October 19, 1987

SUBJ: Evaluation Report
           Rehabilitation Medicine Service
           Corrective Therapy Section/Physical Therapy Section

1. Station:  Sepulveda, California (665) Project No: TEE-87-041

2. Title of Evaluation: Generator, pool, current "Swim Gym SG-5"

3. Purpose: To determine effectiveness of product.

4. Period of Evaluation: 60 days

5. Evaluation Design: Controls - Comparisons

a. Controls. Limited, due to the nature of the product. The unit consisted of one thrust which moved 2,500 gallons of water per minute in a body of water 25 yards by 15 yards in size.
b. Comparison. This unit was originally used as a prototype for the University of California, Los Angeles, swimming team. The designer wanted to explore to see if the product could be expanded for use in a rehabilitation type pool. There are no other comparisons.

6. Appearance: A streamlined piece of equipment, takes up little space, could be painted to blend with any decor. The five horsepower produces adequate amounts of water movement and the thrust is mildly quick. Unit needs speeds that have interaction modes (soft, medium hard).

7. Acceptability: Unit needs speeds that have interaction modes (soft, medium, hard for safety purposes. Changing the direction of the water flow would be a desirable option. There were maintenance problems that were resolved quickly.

8. Adaptability: Unit was installed in a short period of time (1-2 days). Unit needed 220 power source. Unit immediately converts regular swimming pool into large "whirlpool" effect creating water moving exercise modality.

9. Durability: No methods available to test physical stress - no major problem.

10. Safety: Yes. No moving parts within reach of patients. No change of suction. Main area of caution is about 2-4 feet in front when water thrust originates and is forced out. There is a need for a control switch at each end of pool for quick shut-off.

11. Effect on Manpower Utilization: None. As a secondary source, it helps with pool maintenance, less time spent vacuuming pool.

12. Cost: $3,450 The cost is small compared to the cost of installing a whirlpool system. This unit needs a minimum amount of space a 220 power outlet. The cost is approximately 80 cents per hour (user 12 amp).

13. Similar Products: The unit has been evaluated as being superior. There is no other product on the market for comparison purposes.

14. Maintenance: The only areas requiring maintenance are the lube points and checking the belt drive. The unit was in non-operational status twice and repair time was minimal.

15. Storage: No storage needed. Product is available through the Federal Supply Schedule Program.

16. Conclusion: A good therapeutic modality! The swim gym unit provides resistive exercise which is necessary for a complete therapeutic pool program. It also provides a non-environmental effect with some patients, alters their opinion of exercise and therefore, creates non-stereotype effect on a structured program. Overall an excellent therapeutic tool.

WALTER HUMPHREYS
Chief Corrective Therapy Section (117A)

PETER FREUDENSTEIN
Physical Therapist April 6, 1988