How does the Sit-to-Stand Trainer differ from a lift or stander?
The NeuroGym® Sit-to-Stand Trainer is not a passive lift – it is not designed to passively transfer someone from sitting to standing. Passive transfers, while they may seem convenient, do not address the main problem – an inability to stand independently.
The Sit-to-Stand Trainer was developed to help people, even those who have not stood in years, to redevelop this crucial ability. It works on the basis of providing graduated support through a counter-weight mechanism. Bariatric patients, or someone who has not been able to stand in years, will require a higher counter weight when first attempting to stand. With practice, this counterweight is reduced so that the individual performs more and more of the work of standing on their own until no counterweight is needed. Because of the uniquely designed pulley mechanism, it is not difficult for a caregiver to assist someone in using the Sit-to-Stand Trainer.
Many of our residents can only be moved by mechanical lift. Is there any hope that they could re-learn the ability to stand, and if so, how long would that be expected to take?
The Sit-to-Stand Trainer was originally developed to assist in the rehabilitation of individuals with severe movement deficits associated with Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury. It was designed to make the re-learning of standing possible through enabling effective strengthening of the lower extremities and trunk while at the same time allowing for the re-development of the coordination needed to stand and sit back down. It was also designed to do this safely and with no danger to the caregiver who is assisting. Typically, within 4-6 weeks (three times per week) of sit-to-stand training on our Sit-to-Stand machine, individuals begin to see dramatic increases in lower extremity strength and may regain the ability to transfer themselves. We have seen individuals improve transfers enough to toilette themselves again. At very least they gain enough strength to make the transfer much easier for the caregiver. A recent research study (link to study abstract in j of neuro physiother) has been published by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, and further research studies are currently being planned.