PT/OT
P-PAS, Adaptive Equipment and You
December 03, 2019
by Sue Cecere PT, MHS
The Posture and Postural Ability Scale or P-PAS is a tool that can be used to assess posture, postural ability and the quality of posture in prone, supine, sitting and standing positions. Posture, in this context, refers to the anatomical alignment of body parts in relationship to each other and the environment.
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...
PT/OT
A patient with spinal cord injury recovers with the aid of an E-Pacer
April 02, 2019
by Ray Mommsen, Rifton Marketing
Previously on our blog we shared a post about the use of Therabands with the TRAM from Linda Rusiecki, a physical therapist at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. In another post, Janette Tazzia and Linda Rusiecki tell about Janette’s recovery from a stroke. Now here’s a story of an individual impacted by a spinal cord injury who made remarkable gains with use of the Rifton E-Pacer in his...
Videos
Pacer Treadmill Base Demo
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...
Stories
Great Strides with the Dynamic Rifton Pacer and Treadmill Base
May 07, 2018
by Shirley Dzikowski, PT
I have had great success with the dynamic Rifton Pacer gait trainer matched with Rifton’s treadmill base. Because my clients are completely supported, including their hands and arms, they are safe to work over a moving treadmill base.
Some of my clients even “run” on the treadmill at 2.0 and 2.5 mph as I have placed them up a bit higher and they learn how to move their feet quicker. This...
PT/OT
Tips and Tricks for Getting More Out of Your Rifton TRAM
April 23, 2018
by Christy Hupka, PT
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
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...