WaTE Ball – Hand-held Size

The CanDo® WATE Ball is designed to be inflated or deflated using a standard bicycle pump. Simply insert the pump needle into the ball’s air valve (similar to a sports ball) and add air to increase firmness or release air to soften it. This adjustability allows you to customize the grip challenge based on your therapy needs.

A softer ball is easier to grasp, making it ideal for patients with limited hand strength, arthritis, or early-stage rehabilitation. A firmer ball requires more grip force, helping to progressively build finger, hand, and forearm strength. Because the ball maintains a constant 5-inch diameter regardless of weight, inflation level becomes the primary variable for grip difficulty.

This feature is especially useful in clinical settings where multiple patients use the same weighted ball. One ball can serve a range of abilities by simply changing air pressure, making it a versatile and cost-effective tool for hand therapy.

Unlike traditional weighted balls that increase in size as weight increases, the CanDo® Hand Held WATE Ball maintains a constant 5-inch (12.7 cm) diameter across all six weight options, from 1.1 to 6.6 pounds (0.5 to 3 kg). This is achieved by varying the density of the internal material, not by changing the ball’s external dimensions.

Because the size remains consistent, patients do not need to adapt to a larger or smaller grip surface when progressing to a heavier ball. This design reduces the learning curve and allows for direct comparison of strength gains without the variable of changing ball circumference.

The uniform size also simplifies storage and clinical organization. Color coding distinguishes each weight, so therapists and patients can quickly select the appropriate resistance while enjoying the same familiar feel in hand, whether using the lightest or heaviest model.

Yes, comfort is a primary design feature of the CanDo® Hand Held WATE Ball. The ball is constructed from soft, flexible materials that gently conform to the natural shape of your hand. This conformability distributes pressure evenly across the palm and fingers, reducing localized fatigue or discomfort often associated with rigid hand exercise tools.

The 5-inch diameter strikes an optimal balance: small enough to grasp securely with one hand for isolation exercises, yet large enough to accommodate two-handed gripping for heavier lifts or bilateral training. The soft exterior also minimizes the risk of skin irritation or callus formation, which is particularly beneficial for patients with sensitive skin or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Furthermore, the ability to deflate the ball slightly adds an extra layer of cushioning. Therapists often recommend a softer inflation level for prolonged gripping or squeezing exercises to enhance comfort without compromising the therapeutic benefit of the internal weight.