Elena Noble, MPT

Blog Editor

elena noble authorI didn’t know what to expect when I first joined Rifton in 2007, but I was looking for a challenge.  

I found that challenge and enjoy the work. It involves a little of everything—marketing, clinical pediatrics and orthopedics, conducting educational workshops, watering the office plants. I absolutely love the interaction with people who use our equipment and I occasionally make it down to the factory floor to help with the production of Rifton products. 

And you guessed it. Being a PT I value good health and exercise. Playing cards does rank pretty high along with fellowship and plenty of good laughs. And most importantly I am the mother of three beautiful daughters and a proud graduate of West Virginia University. Go Mountaineers!

Tips & Advice Comparing Rifton’s Three Gait Training Devices August 09, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
gait training devices comparison
Since gait training is a focal rehabilitation activity, we’ve done our best to design gait trainers that meet all needs. In addition to our pediatric line of gait trainers we have three devices that can be used by heavier, larger clients: the TRAM, the XL Pacer and the E-Pacer. While the TRAM is good for tight spaces or if you need a device that can double as a toileting or transfer aid, for full...
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
apta next conference creative mobility
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...
Evidence Based Practice Evidence Update: Rehab Gait Training with BWS June 27, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
over ground gait training
Gait rehabilitation uses both body weight supported treadmill training and over-ground training to help a client reach their maximum walking potential. With no established clinical indications, choosing between the approaches is a research-based and experience-based decision which factors in the nature of a client’s injury, timing and scope of intervention and projected outcomes. Here are two recent...
News Write a Caption, Win a Prize! June 13, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
photo caption contest e pacer large clients
Our photographer captured this moment during a photo shoot of the new E-Pacer at a local facility. Write a caption and submit it in the comment box below. We’ll pick a winner on July 1st. The winner will receive a free Rifton bag. Announcing the Winners  Thanks everyone for the great captions. In a contest like this selecting two winners is entirely subjective and our judges all came up with...
News Write a Caption, Win a Prize! June 13, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
photo caption contest e pacer large clients
Our photographer captured this moment during a photo shoot of the new E-Pacer at a local facility. Write a caption and submit it in the comment box below. We’ll pick a winner on July 1st. The winner will receive a free Rifton bag. Announcing the Winners  Thanks everyone for the great captions. In a contest like this selecting two winners is entirely subjective and our judges all came up with...
Evidence Based Practice Evidence Update: Dynamic Seating for Children with Autism May 30, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
dynamic seating children autism
Teachers and therapists working in inclusive classrooms continue to work to improve academic outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  One fascinating area of inquiry is seating modification to improve in-seat performance, as students may need to sit for five hours during a normal school day. In one recent article on the topic, researchers examined how dynamic seating options...
Tips & Advice Lifespan Care for People with Disabilities May 23, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
resources adults developmental disabilities
Providing activity and mobility interventions for young adults with disabilities after they leave the school system is important, particularly for maintaining quality of life. Unfortunately this outlook is not shared by everyone. A physical therapist working with young adults with developmental disabilities wrote this to me after her efforts to get adaptive equipment for her clients had been...
Tips & Advice Arm Prompt Adjustment Tutorial May 16, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
arm prompt position
The arm supports of the Rifton Pacer are central to good positioning and gait control. When placed correctly, they assist with weight-bearing, weight-shifting, head control, upper extremity stability and steering. We find, however, that some users don’t make use of the full range of adjustments that are available on the arm prompts,so here's a great resource to guide good positioning.
PT/OT Boxing and Balance Exercise April 25, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
rehab balance exercise
Although on the market for over five years, the TRAM continues to surprise us. Here are some great ideas for using the TRAM in rehab, focusing on balance support and activity, from Jamie Haines, PT, DScPT, NCS at Central Michigan University. High-Intensity Boxing This patient has Parkinson's disease, Stage III. He was afraid to participate in an exercise class until he used the Rifton TRAM. What a...
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