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Wheelchair users invented device to help other wheelchair users stay fit

Shared by Ana Duarte on 2019-10-09 16:13

About the solution

Paul became paralysed from the neck down after a motorcycle accident. Scott is specialised in web design and marketing, and has been in a wheelchair since he was nine because of an incomplete spinal injury.

IAT consists of a ramp and four rollers that sit underneath the wheelchair, each of which has different resistance levels that can be modified individually. The rollers also come with built-in sensors and can be connected to any cycling app to measure speed, distance and calories.

Paul first had the idea for Invictus Active when he wanted to lose weight. “I’d put a lot of weight on after my accident and realised the only way I could lose it was to exercise, but the only part of my body that now works is my arms so all I can really do is push my wheelchair”, he explained.

“So to improve my strength and general fitness, I had the idea of creating a treadmill for wheelchairs. I investigated technology in the cycling world and tailored that technology to suit the wheelchair. I built a prototype using wood in my garage and after using it for a while I could feel myself getting quicker and stronger. The great thing about the IAT is that it can be dismantled and reassembled without any tools. Each of the four rollers also operates independently – ideal for improving balance, particularly for sports like wheelchair basketball or tennis”, the inventor described
Then he met Scott, through a love of wheelchair tennis. Scott noticed that his partner was losing weight. They teamed up and Scott helped Paul bring the device to the market.

“After discussions, we realised we could benefit from each other’s professional backgrounds. Scott has great experience in marketing and SEO optimisation and I had previously made a living in engineering, so we decided to combine our fields of expertise to promote the product”, Paul noted.

Together they created their company and they ship their products worldwide. IAT can be bought online.

Adapted from: https://bit.ly/2B07E6g
https://bit.ly/2Mupaoy

More info: https://www.invictusactive.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=K3g5fhjvU5c

This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com

About the author

Scott Smith and Paul Cooksey, from the UK, are both wheelchair users. They developed Invictus Active Trainer (IAT), a fitness product for wheelchair users who want to stay fit.

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