Rifton Dynamic Stander


Everyday life, for those confined to a wheelchair, presents a multitude of challenges. Some of the more obvious challenges include limited mobility, inability to climb stairs, difficulty using public transportation, inability to operate a wheelchair on challenging terrain and difficulty getting into public buildings. One aspect of life in a wheelchair that may not occur to able-bodied people is that those confined to a wheelchair are rarely able to face anyone at eye-level. While this may seem minor in comparison to the other obstacles faced by wheelchair-bound people, the fact remains that face-to-face contact is critical for an individual's social, emotional and psychological well-being. The ability to face and interact with peers at their own level is particularly critical in children, whose self-esteem is being formed in early years.
 
Until recently, children with traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular conditions have had to spend most of their time confined to a wheelchair. Advancements in assistive technology in recent years, such as standing devices, allow those who could previously only see the world from a sitting position to enjoy the many benefits of being able to maintain an upright posture.

The Rifton Dynamic Stander  offered by Rehabmart gives wheelchair-bound children the invaluable ability to stand in an upright and mobile position so they can interact with their peers and explore the world around them. The Rifton Dynamic Stander is a fully-adjustable standing aid created for children ranging from 30 to 60 inches tall. The device has a special soft antimicrobial strapping system with contoured body support and flexible positioning. The child stands on a platform supported by two rear casters and one front caster. The optional large hand-propelled wheels on either side of the body board allow children to propel themselves from an upright position which gives them freedom to move about with their playmates. For times when a child wants to participate in a craft or other stationary activity, the Dynamic Stander's wheels pop off so the child can roll right up to a table or counter. An adult version of the Dynamic Stander is also available.
  
                      From library.rehabmart.com               From library.rehabmart.com
            
Besides allowing children to interact with their peers and helping to build self-esteem and social skills, some of the most important benefits of the Rifton Dynamic Stander are therapeutic. Prolonged positioning in a wheelchair causes contractures at hips and knees that can result in the need for corrective surgeries and increased therapy. Positioning hips and knees in an upright position helps prevent contractures over time. The upright standing position also improves respiration, digestion, circulation, bowel/bladder function and bone development. Many wheelchair-dependent children have shown improved head and trunk control and weight-bearing ability with daily standing practice. Standing has also been helpful in strengthening the muscles of the upper torso and benefits fine motor and self-help skills. It has also been beneficial in diminishing the progression of scoliosis.

The Rifton Dynamic Stander comes with a variety of special add-on features such as arm prompts, knee straps, soft fleecy neck support straps, adjustable seat pads, sandals and wedges to provide extra support and stability. An optional communication tray, secured to the Dynamic Stander with a special mounting bracket, can hold small objects or activities for easy access.

Being able to look a friend or classmate in the eye helps develop critical social and communication skills for all children. Now with the advent of products such as the Rifton Dynamic Stander,  kids with limited mobility have an equal chance to develop and nurture these skills while reaping multiple therapeutic benefits at the same time. Hopefully, as face-to-face interactions between disabled kids and their peers increase, able-bodied children will be able to look beyond wheelchairs and other assistive devices and will see their classmates as the unique and special individuals that they are inside.
 
To view more information on Rifton Standers, click here: Rifton Standing Frame.

To view more information on Standers or Standing Frames, click here: Pediatric Standers, Standing Frames and Systems  
 
 
 
Rachel Huber, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
RehabMart Team Leader & CEO