Sledge Hockey: More Exciting News

(Updated content)

Sledge hockey makes the sport accessible to everyone—regardless of their ability

Sledge hockey players now have a great way to train and keep in shape. Spike, developed by a Norwegian adaptive sports equipment company called Exero, is the perfect vehicle.

Now there is even more good news: Spike Snow is the newest adaptive winter sports equipment for para-nordic skiing. This system allows you to be adventurous on ski tracks and ice rinks. The seated sitting position makes Spike Snow suitable for people with a higher degree of disability or who otherwise can’t sit on their knees.

And if ice is more your thing, Spike Snow is now available with Isvidda skates! Easily swap your skis with skates and take Spike Snow out on the ice. Combined with the Fischer Race Pro Skate IFP binding, these skates will fit any IFP system. It’s the perfect way to train for the sled hockey season.

Over the past few years Spike has become one of the most popular products in the Norwegian health care system for occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and general exercise.

Spike owners range from professional para-athletes, to members of wheelchair clubs like sledge hockey, cross-country sit-skiing, para-rowing, wheelchair basketball, and others. Spike requires the rider to use poles to generate forward propulsion, and to tilt their bodies to steer. These motions improve the rider’s cardiovascular system, endurance, upper body, core muscles, and balance coordination.

Who Can Benefit From Spike?

Spike can benefit a wide variety of individuals, including those with disabilities such as:

• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebral Palsy (CP)
• Spina Bifida
• Polio
• Amputees
• Paraplegics
• Other lower-body disabilities

Aside from the obvious physical benefits, Spike (and other assistive devices) is proven to provide the user with mental health benefits, while improving social participation, personal awareness, individuality, and self-confidence.

Spike compliments a number of sports for the disabled. Here are just a few:

• Sled Hockey
• Para Rowing
• Cross-Country Sit-Skiing
• Hand Cycling
• Wheelchair Racing
• Wheelchair Basket
• Wheelchair Rugby
• Other wheelchair sports

Features of the Spike System

Spike adjusts to the needs of the individual. The device comes in one size that is adjustable for a variety of body types. Adjustments can also compensate for any asymmetrical weight distribution or body shape (i.e., amputees).

In addition, Spike is all-terrain and comfortable for the user. Shock absorbers and powerful wheels make it suitable for rough terrain. The unit is equipped with vacuum-formed cushions for maximum comfort, and to negate pressure ulcers.

Steering is achieved by moving the upper torso to each side, while generating forward propulsion with poles. Spike is equipped with two separate hydraulic brakes, and parking brakes.

Spike is available for international delivery in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe. For more information on their sled hockey and other sports systems, as well as tutorial videos, click here. Interested parties can set up a 15-minute video meeting; an online demo is also available on request.