A look at the latest cutting-edge products in the industry.

Foot Fitness Kit

Centerworks® Pilates Institute, Wichita, Kan, offers its Foot Fitness Kit, a small, portable collection of foot-strengthening tools and an exercise program to promote healthy feet. The kit includes: a black Thera-band, a bag of marbles, pick-up sticks, and a massage ball. It also includes collection of recommended exercises for clients suffering the effects of flat feet; weak ankles; tight calf muscles; and limited toe, foot, and ankle mobility (as well as for those with healthy feet, who want to keep them toned and strong). (877) 874-7578; (316) 265-9700; www.centerworkspilates.com.

Wheelchair Seating System

VARILITE, Seattle, has released its Reflex seating system, a nonadjustable cushion for clients at moderate risk of skin breakdown. Reflex delivers air-foam floatation and never needs adjustment. When the client sits on the cushion, a built-in air-release device lets out a portion of air. The result—a fixed amount of immersion prevents bottoming out while conforming to the client’s body for pressure distribution, comfort, and stability. When the client moves off the cushion, it automatically reinflates. (206) 676-1436; www.varilite.com.

Instructional Book

OPTP, Minneapolis, offers The Intrinsic Core—Using the Soft Gym Overball, by Caroline Creager, PT. The book addresses core exercises that can be made more efficient by using the inflatable 9-inch Soft Gym Overball—a soft, easy-grip. From the abdominals to the back, the pelvic floor to the diaphragm—the 80-page book describes more than 40 exercises, including basic core stretches, rotator cuff rotations, back stabilizers, hip twists, side bridges, and squats. The exercise balls are great for Pilates, resistance training, and shoulder-stabilization routines. A free OPTP catalog is available online. (800) 367-7393; www.optp.com.

Free Posters

Altimate Medical, Morton, Minn, is offering a free poster to rehabilitation facilities illustrating the positive effects of standing. "The Medical Benefits of Standing" is an 18- x 24-inch poster that depicts an image of how assisted standing addresses the secondary complications created by prolonged wheelchair use, and positively affect many parts of the body. Information on the benefits of standing, and how to request a free poster, can be found online. (800) 342-8968; www.easystand.com/health-benefits.