Choosing the correct stander

Static standing frames are available in two configurations:

• Supine standers
• Prone standers
• Hybrid standers

Supine standers

Supine standers are those in which the child or young person is lifted or hoisted into lying on their backs. The stander is then adjusted to an appropriately more upright posture, depending on the individual’s ability. Supine standers are best for those who lack antigravity strength in the
upper trunk and neck. They can also provide a useful change of posture for those with significant hip and knee pain. While the full posterior support is useful for those with poor head and trunk control.

Prone standers

Prone standers are those in which the child or young person is tilted slightly forward. Prone standers provide anterior support requiring adequate head control in the first instance.
However, this posture is used to encourage head control, strengthen the upper trunk and shoulder girdle and inhibit extensor tone. The further the angle from upright, the less the weight bearing advantages of standing.

Hybrid standers

Hybrid standers are designed to replicate the supine and prone standers. Hybrid standers are multi and single position standers were designed to fit the widest range of children and accommodate positioning challenges few others can. Each standing frame can be configured using a wide array of accessories based on the needs of the user, the natural standing posture as far as possible.

Regardless of the stander style, the most important element is the achievement of desirable postural alignment.

What is the best angle for standing?

The more upright a person can tolerate standing, the greater the load bearing through the feet and therefore the greater the impact of the benefits of standing. There is a strong correlation between the inclination of the stander and the percentage body weight transferred and there is
often large differences between right and left weight-bearing measures in the same person.