Hip Flexion, Knee Flexion, and Contracture Management with the Rifton Stander
Welcome to our latest video on the Rifton Stander and its critical role in pediatric rehabilitation! In this video, we explore the benefits of early standing programs for children with disabilities, focusing on hip flexion, knee flexion, and contracture management.
Key Highlights:
Understanding the Importance: We dive into recent research, including a 2023 review by McLean, et al., emphasizing the importance of Weight-Bearing (WB) in reducing muscle stiffness in children with Cerebral Palsy, especially when started between 9- 18 months of age.
Optimal Standing Positions: Learn about the benefits of standing in hip extension and abduction, which help maintain hamstring and adductor range of motion in older non-ambulant children.
Recommended Regimen: Discover the optimal standing program – at least five days a week, for about 45 minutes each day, to address ROM and spasticity, contributing to increased muscle strength and preventing contractures.
Support for Hip Abduction: The new Rifton stander supports independent hip abduction up to 30°, enhancing abduction range of motion and muscle length, vital for overall hip joint development.
Join us as we highlight how the Rifton Stander can make a significant difference in promoting flexibility, preventing contractures, and fostering healthy development in children with disabilities.
Transcript
In the world of pediatric rehabilitation, the evidence supporting standing programs for range of motion and contracture management has been limited. However, recent research is shedding light on the potential benefits, especially when introduced at an early age. A 2023 review by McLean, et al. highlighted that weight bearing may play a crucial role in reducing muscle stiffness in young children with cerebral palsy when the intervention begins around 9-18 months, a critical period in their development.
Additional studies emphasize the significance of standing in specific positions. For example, standing in hip extension and abduction not only preserves range of motion but also proves beneficial for older non-ambulant children, helping them maintain hamstring and adductor range of motion through a standing program. Initial evidence strongly suggests that implementing a supported standing program for at least five days a week, approximately 45 minutes each day, is optimal for addressing range of motion and spasticity. This regimen, when deemed appropriate, may also contribute to increased muscle strength, further preventing loss of range of motion and the development of contractures.
Enter the Rifton Stander, a groundbreaking solution that accommodates children as small as 28 inches tall, the average height of an eight-month-old. This means children with disabilities can be positioned in standing during their early years of rapid development and growth, potentially reducing the risk of contractures.
The advanced leg support on larger sizes is designed to accommodate hip and knee flexion contractures, allowing adjustments from 0-45° of hip and knee flexion in both prone and supine positions. Over time, the goal is to reduce contractures and readjust to decrease flexion, promoting healthier joint development. The new Rifton Stander supports independent hip abduction up to 30°, addressing abduction range of motion and muscle length, crucial for supporting overall hip joint development.
The evidence is clear. Early standing programs, especially with innovative solutions like the Rifton Stander, can make a significant difference in promoting flexibility, preventing contractures, and fostering the healthy development of children with disabilities.
