Picking the right stander for your child can be overwhelming, but it's crucial to ensure they are comfortable and reaching their therapy goals. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Mobility and weight bearing: The first thing to consider is the child's level of mobility and how much weight they can bear. This will determine the type of stander that is best suited for them, such as a prone stander, supine stander, abduction stander or upright stander.
Comfort and ease of use: Look for standers with adjustable features and make sure it's easy for your child to get in and out of.
Therapy goals: Consider how the stander will help your child improve balance, strengthen legs and increase range of motion.
Durability and ease of cleaning: Make sure the stander is durable and easy to clean for frequent use.
Adjustability for growth: The stander should grow with your child and adapt to their changing needs over time.
Brand and Quality: Research the brand and quality of the stander, and check the warranty and reviews.
Cost-benefit analysis and longevity: Consider the cost-benefit analysis and longevity of the stander to ensure it will last as long as it needs to and will be cost-effective over time
Daily adjustments: Make daily adjustments to the stander as per the child's comfort and to achieve therapy goals.
Supine stander
A supine stander, also known as a reclined stander, is a type of standing frame that positions a child in a reclined position, which is facing upwards. This position is useful for children who have limited head and trunk control, and is generally more comfortable for them. Supine standers can provide a variety of therapeutic benefits such as:
Improving upper body strength and coordination: The child is supported in a position that allows them to use their arms and shoulders to push themselves up and engage in weight bearing activities.
Improving respiratory function: The reclined position can help to open up the chest and lungs, which can be beneficial for children who have difficulty with breathing.
Improving digestion and bowel function: This position can help to alleviate constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
Promoting visual awareness: The child is positioned in a way that allows them to view their surroundings and engage in social interactions.
Providing opportunities for learning and play: Children can be positioned in a way that allows them to access learning materials and toys.
Prone Stander
A prone stander is a type of standing device that positions the child in a face-down position, with the child's trunk and legs supported in a weight-bearing position. This type of stander is often chosen for children with good head and trunk control, as it allows them to use their arms and upper body to support themselves and engage in activities such as reaching and grasping.
One of the main advantages of a prone stander is that it allows for weight-bearing through the legs and can help improve bone density and muscle strength in the legs. It also encourages children to use their arms and upper body, which can help improve their overall strength and coordination. Additionally, it allows children to experience a more upright position which can increase their visual field and social interactions.
Also prone stander is more suitable for children who have good head control and who can bear weight on their legs and arms. This type of stander is often used to improve balance, core strength, and upper body function as well as to increase independence in activities of daily living.
In conclusion, if you want to improve your child's bone density, muscle strength, balance, core strength, upper body function and increase their independence in daily activities, a prone stander is the right choice for you.
Abduction Stander
An abduction stander is a type of standing device that is designed to position the child's legs in an abducted (spread apart) position. This type of stander is often chosen for children with cerebral palsy or other conditions that affect muscle tone and movement in the legs, such as spasticity or contractures.
One of the main advantages of an abduction stander is that it helps to stretch and lengthen the muscles in the legs, which can help to reduce spasticity and improve range of motion. This can be particularly beneficial for children who have tightness or contractures in the hips or knees. The abduction stander also provides children with a weight bearing and support to the trunk, which can help to improve balance and core strength.
Another advantage of the abduction stander is that it allows for easy access to the child's legs for stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and other therapeutic interventions. This can be especially helpful for children who have difficulty with these types of activities when lying flat or sitting in a wheelchair.
In summary, an abduction stander is a great option for children with cerebral palsy or other conditions that affect muscle tone and movement in the legs, as it can help to stretch and lengthen the muscles, reduce spasticity, and improve range of motion, balance and core strength. It is also an easy way to access the child's legs for therapeutic interventions.
Upright Stander
An upright stander is typically chosen for children who have good head control, have developed trunk control, and have the ability to bear weight on their legs. This type of stander allows children to stand in a more natural position, which can help them to improve their balance, strengthen their legs and core muscles, and increase their range of motion. An upright stander can also help to improve the child's posture and overall physical development. Additionally, an upright stander allows a child to interact with the environment at eye level, which can be beneficial for their social and cognitive development. It also helps in building self-esteem and self-confidence. Overall, an upright stander is a great choice for children who are ready to take on more weight bearing and are able to actively engage with their surroundings.
In conclusion, picking the right stander for your child is crucial to ensure they are comfortable and reaching their therapy goals. The type of stander to choose depends on the child's level of mobility and weight bearing capacity. Supine standers are suitable for children with limited head and trunk control, prone standers are good for children with good head control who can bear weight on their legs and arms, abduction standers are ideal for children with cerebral palsy or other conditions that affect muscle tone and movement in the legs, and upright standers are suitable for children who have good head control, developed trunk control, and the ability to bear weight on their legs. Each type of stander has its own advantages and benefits, so it's important to consider the child's specific needs and therapy goals when making a decision. Additionally, it's important to consider the stander's adjustability, durability, ease of cleaning and cost-benefit analysis for long-term use.
A 3-in-1 stander such as the Leckey Mygo Stander is a versatile standing device that provides infinite positioning options for children to stand with confidence. It accommodates hip, knee and ankle contractures through its adjustability and promotes a more upright posture. It is designed to improve upper limb function and increase a child's activity and independence. The stander is modular and can be tailored to a child's specific needs and evolve as their needs change. It also has a range of options and accessories for an individualised fit.
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