Balance Beam
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 4:34pm
Has any one purchased or made a balance beam, particularly one that meets the requirements for the Matheson software? I am still in the process of building our FCE program and this is something that the physicians I work with have requested.
I am wondering if anyone has built anything to resemble a balance beam, and can give me suggestions.
thanks!
Hello,
This is what one of our former graduates had to say:
"I made my own balance beam several years ago and it has held up quite well. I got two 10' 2x4's and screwed them together with a 1/2" spacer of a strip of plywood in-between (making it 3.5" wide). I also picked up two brackets in the "Decking" department at Home Depot-brackets that secured two opposing 3.5" beams together. I used two 18" sections of 4x4 underneath to space the balance beam above the ground and to prevent it from "flipping" (held to the beam by the brackets). If you have a handyman to construct it (or have the ability yourself) one can be made for less than $20. While you are at it, the PT department would probably also like to have a pair of 4' beams-mine did. Don't forget to space the 4x4 pieces underneath in from the ends-this lends support to the beam for heavier client's-but not too far in that stepping on the end causes the beam to flip up!"
I hope this helps.
Jenn