Home fitness equipment design for wheelchair users
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This research's main aim is to investigate the feasibility of designing home fitness equipment tailored specifically for wheelchair users, with a particular emphasis on upper body training. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology that includes a literature review, user interviews, concept generation, and experimental testing, a prototype was developed and evaluated. The study identifies several key requirements and preferences of wheelchair users regarding home fitness equipment. These include the importance of affordability, space efficiency, flexibility, multifunctionality, and independence. The prototype that was developed redesigns and combines a pull-up bar with a fitness product called the Fitness Pump, effectively meets these needs. It supports a variety of upper body exercises, is easy to use, and can be conveniently mounted and removed from a door frame, making it suitable for users with limited space. Positive feedback from user testing indicates its high usability and effectiveness. However, the research also encountered certain limitations that impacted the design process. These include a limited number of participants, controlled testing environments that may not fully represent real-world conditions, a lack of feedback from the manufacturing process, and insufficient data on the durability of materials under varying environmental conditions. Future research should address these limitations by conducting large-scale testing with diverse samples, long-term usability studies, and exploring the integration of digital technologies such as virtual coaching and online courses to enhance the equipment's functionality and appeal.