Evidence Based Practice

Adaptive Standing for Contracture Management in Cerebral Palsy

April 16, 2024 by Lori Potts, PT
The Rifton Stander in prone configuration, in use

Children with cerebral palsy benefit from adaptive standing for contracture management.

PT/OT Mobility and Fitness Interventions for Children and Adults with Medical Complexity March 19, 2024 by Tanya Myers, PT, DPT, AnnMarie Stauffer, PT, DPT, and Lisa Gradziel, PT, DPT
A young woman uses the steering bar on the Rifton Pacer gait trainer to guide the walking of a young boy.
Children with medical complexity benefit from use of supportive walkers and gait trainers for upright mobility opportunities.
PT/OT Adapted Standing Interventions for Children with Medical Complexity February 19, 2024 by Tanya Myers, PT, DPT, AnnMarie Stauffer, PT, DPT, and Lisa Gradziel, PT, DPT
A girl stands in a Rifton Stander in prone configuration and smiles with her therapist.
Standing is thought to have many benefits for children with multiple disabilities including bowel management, bone density, tone management, range of motion, and pain management among others.
PT/OT Adapted Seating Interventions for Children with Medical Complexity January 18, 2024 by Tanya Myers, PT, DPT, AnnMarie Stauffer, PT, DPT, and Lisa Gradziel, PT, DPT
A boy sits on a Rifton Activity Chair and plays with a toy train with his therapist.
As school-based therapists, we are frequently asked to provide input on seating, standing, and movement opportunities (including walking and gross motor participation). The school is a naturally supportive setting for children of all abilities to participate more.
Evidence Based Practice Supported Standing: A New Perspective on Physical Activity for Children with CP November 21, 2023 by Michelle Meier, PT, DPT
A girl stands in a Rifton Stander and smiles at her therapist.
Physical inactivity is the fourth risk factor for mortality worldwide. In 2010, to counteract the debilitating effects of inactivity and sedentary lifestyles, the World Health Organization (WHO) published guidelines for physical activity across the lifespan.
Evidence Based Practice Evidence Update: Overground Supported Stepping in Individuals with Non-Ambulant Cerebral Palsy October 09, 2023 by Elena Noble, MPT
A boy walks in a Rifton Pacer while his caretaker talks with him.
A newly published scoping systematic review highlights the use of gait trainers in children, adolescents and adults with non-ambulant cerebral palsy.
PT/OT Achieving Optimal Standing Outcomes with the New Rifton Stander August 23, 2023 by Michelle Meier, PT, DPT
A girl stands in a Rifton Size 1 Stander, smiles and waves.
Consider the key features and benefits of the new Rifton stander—and how to maximize these to achieve the best standing outcomes for children with disabilities.
Evidence Based Practice Adaptive Standing in Early Intervention for Children with CP August 10, 2023 by Elena Noble, MPT
A girl stands in a Rifton Stander and talks with her therapist.
The first few years of a child’s life are a critical time of cognitive, emotional and physical development. Early active movement and environmental exploration drive development through the building of cortical connections and physical adaptation in response to the movement.
News Evidence Update: Finally, a Compelling Case for Coverage for Adaptive Bikes June 28, 2023 by Joe Keiderling
A boy rides on a Rifton Adaptive Tricycle while his caretaker smiles at him.
Health insurance coverage for adaptive bikes has been rare at best, and this needs to change. A recent policy brief effectively dismantles the policy flaws surrounding adaptive cycling and provides regulatory and legislative paths to change.
PT/OT The On Time Mobility Framework May 29, 2023 by Elena Noble, MPT
A little boy walks in a Rifton Pacer gait trainer while his caretaker assists him.
“On Time Mobility” is a term coined to reflect best practices towards providing hours of daily active mobility opportunities to young children with disabilities, to foster exploration, motor development and socialization.
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