PT/OT Workers’ Compensation Providers and the Rifton TRAM October 03, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A therapist smiles at a young man standing in the Rifton TRAM patient lift acquired with a workers compensation grant.
Lifting and repositioning patients is a big part of healthcare, particularly for nurses and therapists. But how we do this is changing, based on the many studies that show how lifting patients manually without assistive equipment is causing staff injuries, lost days from work and decrease in care quality. The safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) approach advocates for patient lifts and mobility...
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...
PT/OT Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes July 03, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A man with disabilities sits on a red therapy ball while PT students demonstrate a creative mobility technique.
I recently attended the APTA Next Conference in Boston. A new component to this conference is the experience zone—an education space in the exhibit hall allowing presenters to draw on resources from the show floor as part of their presentations. A great idea. I attended a course called “Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes” in the zone. Here we learned to get the most...
Evidence Based Practice Evidence Update: Rehab Gait Training with BWS June 27, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
over ground gait training
Gait rehabilitation uses both body weight supported treadmill training and over-ground training to help a client reach their maximum walking potential. With no established clinical indications, choosing between the approaches is a research-based and experience-based decision which factors in the nature of a client’s injury, timing and scope of intervention and projected outcomes. Here are two recent...
Videos Introducing the Gait Tracker App
A caregiver's hand holding a phone displaying the data of the E-Pacer scale on Rifton's gait tracker app.
  The TRAM and E-Pacer scales can connect with a phone or tablet via Bluetooth to display scale data on Rifton’s Gait Tracker app. Gait Tracker shows a running average of the weight  measured by the scale, and calculates average weight-bearing for a gait training session. A phone can also be mounted on the patient handgrip with a bicycle phone mount, making the scale visible to the client...
PT/OT Boxing and Balance Exercise April 25, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
rehab balance exercise
Although on the market for over five years, the TRAM continues to surprise us. Here are some great ideas for using the TRAM in rehab, focusing on balance support and activity, from Jamie Haines, PT, DScPT, NCS at Central Michigan University. High-Intensity Boxing This patient has Parkinson's disease, Stage III. He was afraid to participate in an exercise class until he used the Rifton TRAM. What a...
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...
Tips & Advice Using Slip Sheets to Position the TRAM Pelvic Support February 13, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
tram walking saddle transfer video
Therapists are always looking for ways to accomplish patient transfers as simply and quickly as possible without excessive repositioning of the patient. Today we’re sharing a great hack from Jamie Haines, PT, DScPT, NCS at Central Michigan University for getting the TRAM Pelvic Support, formerly called the walking saddle, in place under the client without the extra seated transfer.   .embed...
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.
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