Standing Aids: Options and Opportunities
By Garvey, Kim; PN: Paraplegia News, Vol. 55, No. 12, pp. 36-44Publication Date: December 2001
Article discussing reasons for considering standing devices, the basic types of standing devices, and provides contact information for 13 manufacturers. Physical and psychological factors are reasons to consider using a standing aid, as they give people greater options in social, employment, and recreational environments. Many therapists note a number of medical reasons why people should consider using a standing device: helping prevent leg-muscle atrophy, improving range of motion, circulation enhancements, reduced muscle spasms and contractions, maintenance of bone integrity, reduction of lower-extremity swelling, increases in endurance and strengthening of the body's cardiovascular system, prevention of pressure sores, assistance with kidney and bladder functions, and improvement of bowel function and regularity. The basic stander types are prone, supine, and vertical. Prone standers support the front of the body and lean users forward at varying angles to keep them upright. Supine standers support the back of the body, and have lateral supports to maintain symmetry, and front straps or pads for the feet, knees, and trunk. Vertical standers are good for users with fairly good balance and body-trunk control. The 13 manufacturers listed are: Falcon Rehabilitation Products, Inc., Independence Providers, Inc., Levo USA, Inc., Permobil, Inc., Redman Power Chair, Altimate Medical, Inc., DavisMade, Inc., Nestor Rehab Products, Prime Engineering, Rand-Scot, Inc., Stand-Aid of Iowa, Inc., Snug Seat, Inc., and TherAdapt Products, Inc.
Published by: PVA Publications (Website:http://www.pvamagazines.com)
Paralyzed Veterans of America (Web Site: http://www.pva.org )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J43521
