Understanding Mobile Standers

Maintaining mobility, independence and social interaction is essential in children’s development, which is why young people with complex needs must receive the right level of support from an early age. Mobile standers are assistive devices that provide the indispensable benefits of standing while also encouraging movement and exploration of environments in a safe approach. For many users, this creates an opportunity to be in an upright position for longer periods of time as they have the choice to become active participants in each scenario.

What are Mobile Standers and Why Use Them?

Mobile standers provide the same benefits as other supportive standing devices, but with additional mobility capabilities, either through self-propulsion similar to a wheelchair or by operating a joystick.

These standing frames integrate wheels that are designed for traversability, with many frames allowing the large wheels to be removed to accommodate condensed spaces. By creating the opportunity for children to become active participants in their movement, their curiosity often naturally increases and therefore encourages exploration and approaching new situations with ease. Introducing larger wheels also assists with outdoor play and contributes to daily standing time with engaging stimulation.

With a further understanding of early intervention and development, mobile standers are designed to support users from infancy to maximise early neuroplasticity. They can greatly enhance upright movement for users with some or full upper body and hand control. Mobile standers can accommodate individuals of varying weight-bearing capabilities, supporting prone or supine positions depending on the child’s physical needs and ability.

The Core Benefits

• Encourages active participation
• Enhances cardiovascular systems through physical activity
• Offers freedom of exploration and interaction
• Supports the development of motor skills and postural control
• Many standers are customisable and have great manoeuvrability

Why Is Dynamic Standing Important?

Standing is a necessary factor to help with the assistance of physiological functions, promoting vital core benefits, including:

• Improved bone density
• Prolongs stretch for tight muscles at the hips, knees and ankles
• Develops cardiovascular circulation
• Enhances pulmonary and digestive function
• Enables eye-level social interaction with peers, parents and carers
• Protects skin integrity by encouraging repositioning out of a wheelchair
• Reduces spasticity

Mobile standers add the additional advantage of active participation through dynamic movement, allowing individuals to gain valuable independence where possible. Building upon the existing benefits, mobile standers help deter sedentary behaviour, establish body awareness and increase stability through balance and weight-shifting in situations where users can propel themselves and join in with activities. Over time, it has shown that some children may be able to bear their own weight without a stander and partake in dynamic gait training.

Considerations When Choosing a Mobile Stander

When deciding upon the right children’s standing frame, it’s integral to understand the user’s needs and undertake a thorough assessment carried out by a healthcare professional. The correct model should accommodate the existing and long-term goals of a user.

Physical Ability

Understand if the user can self-propel or if they require caregiver assistance. It’s important to consider the level of support needed by the user and the additional accessories that may be integrated. If assistance is required, can the user gradually work to independent self-propulsion with practice and modifications? Practice and time may be needed.

Environment

Mobile standers with large wheels may not always be suitable for narrower or busy environments, but they can shine in large classrooms and outdoors. Choosing the appropriate stander for the child’s environment opens up the scope for greater accessibility.

Adjustability

Understand if the stander accommodates varying growth cycles and needs of the user through adjustable height, width and additional components.

Motivation

Many children are eager to experience movement and explore their surroundings, mobile standers can provide the ability to participate freely and develop valuable confidence. Being mobile can make standing so much more fun!

Hear Their Stories

Alice’s Story – Set to take on a Parkrun thanks to specialist postural support equipment. Read More

Maise’s Story – How the Vision table has allowed Maise to enjoy school. Read More 

Enhance Freedom of Movement with Mobile Standers

Mobile standers provide the additional opportunity for children to learn, grow and move alongside peers of their own free will, whilst also supporting physiological and cognitive development. At Jiraffe, we take the time to understand and provide thorough care for our clients, ensuring functionality with carers and physiotherapists in mind.

We actively encourage demonstrations and offer professional guidance to help you find the stander that meets all the unique needs of each user. Our standers offer a range of optional accessories in order to provide tailored support based on client assessments, so each user ultimately achieves a high calibre of care.

To discover the full advantages of Jiraffe by Jenx standing frames or the Rifton mobile stander, book a demo or contact a member of our team today.