Being able to stand and the sensation of joint compression is quite rewarding for the person. A common schedule includes two sessions in the standing frame every day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. 30 minutes is the usual length of time that they can tolerate without becoming exhausted.
Standing Frame
Standing frames prevent falls associated with poor balance and bending knees. The person is aware of the frame and is generally grateful for the support.
Occasionally, the frame is perceived as a restraint and resistance to being transferred into the frame or requests to get out are clear. A refusal to enter the frame is a direct "NO" upon seeing the frame. A request to get out can be a direct "OUT" or shaking the frame. Refusals and requests to get out are honored. A refusal may be an indication that the person is functioning within ACL 2.2 or higher.
Upper Extremity Range of Motion
Exercises need to be done while they are in the standing frame to sustain their attention long enough to benefit from being there. Upper extremity range of motion (UE ROM) exercises can be imitated, but when head support is required, those exercises must be done while seated.
UE ROM exercises require hand-over-hand assistance. Movements in the horizontal plane require less head control than movements in the vertical plane, and are the starting place within ACL 2.0.
Slow, rhythmic, ROM movements usually sustain attention longer when accompanied by the beat of a drum or a metronome. The tempo that works the best usually matches their heart rate (50 to 60) or a little faster. They often need physical guidance to initiate and sustain repetitions, and most people will need physical guidance to complete a full range of motion.
Upper Extremity Range of Motion Exercises
Exercises need to be done while they are in the standing frame to sustain their attention long enough to benefit from being there. Upper extremity range of motion (UE ROM) exercises can be imitated, but when head support is required, those exercises must be done while seated.
UE ROM exercises require hand-over-hand assistance. Movements in the horizontal plane require less head control than movements in the vertical plane, and are the starting place within ACL 2.0.
Slow, rhythmic, ROM movements usually sustain attention longer when accompanied by the beat of a drum or a metronome. The tempo that works the best usually matches their heart rate (50 to 60) or a little faster. They often need physical guidance to initiate and sustain repetitions, and most people will need physical guidance to complete a full range of motion.