Article

The popularity of elliptical training has grown in rehabilitation,
fitness, and home settings as a means for improving fitness and walking, yet many
people with physical disabilities and chronic conditions experience difficulties
when trying to use elliptical trainers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was
to compare, for people with disabilities and chronic conditions, perceptions of
safety, comfort, workout, and usability of 4 elliptical trainers before and after
the development of a set of low-cost adaptations. DESIGN: This study was a
quasi-experimental repeated-measures investigation. METHODS: Twenty adults with
diverse medical conditions and functional abilities evaluated 4 elliptical
trainers for safety, comfort, workout, and usability. Barriers to the use of the
elliptical trainers and solutions to improve the use of the trainers were
identified. Prototype modifications were designed, and participants reassessed
the same features after the modifications were made. RESULTS: An integrated
system (steps, bench, side rails, center rail or handle, deeper foot wells, and
1-handed heart rate monitor) was developed. Although at least 25% of participants
required physical assistance to get on or off the elliptical trainers before
modification, only one required this after modification. Before modification,
only 1 participant was able to mount each device independently; after
modification, 6 to 8 participants were able to do so. Up to 25% of participants
continued to require assistance to initiate or sustain pedal movement. Compared
with participants' ratings of the elliptical trainers before modification, those
after modification were higher for safety (55% increase in visual analog scale
ratings), comfort (43% higher), ability to achieve a good workout (23% greater),
and usability (24% increase). LIMITATIONS: To date, only 4 elliptical trainers
have been studied with a small sample of convenience. CONCLUSIONS: Elliptical
trainers posed access challenges to people with disabilities, chronic conditions,
or both. Implementation of low-cost modifications successfully reduced barriers
and the need for assistance, enabling greater access for people who could benefit
from using the devices for functional training and fitness.

Langue : ANGLAIS