kingdom Guidelines IFI Standards Stage Two (2006)RecTech MissionIncrease fitness and recreation:  ACCESS  PARTICIPATION  ADHERENCE Promote HEALTH and FUNCTIONRecTechNIDRR Rehab Engineering Research Center (2007)Using technology to promote more healthy, active lifestyles for people with disabilitiesDevelopment Project to harmonize UK and US Guidelines -Uniform Standards for Accessible Fitness Equipment Specific Aims Evaluate and refine the draft Universal Design of Fitness Equipment (UDFE) Guidelines Develop a UDFE Standard by participating in ASTMCompare the UK and US Guidelines IFI (UK)/UDFE (US- Beneficial Designs) General Requirements Strength Equipment Cardiovascular EquipmentUDFE/UK Harmonization Score Developed 1= equivalent guidelines 2= similar (both objective) 3= not equal (objective v subjective) x= missing criteriaExample:Treadmill Step-Up Height  IDEAL – 0 in: Belt flush with ground, built-in treadmill  ADAAG – 7 in: Stairs – Max 7 in height IFI/UDFE – 2 in to 6.7 in:Researching/Negotiating – 5.75 in? Harmonization score = 2 - similarProgress 2008 – 2009  Spreadsheet comparison: 27 specifications = 1 (equivalent), now 239 144 specifications = 2 (similar), now 54 43 specifications = 3 (not equal: objective v subjective), now 11 193 specifications = missing, now 73ASTM F08.30 Fitness Products Meetings May 2008 Work meetings – Denver Inclusive fitness standards embraced Nov 2008 Work meetings – St. Louis Presented uniform set of draft guidelines ASTM WK19803 – New Work Item May 2009 Work meetings – Vancouver Title/Scope/RationaleUnknown Design Variables Auditory feedback Color contrast Static grip handle shape/diameter Treadmill step-on height International anthropometric data set Push/pull/twist specifications  Wheelchair force tolerance during weight liftingAuditory Feedback Research IFI currently conducting research in the UK Auditory feedback options for people with vision impairment Issues: privacy, non-intrusive to other gym membersColor Contrast Research IFI algorithm Complicated to perform in field ASTM standard for tile color Spectrophotometric equipment –expensive Need easy, low-cost method ADA – 70% color contrast Evaluating feasibility of Spotmeter useAccessibility of Fitness Equipment for People using Wheelchairs  Seat support Lateral access Facing in or out Seat removal Weight pin – Adjustment forcesWheelchair Access to Fitness Equipment Accommodation of exercise while seated in a wheelchair will provide access to more usersRemovablity of the Seating Support Fixed Seating Removable Seating Swing away Seating  Adjustable height Seating Increments of adjustment Range of adjustment Structure Height: 11.5”Front Approach Fitness Equipment Transfer often required Difficulty getting leg across seat for transferLateral Rowing Machine Removed seat support  Forward access Remaining structure 14.5” high Wheelchair cross frame limits accessChest Press with a Forward Projecting Back Support PadFitness Equipment Seating Supports – Data Collection Width Thickness Angle Depth  Shape Height Lateral