Standing frame

A standing frame (also known as a stand, stander, standing technology, standing aid, standing device, standing box, tilt table) is assistive technologyused by a child or adult who uses a wheelchairfor mobility. A standing frame provides alternative positioning to sitting in a wheelchair by supporting the person in the standing position. Standing frames are used for the health benefits, but also to increase independence, mobility, & self-esteem.

Image:EasyStand1.jpgImage:Stander Pediatric EasyStand.jpg

Types of Standing Devices/Function of Standing Devices

Common types of standers include: prone, supine, upright, sit to stand, strap stands, multi-positioning standers, and standing wheelchairs. Long leg bracesare also a standing device but not used often today.

• Passive (static) stander: A passive stander remains in one place, sometimes has casters but cannot be self-propelled.
• Dynamic (mobile) stander: User can self-propel a dynamic stander if they have the strength to push a manual wheelchair. Some standers are also available with powered mobility. Dyanmic standers encourage exploration of an area, which is especially beneficial for children.
• Active stander: An active stander creates reciprocal movement of the arms legs while standing. Promotes active range of motion of hips, knees, and ankles while strengthening the upper extremeties. Altimate Medical, based out of Morton, Minnesota, is the only company that makes an active stander (EasyStandGlider)

Diagnoses

Standers are used by people with mild to severe disabilitiesincluding: spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and more. In regards to spinal cord injury, it is most benefical for an individual to begin a standing program in rehab, and continue a standing program at home, for the greatest health benefits.

Spinal Cord Injury - Standers are used by people with both paraplegiaand quadriplegiasince a variety of support options are availble to accomodate for mild to severe disabilities. There are many secondary complications associated with prolonged immobility of people with SCI. It is very common for SCI rehabs to incorporate standing as part of their client's initial rehab program. However, to receive the long-term benefits of standing, a standing frame should also be prescribed for home use upon discharge from rehab. When therapists or physicians prescribe a stander with their client's initial equipment purchase (e.g. wheelchair,shower commode) they also increase the likelihood of their client obtaining funding.

Common Settings & Applications

Standing devices are used in a variety of settings including: In the home & workplace, Early Intervention Centers, Schools (Special EducationClasses or the inclusive classroom), adaptive physical education classes, Children's Hospitals & Therapy Centers, Rehabalition Facilities & Hospitals, Extended Care Units, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Centers & Group Homes, and Veterans' Hospitals.

Health Benefits

Individuals who use a wheelchair for mobility use a standing device to prevent secondary complications that often result from prolonged use of a wheelchair. Physicians & therapists recommend standing for these health benefits: Facilitate a natural symmetrical standing posture, develop and improve upper body balance & strength, improve range of motionin spine, hips, knees, and ankles, decrease abnormal muscle tone & reflexes (spasms, contractures), reduce pressure sores (decubitis) through changing positions, improve systemic functions (bladder, digestive, respiratory & circulatory), lessen progressive scoliosis& assist with skeletal development, stabilize and prevent loss of bone mineral density, alleviate pain caused by prolonged and/or inappropriate position, develop standing tolerance & endurance.

Funding & Documentation

Funding for standing equipment is achievable, but usually requires medical justification and a letter of medical necessity (a detailed prescription). Standers have been covered through state Medicaidprograms, private insurance (such as Blue Cross), worker's compensationprograms, vocational rehab, and Health Maintenance Organization(HMO's). Most states have resources such as PAAT (Protection Advocacy for Assistive Technology) and State Technology Assistance Porjects that are resources for consumers seeking funding or going through the appeals process.

External links

EasyStandstanding frames for kids and adults [1]

Families USA - The Voice of Healthcare for Consumers [2]

National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers - NRRTS [3]

Sources

Able Data Fact Sheet on Standing Aids, [4]

Altimate Medical Inc. Funding Guide to Standing Technology. Sixth Edition, 2005. [5]

Standing 101 Seminar & Workbook. SMART Seminars. 2005. [6]

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing+frame Wikipedia article Standing frame.