uOttawa engineering students making fitness inclusive with new wheelchair-accessible equipment

In collaboration with the City of Ottawa, a team of five engineering students from the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) have developed a wheelchair-accessible prototype, improving accessibility in fitness centres for those facing mobility challenges.

While accessible fitness equipment — such as equipment for those using a wheelchair — is often limited and expensive, the city and the University of Ottawa have teamed up to address this shortage.

According to a uOttawa press release, the newly-developed prototype makes a standard Concept2 rower wheelchair accessible, providing more opportunities for everyone to stay active.

As a part of a second-year engineering design course, the project was inspired by a request from Brian Robitaille, a program coordinator with the City of Ottawa.

Robitaille took the initiative to identify a solution that would benefit clients with mobility challenges, said the city.

“Through collaboration with University of Ottawa engineering students, Brian developed an innovative adaptor that transforms the Concept II rowing machine into a wheelchair-accessible piece of equipment, now in use at the Jack Purcell Community Centre,” said a City of Ottawa release.

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While Robitaille was in the process of designing a fitness space at the Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata, he came up with the idea of a rowing machine adaptor that would open up new possibilities for fitness.

With the goal of creating inclusive and accessible gym spaces for everyone, Robitaille mentored three groups of uOttawa students in the fall of 2023, in efforts to guide the development of the adaptor prototype.

Teamwork brings Concept2 from idea to reality

One group of engineering students visited the community centre and spoke with clients — and this was when the project took off, noted Robitaille.

“It really started to click when they came in and met people in the gym — they were inspired and motivated to make something that people could actually use,” he added.

The third group of engineering students successfully developed the final prototype. It was donated to the Jack Purcell Community Centre, where it continues to make a positive impact, reads a City of Ottawa release.

Robitaille was recently awarded with the city’s Creativity and Innovative Champion award, recognizing his work on a project that has raised awareness to the need for more accessible fitness options.

The University of Ottawa’s student team says the new rowing machine adapter is already making an impact, following its implementation at the community centre in Centretown.

Accessible rowing machine already in use

“We have received testimonials from numerous clients with mobility issues who have benefited from being able to use the Concept2 machine,” says Etienne Borm, a member of the student team.

“This equipment provides a much-needed opportunity for upper-body strength training without requiring clients to be transferred from their wheelchairs,” she added.

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According to the University of Ottawa, this project “highlights the potential of engineering education to drive innovation and address real-world challenges.”

“This prototype is a prime example of how engineering can be used to create tangible solutions that improve the lives of others,” said Hanan Anis, director of the School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation and Engineering Design course professor.

The City of Ottawa attributes the successful implementation of the new rowing machine adapter to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community.

“By working together, Brian and the uOttawa students have created a solution that not only meets the physical needs of clients but also fosters a sense of inclusion and empowerment. It’s a small but meaningful step toward making fitness accessible to everyone,” said the city.