METHODS

The ADA Guidelines and existing ASTM, European (EN), and International Standards Organizations (ISO) fitness equipment standards were reviewed for all specifications that would be applicable to accessibility. Mainstream cardio and strength fitness equipment was evaluated for usability by people across a range of abilities. A list of design criteria were drafted and input from stakeholders including manufacturers, exercise professionals, disability experts, facility operators, researchers, and people with a range of abilities was sought. The design criteria were then systematically compared and harmonized with the existing IFI Stage II Standard (Hurley & Axelson, 2009). Undefined design variables that needed further research were identified through this process in order to develop objective specifications. Research projects were developed as needed with sub-groups of experts.

The RecTech standards development team has actively participated in eight F08.30 Fitness Products Technical Advisory Group meetings since May 2008 in order to further develop and promote the draft ASTM UDFE Standard. Manufacturer review and feedback was solicited during these meetings. The draft ASTM UDFE Standard was revised after each meeting per committee member feedback, research, and testing results.

The RecTech standards development team responded to DOJ’s call for comments on their proposed ruling for fitness equipment criteria. Minimum scoping requirements and general specifications were submitted based on the work done for the draft ASTM UDFE Standard.

Specific mainstream fitness equipment design criteria were drafted to address the needs of people with mobility impairments (assistive device users, balance issues, etc.), sensory impairments (visual and/or hearing), and/or cognitive impairments. An iterative process took place between the project team and stakeholders, including manufacturers and users, to develop a set of objective universal design criteria (see Table 2).

The following research tasks were identified during the development process: 1) develop a method to measure color contrast, 2) disclose the risks of overloading a wheelchair while using fitness equipment, 3) educate wheelchair users and trainers on stability issues while using fitness equipment, 4) develop objective criteria that addresses the needs of people with vision impairments, and 5) develop an international anthropometric data set which includes people with a range of abilities.

Color Contrast Method

Color contrast was identified as an important design criterion for accessible fitness equipment in order to distinguish between key parts of the equipment, such as static gripping points, adjustment mechanisms, moving/non- moving parts, and text and pictograms. Although ADA recommends color contrast to increase accessibility, it does not provide a method to objectively measure color contrast. A method to measure luminance contrast using spot meter technology that is commonly used in the photography industry was developed and tested. Preliminary data suggests that the calculated color contrast values are repeatable (Hilderbrand, Hurley, & Axelson, 2010).

DISCUSSION

The intent of the ADA was to facilitate access for people with disabilities to public facilities, including participation in activities within the building structure. The new DOJ guidelines recently confirmed this intent by requiring public fitness facilities to provide accessible fitness equipment. The importance of providing accessible fitness equipment in public fitness facilities and gyms is accentuated by the fact that fitness equipment is typically large, heavy, and difficult to move. It is also a significant expenditure item for replacement.

Exercise is important and provides many of the same benefits for people with and without disabilities. Increase in activity level decreases secondary conditions and health costs often associated with disability. Affording people with disabilities the opportunity to exercise in public facilities, rather than specialized medical therapy settings, increases the social opportunity to interact with family members and friends.

This draft ASTM UDFE Standard gives manufacturers, health club managers, fitness trainers, and people with and without impairments the tools they need to choose fitness equipment that will meet their needs. Fitness facilities can also expect to benefit from an increase in membership.

The success of this draft ASTM UDFE Standard emphasizes the importance of involving manufacturers and people with disabilities throughout the process of inclusion policy development. This process ensures that the criteria are both feasible for manufacturers and usable by people with disabilities.

Further research will include user evaluations on fitness equipment that meets the standard, outreach to promote fitness to teens with functional impairments, addressing accessible facility layout, and developing an international anthropometric data set which includes people with a range of functional abilities. Many of the criteria, i.e., color contrast methodology, developed by this project can be generalized to increase access to other environments, such as public transportation, medical equipment and facilities, and amusement parks.