Tips & Advice
Guidelines for Functional Use of the Pacer Gait Trainer Part I
October 07, 2019
by Elena Noble, MPT
The Pacer gait trainer is a walking device used across pediatric settings and adult rehabilitation settings to support individuals with disabilities in upright postures and ambulatory activities. With the appropriate supports in the gait trainer, independent mobility becomes a possibility. Each Pacer accessory (or prompt) adjusts to accommodate any positioning need or is otherwise easily removed to...
Tips & Advice
Pacer Prompt Reduction
July 16, 2019
by Lori Potts, PT
See also: Part 2: Prompt Reduction Strategies.
Using the Rifton Pacer’s full range of adjustment possibilities will help you meet goals for mobility and activity. Individuals who cannot bear weight fully through their lower extremities, or need prompting for alignment need appropriately positioned prompts and supports. Motor skills acquisition and strength building are best achieved when an...
Tips & Advice
Comparing Rifton’s Three Gait Training Devices
August 09, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
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...
Tips & Advice
Five Fabulous Features of the New Pacer Caster
July 11, 2017
by Lori Potts, PT
While redesigning the Pacer we took the opportunity not only to improve the existing functions, but to add an odometer to encourage data collection and record progress. For gait training, there’s nothing else like our caster.
Tips & Advice
Weight-bearing Assistance and Pelvic Positioning with the New Pacer Gait Trainer
June 20, 2017
by Lori Potts, PT
Rifton’s new Pacer gait trainer has three options for weight-bearing assistance and positioning of the hip girdle:
1. the multi-positioning saddle
2. the hip positioner, and
3. the pelvic support
Here’s a brief description of each with our recommendations to help you choose the right one for your clients.
Multi-Positioning Saddle
The multi...
Tips & Advice
Arm Prompt Adjustment Tutorial
May 16, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
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.
Tips & Advice
Using Rifton’s New Multi-Positioning Saddle for Easy Transfers into the Gait Trainer
February 07, 2017
by Lori Potts, PT
The Rifton Pacer’s Multi-Positioning Saddle (MPS), in addition to providing weight-bearing support and excellent positioning for the pelvis, greatly simplifies transfer into the gait trainer. Here are the steps for a streamlined and safe transfer from a wheelchair into the Pacer. It is best performed with two caregivers.
Preparing the Gait Trainer for a Transfer
Lock the caster brakes.
Undo...
Tips & Advice
Reverse the Pacer’s Multi-Positioning Saddle in Just 10 Seconds
November 22, 2016
by Lori Potts, PT
Many of our customers love the versatility of the new Rifton Pacer, but not everyone knows the simple and quick trick to reverse the Multi Positioning Saddle (MPS) allowing an individual to benefit from the pelvic positioning and weight bearing assist while using the Pacer gait trainer as a posterior walker.
Here are the simple steps to make this happen:
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Tips & Advice
Ingenious Solutions from the Field: Creating a Pacer Hip Corral
August 01, 2016
by Lori Potts, PT
A creative concept that came to us from the field is to use the Pacer Chest Prompt as a guide for hip positioning often referred to as a hip corral. This is achieved by flipping the chest prompt upside-down, so that the longer portion of the prompt faces downward. Having the chest prompt low around the hips can be an effective way to provide positioning for the student who has good trunk control but...