rowing machine

the need

Exercise machines provide the opportunity to strengthen specific muscle groups. Wheelchair riders in particular tend to overdevelop the muscles used to make transfers and propel a wheelchair. Strengthening the “pulling” muscles that oppose normal wheelchair propulsion improves shoulder stability, increases functional efficiency of everyday activities, and reduces the likelihood of overuse injuries. Thus, a dynamic rowing machine for wheelchair users is needed.

rowing machine

strengthening pulling muscles

the solution

A dynamic rowing machine was developed to exercise the “pulling” muscles that oppose normal wheelchair propulsion. The rowing machine features a cantilevered seating system similar to that of a mono-ski. A bicycle ergometer with weighted fly wheel provides resistance. The user holds two hand grips connected to the fly wheel with pulley cords and reaches as far forward as possible. Sitting up and pulling the hand grips toward and as far past the body as possible strengthens the pulling muscles over the full range of motion. Returning the hands to the fully forward position retracts the pulley cords and allows the process to be repeated.

the prototype

A preliminary prototype machine proved feasible to build and effective at strengthening targeted muscle groups. Beneficial Designs seeks support to modify the design so that it can be used with commercially available rowing ergometers. Design students at Montana State University created a next-generation device that uses add-on technology that is compatible with standard Concept II ergometers.

acknowledgements

This was a student project at Montana State University and was funded by Concept II Ergometers and Beneficial Designs, Inc.