Standing is an integral part of many developmentally disabled children's rehabilitation. Standing provides an alternative for positioning and pressure relief for those who use wheelchairs.
The Benefits of Standers
Improved bowel and bladder function
Enhanced respiratory function
Increased endurance
Reduction of pressure ulcers
Prevention of lower extremity contractures
Lower extremity weight bearing improves and maintains bone density
Improvement of circulation
Strengthening of cardiovascular system
Facilitates development of appropriate alignment of the spine, hips, knees and ankles
Improves social interaction ad self esteem
There are several types of standers that are generally used. Supine standers are considered an introduction to weight bearing and are used by patients who are lacking head control. They provide support on the posterior service of the user and incremental weight bearing is tolerated. Prone standers are used when a patient has better head control, for strengthening extensors and as a functional position for play and upper extremity use. Vertical standers are static and support the patient in an erect position. They are the best for maintaining bone density, assisting what bladder and bowel function and introducing full weight bearing.
