TBI

Evidence Based Practice Evidence Update: Clinical Practice Guideline to Improve Locomotor Function in Neurorehab February 25, 2020 by Elena Noble, MPT
man walking in the Rifton E-Pacer
New evidence in neurorehab points to the importance of intensive overground walking opportunities for individuals recovering from chronic stroke, TBI and SCI.
PT/OT Treadmill Base: A Solution for Gait Practice June 01, 2018 by Lori Potts, PT
A young girl walks on a treadmill with the aid of a Rifton Pacer, while a caregiver gives her instruction.
Body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) is widely recognized as a promising intervention to improve ambulation for individuals with neuromotor disability, with diagnoses including cerebral palsy¹, spinal cord...
Evidence Based Practice Don’t Be Afraid of Early Mobilization in Acute Brain Injury February 20, 2018 by Mary Beth Osborne, PT, DPT, NCS
A therapist helps a patient with brain injury in an early mobilization exercise in the ICU.
This article was originally written for Medbridge and is shared here with permission. People who suffer brain injuries require extensive medical care to preserve vital organ functions and prevent secondary injury. Physical therapists are in a unique position to positively influence the ultimate outcome for these individuals by simply providing early mobilization. Two studies provide support for early...
Evidence Based Practice Don’t Skimp on Good Design and Quality January 30, 2018 by Lori Potts, PT
A young physical therapist guides the walking of a TBI patient in a Rifton TRAM.
Does the quality of an individual’s mobility device influence their participation? Common sense tells us it would, but do we find research to back that up? Thankfully, yes. Today’s post highlights the work of a research team that implemented a two-day assessment with 604 community-dwelling adults with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Of these, 250 people (41%) self...
Evidence Based Practice Improving Gait in Chronic TBI with Motor Learning Strategies July 25, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
tbi gait rehab
Long-term disability is a frequent sequel of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and takes the form of persisting motor impairments that impact walking and autonomous movement. So to improve environmental negotiation and basic care skills, independent gait is an essential therapy goal for TBI patients.    Literature shows that the best time for independent gait recovery occurs within the first few...
PT/OT Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes July 03, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A man with disabilities sits on a red therapy ball while PT students demonstrate a creative mobility technique.
I recently attended the APTA Next Conference in Boston. A new component to this conference is the experience zone—an education space in the exhibit hall allowing presenters to draw on resources from the show floor as part of their presentations. A great idea. I attended a course called “Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes” in the zone. Here we learned to get the most...
PT/OT Evidence Update: Supported Standing Protocols December 07, 2015 by Elena Noble, MPT
A therapist talks to an adult patient with a neurological condition during a therapeutic standing protocol
For decades already we’ve seen standing programs used as a therapeutic intervention for adults with neurological conditions. We’ve known that without such intervention, patients with spinal cord injuries, strokes, traumatic brain injuries or multiple sclerosis spend hours and hours each day in sedentary postures—with devastating results. Sitting for upwards of eight hours a day leads to...
PT/OT The New Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer, So Much More Than a Walker November 24, 2015 by Lori Potts, PT
A young girl smiles as she uses a Rifton Pacer gait trainer with guidance from her therapist
Often parents of children with disabilities – and adults who have incurred serious injuries – seek out walkers to enable better mobility and walking practice. While walkers have their place in rehabilitation, these very basic support devices offer very little when compared to gait trainers – and even less when compared to the new Rifton Pacer gait trainer. What’s so special...
PT/OT Great Outcomes for Adults Who Need Gait Assistance September 14, 2015 by Elena Noble, MPT
A smiling therapist at a rehab facility helps an adult patient with complex disabilities walk in a TRAM device
For children with complex disabilities the transition from school to adult services can be brutal: therapy and equipment that is considered standard in the school suddenly disappears, funding evaporates, and families struggle to bridge the gap. But this is slowly changing. Many healthcare facilities now try to provide a seamless transition into this new stage of life with specialized and comprehensive...
Stories Great Strides with the Rifton TRAM March 12, 2015 by Cathy Ripmaster, MSPT
A young man with TBI smiles as he pushes a communication button while standing in the Rifton TRAM
A few years ago we welcomed a non-traditional student – we’ll call him Jay – at Lincoln Developmental Center (LDC) where we work. Most of our students have had a development disorder since birth; most are undersized and fit well into traditional equipment, but Jay sustained a traumatic brain injury at the age of 14 and arrived at LDC at the age of 17, fully grown, with limited positioning...
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