At the request of equipment suppliers, stimulated by the IFI to learn more about how to provide suitable inclusive fitness equipment, a PhD research project was initiated to provide clear guidance and advice to participating partners.
The IFI Research and Design Programme is currently being funded through a partnership between the Sports Pulse Project, Sheffield Hallam University, Montgomery Leisure Services (MLS) and the nine fitness equipment manufacturers and suppliers listed below.
IFI Research and Design Associates:
Cybex
HUR
Johnson Health Tech
Leisure Lines
Life Fitness
Precor
Pulse Fitness
SCIFIT Ltd (UK)
The Programme is based within the School of Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University under the direction of Professor Graham Cockerham, Deputy Director of the School of Engineering. Appointed in December 2002 to drive a detailed investigation into aspects of inclusive fitness equipment design, Dawn Hughes (MSc Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering, MEng Mathematical Engineering) has built on the lessons learnt from the IFI programme. The subsequent PhD findings have provided a major focus and support for the publication of the IFI Equipment Standard – Stage Two.
The Programme takes a holistic approach, researching barriers and solutions by consulting with disabled users, fitness professionals at the delivery end and manufacturers’ sales teams and designers. The study shows that many of the problems faced by disabled people when seeking meaningful independent access to a piece of fitness equipment are not insurmountable. The target is that the new research and the IFI Equipment Standard – Stage Two will provide a raised benchmark for inclusive, barrier-free, age-appropriate design, which is practical, understood and ‘owned’ by all involved in the design and supply chain.
Globally, the UK fitness industry is now established as the world leader in inclusive fitness equipment design and development. The IFI Research and Design Programme provides participating suppliers with a major competitive advantage in UK, European and world markets. From a UK perspective the fitness industry has seen a major increase in profile through its positive commitment to inclusion.
The IFI welcomes and invites other interested suppliers and manufacturers to join the IFI Research and Design Programme for a membership fee. Contact the IFI Office for details.
