How To’s
Guidelines for Functional Use of the Pacer Gait Trainer Part II
The Pacer gait trainer is a walking device used in pediatric and adult rehabilitation settings to support individuals with disabilities for upright posture and ambulatory activities. Each Pacer component (or prompt) adjusts to accommodate various positioning needs, and is easily removed when it is no longer required.
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...
Evidence Based Practice
Teens with Cerebral Palsy Benefit from Treadmill Gait Training – A Case Story
March 18, 2019
by Connie Johnson, PT, DScPT
As a pediatric physical therapist working in public schools, I want my students to move, and to move in the same way their peers do. When Rifton came out with the treadmill gait trainer, I was eager to explore increasing exercise intensity for my teenagers with mobility impairments. I was fortunate enough to get funding for one in my school. I went to the literature to look for protocols using gait treadmills for youth with disabilities and did not find much.
PT/OT
Treadmill Base: A Solution for Gait Practice
June 01, 2018
by Lori Potts, PT
Body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) is widely recognized as a promising intervention to improve ambulation for individuals with neuromotor disability, with diagnoses including cerebral palsy¹, spinal cord...
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...