Work hardening enables a patient to gain strength and endurance through exercise therapy in an environment that simulates his or her workplace.
For therapists starting or enhancing a work hardening program and wanting to do so easily and affordably, Rehabmart offers two packages of equipment made by Bailey Manufacturing. Both feature wooden components made from naturally finished birch plywood, trimmed with aluminum where needed such as the edges of the Footstool which is included in both packages. The equipment can be used in the evaluation and treatment planning process as well.
The
Basics Work Hardening Group includes Footstool, which is sized to fit under benches and tables, and Work Device, used for push/pull simulations, evaluations, and conditioning. It holds up to 80 pounds and features a T-handle that can be adjusted to a length of up to 44 inches depending on the patient's height. Companion Sled can be used in conjunction with it or on its own. The Lifting/Bolt Center employs a variety of fasteners and a weight holder which can hold up to 80 pounds for evaluation of a patient's upper body range of motion and work capacity. The Work Station is 48 inches long by 10 inches wide. It features widely spaced patterns of bolt holes and comes with a variety of fasteners. With the help of wall mounting hardware it can be placed attached to a wall and adjusted to various heights ranging from 4 inches off the floor to 8 feet high to simulate a variety of work related postures. The Lift Box can be used to develop proper lifting mechanics and holds up to 100 pounds. The Adjustable Height Shelf can be adjusted in 6 inch increments from its base to 48 inches high enabling patient evaluations and progress in proper lifting techniques, strength, and range of motion.
The
Work Hardening Work Stations Group includes a few of the same items such as the Footstool, Lifting/Bolt Center, and an Adjustable Height Shelf, but features other different components. For example a five-legged Chair with standard black vinyl black upholstery seat cushion and a back that tilts from zero to 30 degrees. The Hand Assembly Device includes 102 parts that provide a patient with practice in using a variety of nuts and bolts in assembly exercises using fingers or wrenches. While the Electrical Assembly Center is not intended to be used with live current, a patient can use its included basic electrical supplies in tasks from easy to more complex for development and evaluation of range of motion in confined spaces. The Sorting Bin has two levels: the bottom has six different sized fixed bins and four adjustable panels on the top. It supports development and enhancement of perceptual and cognitive skills. The Bin also can be used in conjunction with the Adjustable Height Shelf for range of motion exercises. The Work Table provides a space of 30 inches by 48 inches on its top for patients to work on their respective exercises.
Finally, this second group includes a tool for the therapist: the Baseline® Hand Evaluation Set, a tool kit for obtaining a patient's baseline measurements and to monitor his or her progress during the course of therapy.
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here to view more Work Hardening products.
Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO
