Wheel Chairs and Curb Ramps

Impact of curb ramps on people with mobility impairments

Curb ramps are designed to provide access to people who use wheeled forms of mobility. Without curb ramps, people who use wheelchairs would not be able to independently access the sidewalk and street. However, not all wheelchairs perform the same on a curb ramp. Common types of wheeled mobility devices include manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as powered scooters. Each type of technology will benefit from different aspects of the curb ramp design. For example, most powered mobility devices are maneuverable in small spaces due to their short wheelbase. Scooters have a longer wheelbase but have manual steering, and most can perform a three-point turn in tight spaces. Manual wheelchairs can turn on their own wheelbase but are difficult to steer on a cross slope as they tend to turn downhill.

For many people with mobility impairments, curb ramps are not critical to access. In fact, in some situations curb ramps make it more difficult for some people with mobility impairments to navigate. Crutches and canes are sized to fit the individual user so that the energy required for ambulation is minimized on a hard, level surface. Use of these types of walking aids is more difficult on sloped surfaces such as curb ramps. Cane, walker, or crutch users must lower their body forward when going downhill. On uphill slopes, the cane or crutch must be lifted higher and placed on the surface. The user must have the strength to lift his or her body up over the supporting device. Widening the crosswalk to allow people to use either the curb or the curb ramp will enhance access for cane and crutch users who are not comfortable traveling on a sloped surface.

Nicole Thomas offers wheel chair tips and advice at:
http://www.wheelchairtips.com

---

So, You?re Looking For Discount Treadmills. Decision Time.

A treadmill, although one of the best pieces of indoor fitness equipment that it is possible to buy, is not cheap. A good one will set you... Read More

The Problems with Epic Treadmills

Epic treadmills have long been on the market and have a large customer base. They can boast a wide range of features which some people seem to... Read More

Electronic Treadmills

Electronic treadmills could just as easily be called treadmills with an attitude: they don't go as fast as you do; you go as fast as they do.An... Read More

Home Sweet Treadmill

For those of you trying to stay in shape or shed a few pounds (who isn't?) there are tons of resources. Perhaps you think there's nothing better... Read More

What?s The Big Deal About Treadmill Ratings?

If you're contemplating buying a treadmill and you don't know which brand is the best one to buy, treadmill ratings would be of great benefit to you.... Read More

A Natural History Of Trampolines

Walrus skins - It has been said that the first type of trampolining was done by the Eskimos who used to toss each other up into the... Read More

Cardio Zone Elliptical Trainers

CardioZone makes a number of similar elliptical trainers, falling into the lower price range than the Nautilus or Octane brands. They have four types of trainers, and... Read More

Cracked Up Glossary Of Common Gym Terms

If you've ever had occasion to visit a gym, you've no doubt heard people talking about "feeling the burn" and "pumping up." But did you ever wonder... Read More

The Importance of Treadmill Mats?

One important accessory that you will want to get with your new treadmill is a good treadmill mat. If you are not sure of what a treadmill... Read More

Amazing Kettlebell Workout Produces Superior Results

Russian Kettlebells are amazing! These kettlebell workouts may be the answer to maintaining a home gym or having an expensive club membership.With Russian kettlebells you can develop... Read More

Russian Kettlebell Workout

Russian Kettlebells are amazing! These kettlebell workouts may be the answer to maintaining a home gym or having an expensive club membership.With Russian kettlebells you can develop... Read More

It?s All About the Abs - Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really Works

Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really WorksThere have been many studies and reports about how our society as a whole has grown heavier and chubbier. The stomach, in... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Ratings - Of Rants and Ratings

A large selection of elliptical trainer ratings can be found in every website upon pressing the keywords on a search engine. But what exactly is a credible... Read More

Fitness Goals For Dummies

Health-buffs that have been using exercise equipments are surely no neophytes on this matter. But newbies on exercise equipment won't have a hard time on knowing which... Read More

Aerobic Equipment - Find The Best Deals On The Best Equipment

The benefits of aerobic exercise are well documented. Aerobic exercise is defined as any number of activities that use the large muscle groups and force the heart... Read More

An Informative Home Gym Review

There are several well-known manufacturers of home gyms worth mentioning. While all have their advantages and disadvantages, the following home fitness gyms are particularly noteworthy. The reviews... Read More

Is A Treadmill The Best Exercise Equipment For You?

The #1 fear people have when buying a treadmill is that they won't use it. (That's the #1 fear when buying any piece of exercise equipment).They know... Read More

Tips For Buying A Treadmill

Tips For Buying A Treadmill-Buy To SucceedAmong the best tips for buying a treadmill, the very best is to 'buy to succeed'.Whether you're in fitness training or... Read More

Elliptical Trainers Vs Treadmill ? Which One Is Best?

So which exercise machine is best: the treadmill or the elliptical trainer?While treadmills are still the #1 piece of home exercise equipment, elliptical trainers are quickly catching... Read More

How to Buy A Treadmill - Key Points

Finding the best treadmill to buy shouldn't be a difficult thing to do. Treadmills have long been touted as a major player in the health and fitness... Read More

Horizon Treadmills Offer Top Features For the Lowest Price

Highly rated by numerous experts in the fitness field, Horizon treadmills offer a well-constructed piece of excercise equipment for a reasonable price. Created by the Johnson corporation,... Read More

Durable Medical Equipment

Durable medical equipment and MedicareWith costs of the most common durable medical equipment reaching upwards of $1,200, the need for payment by Medicare is substantial. This increased... Read More

Treadmill Training!

According to the Sports Goods Manufacturers Association, treadmills are the #1 home-fitness item, outdistancing stair-climbers, stationery bicycles, rowing machines and cross-country skiers. In fact, some surveys indicate... Read More

Have Fun With The Nordic Track Elliptical Trainer

The Nordic Track elliptical is a lower end priced machine. People who have purchased the Nordic Track elliptical are more than satisfied with their decision.The Nordic Track... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Benefits

Considering an elliptical trainer? Wondering how an elliptical trainer can benefit you?This article will list several unique benefits of working out with an elliptical trainer. If you're... Read More

Wholesale Room Humidifier

Room HumidifierA room humidifier can help raise the level of humidity or moisture in the air. Increasing the humidity in the home helps eliminate the dry air... Read More