The Benefits of Standers for Improved Health and Development
Struggling with limited mobility? Standers, a type of adaptive equipment, are designed to help individuals who have difficulty standing independently experience the numerous benefits of weight-bearing upright positions.
Here's why standers are essential for improved health and development: Adaptive equipment can be described as any tool, device, or machine that is used to help or aid in any task associated with daily living. Adaptive equipment is essential for those individuals who may not be able to independently experience positions such as standing or walking, that are essential to proper bone and muscle development. There are several different types and brands of equipment that can be purchased to give that independence.
In this blog series, we'll delve into the world of adaptive equipment, focusing on standers first. Unlocking a world of health benefits with standers:
Standers offer a multitude of incredible benefits for overall health and development. Here's how standers can make a significant difference:
Stronger Bones and Muscles: Standing promotes weight-bearing, which is crucial for maintaining bone density and strengthening muscles, especially in the trunk and lower extremities. This helps prevent osteoporosis and improves overall physical function.
Improved Circulation and Reduced Swelling: Standers encourage healthy blood flow throughout the body, which reduces swelling and improves circulation, especially in the legs and feet. This can alleviate discomfort and promote overall cardiovascular health.
Enhanced Digestion and Elimination: Upright positioning with standers can improve bowel and bladder function, leading to better regularity and digestive health.
Increased Range of Motion and Reduced Contractures: Standers help maintain and improve joint flexibility by preventing contractures (tightening) in the hips, knees, and ankles. This keeps joints mobile and reduces pain.
Pressure Relief and Ulcer Prevention: Sitting for prolonged periods can increase the risk of pressure ulcers. Standers provide pressure relief by promoting weight distribution and reducing pressure points, especially for individuals who are wheelchair-dependent.
Beyond Limits: How Adaptive Equipment Empowers Independence
We'll explore three key categories of adaptive equipment:
Standers: Enabling upright positioning for improved health and development.
Walkers: Providing stability and support for safe ambulation.
Gait Trainers: Facilitating a natural walking gait and promoting mobility.
By diving deeper into each category, you'll discover how adaptive equipment can help you or your loved one:
Regain independence and confidence
Improve physical health and function
Enhance participation in daily activities
Let’s explore the specifics of each equipment type and unlock the possibilities for a more empowered and fulfilling life!
Prone Stander
Supine stander
The Power of Standing: Exploring Different Types of Standers for Children
Standing upright isn't just about physical benefits – it plays a crucial role in a child's social, emotional, and psychological development. Interacting with peers at eye level fosters confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. Standers are therapeutic tools designed to help children achieve this important milestone.
But with so many stander options available, how do you choose the right one? Let's explore three main types:
Prone Standers: Ideal for children with good head and neck control, fair trunk strength, and full hip range of motion. These standers provide support at the front of the body and often have adjustable angles for gradual upright positioning. Some even come with tray tables for activities.
Supine Standers: These standers offer support at the back of the body, making them suitable for children with weaker trunk and neck muscles or limitations in hip, knee, or ankle movement. Similar to prone standers, they are adjustable to slowly increase upright tolerance.
Sit-to-Stand Standers: Perfect for children with good upper body strength who can tolerate a fully upright position. These standers allow for gradual weight-bearing as the child transitions from sitting to standing, often using a pump or motorized switch. They are typically smaller and more practical for home or school environments.
Choosing the right stander depends on a child's individual needs and capabilities. Consulting with a therapist is essential to ensure a safe and effective fit.
Rifton Size 1 Stander (S410) in Prone and Supine configuration
Walkers: Finding Stability and Confidence on the Move
Standers are a fantastic tool for promoting weight-bearing and development, but what about those who need assistance with taking steps? Walkers come into play as a crucial aid for individuals who require some extra support and stability while walking.
Beyond just stability, walkers offer a multitude of benefits:
Increased Mobility and Independence: Walkers empower individuals to navigate their surroundings more confidently, fostering a sense of freedom and independence.
Improved Balance and Gait: Walkers provide a secure base, allowing users to focus on proper walking mechanics and balance techniques. This can lead to improved gait patterns and overall walking efficiency.
Reduced Fall Risk: The additional support structure of a walker significantly reduces the risk of falls, promoting safety and confidence during ambulation.
Pain Management: For individuals experiencing pain or weakness in their legs, walkers can help alleviate pressure and discomfort, making walking a more manageable activity.
Walkers come in various configurations to suit different needs for the pediatric population:
Forward walkers: Forward rolling walkers are what you think of when you think of a walker. These are designed so the child pushes the walker in front of them and can push down on the walker to reduce pressure on their legs and walk around. These walkers can also be helpful to balance during static standing activities as well as during transfers such as sit to stand transfers.
Posterior rolling walkers: Posterior rolling walker is specifically designed in order to allow for improved upright posture. At times, use of a forward walker can result in increased trunk flexion and forward leaning posture. A posterior walker allows for greater trunk extension, yet still provides the support that is needed in order to walk.
Most forward facing and posterior walkers, all come with several different types of accessories such as seats, breaks on wheels, platform arm attachments for those kids who have a hard time gripping, and pelvis/turnk support, to name a few.
Choosing the right walker depends on individual needs and abilities. A healthcare professional can help assess your specific requirements and recommend the most suitable walker type.
Gait Trainers: Taking Steps Toward a Natural Gait
Walkers provide excellent support and stability for individuals who need assistance while walking. Gait trainers, although similar to walkers, provide additional support and facilitate a more controlled gait pattern.
Gait trainers offer a unique level of support that goes beyond walkers:
Facilitating Natural Gait: Unlike walkers, gait trainers are designed to encourage a more natural walking motion with the variety of accessories that can be added.
Improved Coordination and Balance: Gait trainers can help individuals improve their coordination and balance skills, leading to more confident and efficient walking. They can provide more custom additional support allowing for those children with even the more complex balance impairments, get up and walk.
Enhanced Strength and Endurance: By actively participating in the walking process with a gait trainer in the correct alignment, individuals can build strength and endurance in their legs with correct posture.
Reduced Reliance on Assistance: As gait training progresses, individuals may gradually rely less on the supportive structure, fostering independence in ambulation.
Gait trainers come in various styles to cater to diverse needs. Choosing the right gait trainer requires a professional assessment. A therapist can evaluate your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate trainer type to help you achieve your walking goals.
(pic from Rifton website)
Do you have questions about how standers, walkers, or gait trainers can benefit your child? Contact us for a personalized consultation.
FAQs
What is adaptive equipment?
A: Adaptive equipment is any tool, device, or machine designed to help individuals with mobility limitations perform daily activities.
How do I know which piece of equipment is right for me?
A: Consulting with a professional, physical therapist, or occupational therapist is crucial. They can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable equipment.
What are the benefits of using a stander?
A: Standers offer numerous benefits, including improved bone and muscle development, enhanced circulation and digestion, reduced pressure ulcers, and increased social interaction.
Who can benefit from using a walker?
A: Walkers are helpful for individuals who need extra support and stability while walking due to weakness, balance issues, or pain.
Are gait trainers adjustable?
A: Yes, many gait trainers are adjustable to accommodate different heights and provide varying levels of support with use of accessories to add to the base of the gait trainer. Such accessories can include: trunk support, forearm support, pelvic support from a harness, larger more heavy duty wheels for outside use, etc.