Therapeutic Benefits

Prolonged immobility in a sitting or lying position can result in contractures, skeletal deformity, skin ulcers, and digestion, respiration, or circulatory system deficits for special needs children. However, independent standing requires the ability to extend the hips and knees, and bear weight to hold the body upright against gravity. The different types of joints in the body require different amounts...

By Mark P. Warner, PT, ATP Pediatric physical therapy has been my career for almost fifteen years. Working in a variety of settings, including acute care, school-based therapy and outpatient rehabilitation, has allowed me to witness the benefits children with special needs gain from using assistive technology. During the past ten years, a considerable amount of my continuing education has focused on...

This article contains selected excerpts from the ABLEDATA FACT SHEET ON STANDING AIDS, reprinted with permission from ABLEDATA. Introduction People rarely think about the ability to stand and how it affects their daily lives. Standing is an alternative to sitting. It gives us greater access to social, vocational, and recreational activities. It improves the body's physiological functioning. The right...