What is a Standing Frame?

What Is a Standing Frame?

A standing frame is a piece of equipment designed to support your child in an upright position, enabling them to weight bear through their lower limbs. It is a highly specialised piece of equipment that can be modified to meet a variety of postural needs. 

Benefits of Standing Frames

Participating in standing has a number of physical, social and cognitive benefits. These include: 

• Different perspective: Being upright gives a new view of the world.

• Promote exploration of the environment: Standing gives access to new environments and activities. Enjoy cooking, crafts, or games at table height.

• Communication at eye level: Standing lets you talk to people face-to-face. This will promote connection and friendships. 

• Bone mineral density: Standing helps build bone strength and prevent fractures.

• Hip stability: It supports optimal hip alignment, making standing more comfortable.

• Respiratory function: Being upright promotes lung function and airway clearance 

• Pain management: Changing positions can reduce pressure and discomfort.

• Support digestive health: Standing helps with digestion and bowel movements.

• Boost alertness and cognitive function: Standing can help you feel more alert and focused.

  
  

Types of Standing Frames

• Supine Stander: Supports the individual from the back, ideal for those needing full-body support.

• Prone Stander: Provides support from the front, encouraging active engagement and weight-bearing.

• Sit-to-Stand Frames: Help transition between sitting and standing smoothly, offering versatility and ease of use.

  
  

How to Select a Standing Frame

A thorough assessment including postural assessment and indepth discussion with the child and family will help to determine your needs when selecting a standing frame.  It is recommended that you trial a number of options to select the most appropriate device for you. Once a suitable option has been selected, your physiotherapist will submit an AT application to the NDIS. 

Tips for Success

Participation in standing should be an enjoyable experience. If standing is not meaningful to you or your child please speak with your therapy team about your options. 

• Make standing fun: Participate in meaningful activities like cooking, art, or playing games while standing.

• Routine based activity: Imbed standing into your daily routine

  
  

The Current Evidence on Dosage

Pagleg, 2013 suggests standing for 30-90 minutes, 5 times a week can help with bone mineral density, range of motion, spasticity and hip stability. However, everyone is different, so work with your therapy team to find the best plan for you.

Children engaged in creative activities while supported by standing frames.