Arkansas College of Health
At Equip Products, our long-standing relationship with the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) in Fort Smith, Arkansas, has been a cornerstone of our mission to empower movement. Working with leaders like Drs. Reed and Kaci Handlery, we’ve supported groundbreaking efforts in functional fitness for conditions such as Parkinson’s, stroke, spinal cord injuries (SCI), and geriatrics.
ACHE’s Leadership in Adaptive Fitness
Dr. Reed Handlery, an assistant professor with a PhD in Physical Therapy, drives research to increase physical activity for those with neurologic disabilities through adaptive CrossFit®. His work, featured in Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation and Stroke, earned him the 2022 Early Career Professional Award from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.
Dr. Kaci Handlery, a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, brings deep expertise in rehabilitation. Together, they integrate our Adaptive Bike Handles, Rower Hook, Multi Ropes™, LapMats™, and other tools into their daily practice, enhancing mobility and strength for diverse patients.
This collaboration extends to the UAMS Age Wise podcast by the Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative (AGEC), which explores healthy aging—a focus that aligns with the needs of our shared community. Funded by the Health Resources & Services Administration, AGEC’s mission to support Arkansas’ aging population complements the practical applications of our gear.
Real-World Impact: A Parkinson’s Workout
Years ago, we captured a moment at a Parkinson’s workout led by ACHE, where adaptive athletes used our equipment to stay active. What we saw was a real world effort to stop the effects of this terrible disease and a pretty intense training session, reflecting the hands-on approach of the Handerlys’ programs. This event underscores how our gear supports functional fitness, inspiring us to continue innovating.
Expanding Tools for Therapy and Daily Life
Our ongoing work with ACHE continues to inspire new ways to support therapy and independence. We’ve been exploring additional solutions to assist with seated activities, offering stability for tasks like reading or light exercises. We recently launched the LapSecure Mat for just this purpose. These efforts build on the success of our existing products, providing therapists and patients with versatile options to adapt to various needs. You can learn more about our evolving range on our site.
The Impact of Partnership
This collaboration highlights how adaptive tools can transform rehabilitation and daily living. Whether it’s a patient regaining strength with Multi Ropes or finding comfort in a stable setup, our gear helps bridge healthcare and active lifestyles. The Handerlys’ innovative approach, paired with our equipment, continues to make a difference for those with impairments.
Stay Connected
Discover more about our partnership and products at Equip Products. Explore our Physical & Occupational Therapy Collection and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates!