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...
Tips & Advice TRAM Tip: Inverting Forearm Mounts for Larger Clients September 12, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A young woman smiles as she is positioned for seat to seat transfer in the Rifton TRAM.
The Rifton TRAM is a versatile transfer and mobility device that can  safely support people of varying abilities and sizes. To do this effectively it’s important to position the body support low enough on the trunk, but for people with shorter trunks or larger thighs this may be made easier by reversing the arm support post mounts so they don’t dig into the thighs as the body support is...
Tips & Advice Comparing Rifton’s Three Gait Training Devices August 09, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A glamour shot of a red E-Pacer gait trainer from Rifton.
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...
How To’s Rifton TRAM FAQs
A man smiles at his therapist while walking in the Rifton TRAM.
Who uses the TRAM? The Rifton TRAM is a multi-purpose device used for sit-to-stand lifting, gait training, assisted transfers and toileting. The TRAM is used by children and adults presenting with a wide range of developmental and acquired disabilities including TBI, CVA, SCI, post hip replacement surgery, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Always have a qualified healthcare...
PT/OT Out in Front with Mechanical Lifts in Schools February 27, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
safe lifting
Last week I attended the Combined Section Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association. It was held in San Antonio (great choice, especially in February!) and included some excellent programming. I’d like to share highlights from one of the workshops which focused on using lift and transfer devices in schools. It was presented by therapists from four large school districts. Each district...
Tips & Advice Using the TRAM Swivel Locks to Help with Steering January 17, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A therapist helps a young girl in a TRAM with gait control as she walks down the hallway of a school
One key function of the Rifton TRAM is gait training. As a client progresses and gait control improves the clinician eventually steps away to let the client guide the TRAM solo. But some people have difficulty controlling lateral movements, especially if all TRAM wheels are free to swivel. For these people, here are two TRAM tips that have made all the difference for many. Setting the TRAM to Track in a...
PT/OT Positioning Checklist for the TRAM July 15, 2016 by Elena Noble, MPT
The Rifton TRAM device showing how a positioning checklist can help to ensure proper settings for each user on the device
The Rifton TRAM offers unique recovery opportunities in rehab, homecare and school-based settings with its capacity for supported ambulation, seated and sit-to-stand transfers.
Tips & Advice Ingenious Solutions from the Field: Using the Rifton TRAM to Transfer onto a Tricycle June 07, 2016 by Jill Barrett, MS, PT
Jill Barrett sitting in a TRAM, demonstrating a transfer to the Rifton Adaptive Tricycle.
1. Position student at corner of mat table and bring TRAM in from the back. 2. Fasten trunk support and using leg straps, lift student. 3. Roll TRAM with student in it to the back of the tricycle. ...
PT/OT Which Should I Use For Gait Training? May 17, 2016 by Lori Potts, PT
A caregiver guides a young boy in a Rifton Pacer gait trainer in an outdoor setting
Since our newest items, the Rifton TRAM and the New Pacer both have the capacity to support walking practice and have similar prompts, including arm prompts, trunk support, and walking saddle, therapists often wonder which to choose for ambulation or gait training. Because the TRAM does a lot more than gait training – it’s a three-in-one device that combines sit-to-sit...
Stories Full Inclusion Summer Camp June 08, 2015 by Elena Noble, MPT
A mom leans over to take a picture with her daughter in a wheelchair on a trail at an inclusion camp
Inclusion is not easy. It takes commitment, creativity and time to help every student learn and participate. So congratulations to the wonderful teachers and staff at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) who realized that with summer just around the corner it was time to take inclusion outdoors as well. The result? A first ever inclusive Technology and Recreation camp at nearby Sly Park...
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