Adaptive equipment use

PT/OT Writing SMART Goals for Adaptive Equipment May 28, 2018 by Margaret Rice, PT
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When using adaptive equipment it is important to have high standards for goal writing and data collection. Adaptive equipment spans a huge range from gait trainers to pencil grips. How many times have you seen adaptive equipment that was recommended for a student not being used properly or to its full potential? It is important to establish SMART goals for adaptive equipment the moment it is put into use...
Videos Pacer Treadmill Base Demo
A caregiver encourages a young client with walking excercises on a treadmill using a Rifton Pacer.
Lori Potts, PT demonstrates how the Pacer can be used over a treadmill with the innovative treadmill base. Video Transcript   This is Rifton’s treadmill base and would be used over a treadmill that is set up in a clinic or home. The idea here is that we first establish the optimal settings for a particular child and then approach the treadmill walking. When the child is about ready to step up...
Videos Prone Stander Demo
A caregiver is talking to a young student in a Rifton Prone Stander.
Lori Potts, PT demonstrates the features of the Prone Stander and discusses strategies to promote effective standing. Watch Lori demonstrate the Mobile Stander and Supine Stander. Video Transcript   This is Rifton’s Prone Stander. This is the Small. We also offer it in Medium and Large. Again, we have the gradual change of angle. With our protractor here you can see it can move right up to 90...
Videos Mobile Stander Demo
A caregiver waters a a plant with a client who is standing in a Rifton Mobile Stander.
Lori Potts, PT demonstrates the features of the Mobile Stander and discusses strategies to promote effective standing. Watch Lori demonstrate the Supine Stander and Prone Stander. Video Transcript   This is our Mobile Stander. It actually sells as a standalone product. The large wheels are added as an accessory. What you see here is the Mini and you’ll notice that the footboard is higher off of...
Videos Supine Stander Demo
A caregiver laughs with a young teenage client who is standing in a Rifton Supine Stander.
Lori Potts, PT demonstrates the features of the Supine Stander and discusses methods for promoting effective standing. Watch Lori demonstrate the Mobile Stander and Prone Stander. Video Transcript   This is Rifton’s Supine Stander. This is one is the Small. We also offer a Large Supine Stander. You’ll notice that the movement from horizontal to vertical is gradual and with our Large Supine...
PT/OT Tips and Tricks for Getting More Out of Your Rifton TRAM April 23, 2018 by Christy Hupka, PT
A young client standing and walking with his physical therapist with the aid of a Rifton TRAM.
The Rifton TRAM provides a lot of flexibility within our school setting for standing, walking, and transfers.  Mostly it is used for safe transfers that would typically require a two-person lift.  However, in one of my schools it has provided a great solution for two students who needed more flexibility in their standing and walking routines at school. Here are two examples: Case 1:  This...
PT/OT New Webinar on Motor Learning April 17, 2018 by Lori Potts, PT
A young teenager standing in a Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer doing and activity with a caregiver.
On April 12, we hosted a webinar, Progressive Gait Training: Motor Learning Strategies and the Research, discussing motor skill acquisition through practice, feedback and prompt reduction. It concluded with a demonstration of the Rifton Pacer and tips for therapeutic and functional use of the Pacer emphasizing the benefits of dynamic support and the reduction of physical assistance to increase...
Stories The Magic of the Floating Frame March 19, 2018 by Amanda Blankley
A teenage boy using a gray Rifton Pacer gait trainer to walk.
Saad is a young man who just transitioned to our adult services from his school program in September 2017, and even though I try hard not to have favorites, Saad tests my resolve; he never fails to brighten my day. When Saad first arrived, he only had the wheelchair he came in. We put him in an old-style Rifton XL Pacer. Saad has cerebral palsy, involving a complex history with both his knees requiring...
Stories Using the TRAM for Safe Transfers and Mobility in the School Setting March 13, 2018 by Terri Goebel, PT, Kellie Ray, ESE Teacher and Tara Wayland, OTR/L
A young boy uses the rifton tram for safe transfers to standing and ambulation over the carpet of the gym.
Our team of therapists and educators works together to provide opportunities for functional mobility to our students throughout the school day.The challenges we face include a variety of health diagnoses, behavioral management issues, and cognitive and physical deficits. These situations require team problem solving for safe and efficient physical management of the student while maximizing participation in...
PT/OT Intervening Early for Better Mobility in CP March 06, 2018 by Elena Noble, MPT
A young girl with cerebral palsy receives early intervention gait training services while walking in a pink Pacer.
I recently attended the annual American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting (APTA CSM) in New Orleans. Among the wealth of great programming, I chose a course looking at early intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP), and I’d like to share a few points I took away. For therapy purposes, early intervention means providing services to a child before two years of age...
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