Webinars Standers – What does the research say?
A young boy smiling in a Rifton Prone Stander.
This 30-minute webinar gives an overview of current research on the topic of standing and adaptive standers as well as specific tips for therapeutic and functional use of Rifton standers.
PT/OT New Webinar on Standers January 22, 2018 by Lori Potts, PT
A young girl standing in a Rifton Mobile Stander looks at a goldfinch in a cage with her caregiver.
Last week, Rifton offered the first in a series of webinars. Standers: What does the research say? Watch the recording below to learn interesting research findings on tone, ROM, bone mineral density, and hip stability. Packed into 30 minutes, this webinar includes interesting research findings on muscle tone and range of motion, bone mineral density, and the issue of hip displacement for children with...
Tips & Advice Ingenious Solutions from the Field: Increasing Abduction Range on the Small Prone Stander November 01, 2016 by Elena Noble, MPT
A boy standing in a Prone Stander and smiling.
Supported standing for children with disabilities has many health benefits, among them maintaining hip integrity for the prevention of hip dislocations. To achieve optimal hip stability through adapted standing routines, lower extremity abduction is important. A recent literature review indicated that standing to improve hip  stability should be in 30 to 60 degrees abduction for 60 minutes daily...
PT/OT Evidence Update: Supported Standing Protocols December 07, 2015 by Elena Noble, MPT
A therapist talks to an adult patient with a neurological condition during a therapeutic standing protocol
For decades already we’ve seen standing programs used as a therapeutic intervention for adults with neurological conditions. We’ve known that without such intervention, patients with spinal cord injuries, strokes, traumatic brain injuries or multiple sclerosis spend hours and hours each day in sedentary postures—with devastating results. Sitting for upwards of eight hours a day leads to...
Evidence Based Practice Evidence Update: Standing Programs for Hip Flexibility July 27, 2015 by Elena Noble, MPT
A young boy with spastic cerebral palsy smiles and claps his hand as while in a standing device
Secondary to the motor disorders which affect their physical development, children with spastic cerebral palsy tend to lose lower limb range of motion between infancy and adolescence. Researchers have measured hip abduction decreases of nine degrees in this population. Since loss of hip abduction makes balance and walking difficult, maintaining hip abduction becomes a crucial intervention. Because of...
Stories Heads Up! February 20, 2015 by Lori Potts, PT
A young boy with disabilities, with the help of his prone stander, picks his head up to discover the world around him
Robert Welton Clement arrived on March 25, 2014, fourth son to the family of my sister Jean and her husband Reuel. The birth was unexpectedly difficult, and Robert arrived looking like he might not survive – might, in fact, already be no longer living. But his heartbeat was there, even though he was not breathing. Eighteen agonizing minutes of emergency intervention and innumerable prayers followed...
PT/OT Choosing Between Adaptive Standers July 01, 2014 by Elena Noble, MPT
A young boy in a Prone stander gives a wave as he participates in classroom activities.
Many people with compromised musculoskeletal systems can benefit from adapted standing programs. Ranging from diagnosis of cerebral palsy to spinal cord injury or muscular dystrophy, research shows that standing can help improve pulmonary function, musculoskeletal development, postural control, intestinal motility and reduce tone. Rifton produces a line of adaptive standers which are known for their simple...
PT/OT Prone Standers: Positioning for Health and Independence September 10, 2013 by Lori Potts, PT
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Prolonged immobility in a seated or supine position can result in contractures, skeletal deformity, skin ulcers and decreased bone mineral density. It can cause deficits in the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems. This is especially true for children with special needs who have decreased muscle strength, balance and tone issues. Because they cannot move or stand independently, these children...
Tips & Advice NCART Standing Device Funding Guide June 04, 2013 by Elena Noble, MPT
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As clinicians you know without a doubt that children with disabilities who are given the opportunity to stand and bear weight experience positive health benefits.  Peer-reviewed literature supports active weight-bearing and dynamic loading for improved bone mineral content and an upright position improves cardiopulmonary functioning, bowel and bladder health and joint range of motion. Unfortunately...
Evidence Based Practice Adaptive Standers Kids with Disabilities and BMD: What's the Evidence? April 02, 2013 by Lori Potts, PT
childrendisabilitiesbonemineraldensity
Bone Mineral Density It’s widely recognized that non-ambulatory children with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy are at risk for decreased bone mineral density (BMD). (1-3) Children with CP can also present with altered skeletal maturation and thinner, smaller bones. (4-6) As a consequence, these children are at an increased risk for fractures. (7-10) Research indicates that fracture risk...