Gait trainers are primarily used with children, but they can be used with a variety of ages. Gait trainers support a client in a standing position both to augment mobility and to provide dynamic weight-bearing. Gait trainers sometimes are considered a hybrid type of walker that just adds additional support. However our goals with a gait trainer can be very different when compared to a walker.
A walker is primarily designed to help a client get from point A to point B. Gait trainers are often used in addition to other mobility devices to meet specific therapy goals, and to develop ambulation skills. There are a lot of studies out there that support the use of weight-bearing with our clients as there are many advantages, from increased bone density, muscle strength, and bowel and bladder control. More recent research has shown that simply staying in a static stander, although helpful, is not nearly as efficient as some type of dynamic weight-bearing.
Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with over 38 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 19 years, where she currently focuses on education and consultation. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the co-editor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: a clinical resource guide (1st & 2nd eds). Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and a RESNA-certified ATP and SMS. She is also a member of the Clinician Task Force.
Related Courses
1https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/wheelchair-seating-for-pediatric-population-5907Wheelchair Seating For The Pediatric PopulationPediatric seating and mobility equipment are not simply smaller than equipment designed for adults. This course will present the importance of pediatric positioning, clinical considerations, how to determine if a child is positioned adequately, as well as alternative positioning. A detailed case study will pull all the information together in a practical way.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comWheelchair Seating For The Pediatric PopulationPediatric seating and mobility equipment are not simply smaller than equipment designed for adults. This course will present the importance of pediatric positioning, clinical considerations, how to determine if a child is positioned adequately, as well as alternative positioning. A detailed case study will pull all the information together in a practical way.5907OnlinePT120M
AOTA/0.2 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, 06533; CE Broker/2.0 General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-1002032; IACET/0.2; NBCOT PDUs/2.5 Advanced, Pediatrics; RESNA/0.2 Advanced
Pediatric seating and mobility equipment are not simply smaller than equipment designed for adults. This course will present the importance of pediatric positioning, clinical considerations, how to determine if a child is positioned adequately, as well as alternative positioning. A detailed case study will pull all the information together in a practical way.
2https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/computer-and-tablet-access-5140Computer and Tablet AccessThis course will present a hierarchy of computer and tablet access options for clients unable to use standard access, such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch screen. Access assessment requires analysis of motor skills, vision, cognition, and functional applications. Alternative keyboards and mice will be presented, as well as other alternative access options.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comComputer and Tablet AccessThis course will present a hierarchy of computer and tablet access options for clients unable to use standard access, such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch screen. Access assessment requires analysis of motor skills, vision, cognition, and functional applications. Alternative keyboards and mice will be presented, as well as other alternative access options.5140OnlinePT60M
AOTA/0.1 Intermediate, OT Service Delivery, 02186; CE Broker/1.0 Home Study, General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-800417; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Intermediate, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.1 Intermediate
This course will present a hierarchy of computer and tablet access options for clients unable to use standard access, such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch screen. Access assessment requires analysis of motor skills, vision, cognition, and functional applications. Alternative keyboards and mice will be presented, as well as other alternative access options.
3https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/switch-assessment-determining-optimal-type-5928Switch Assessment: Determining Optimal Switch Type And PlacementAn access method is used by the client to control assistive technology devices, such as power wheelchairs and speech generating devices. Single or multiple switches can be used for access, though careful switch assessment is required to determine optimal switch placement and switch type to meet an individual’s needs.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comSwitch Assessment: Determining Optimal Switch Type And PlacementAn access method is used by the client to control assistive technology devices, such as power wheelchairs and speech generating devices. Single or multiple switches can be used for access, though careful switch assessment is required to determine optimal switch placement and switch type to meet an individual’s needs.5928OnlinePT120M
'Very elaborate and detail oriented presentation!'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.2 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, 06648; CE Broker/2.0 General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-1041668; IACET/0.2; NBCOT PDUs/2.5 Advanced, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.2 Advanced
An access method is used by the client to control assistive technology devices, such as power wheelchairs and speech generating devices. Single or multiple switches can be used for access, though careful switch assessment is required to determine optimal switch placement and switch type to meet an individual’s needs.
4https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/manual-wheelchair-mobility-self-propulsion-5206Manual Wheelchair Mobility: Self-propulsionMost manual wheelchairs are designed for self-propulsion and fall into categories. This course will systematically explore each category with clinical indicators, as well as optimal frame configuration to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comManual Wheelchair Mobility: Self-propulsionMost manual wheelchairs are designed for self-propulsion and fall into categories. This course will systematically explore each category with clinical indicators, as well as optimal frame configuration to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury.5206OnlinePT60M
'I'm really enjoying expanding my knowledge on this topic'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.1 Introductory, OT Service Delivery, 02443; CE Broker/1.0 General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-845569; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Beginner, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.1 Introductory
Most manual wheelchairs are designed for self-propulsion and fall into categories. This course will systematically explore each category with clinical indicators, as well as optimal frame configuration to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury.
5https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/mounting-assistive-technology-to-wheelchairs-9569Mounting Assistive Technology to WheelchairsPeople who use wheelchairs may also use assistive technology such as speech-generating devices, computers, tablets, and smartphones. This session will present mounting options for each of these technologies to secure the device to the wheelchair for optimal visual regard, access, safety, and security.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comMounting Assistive Technology to WheelchairsPeople who use wheelchairs may also use assistive technology such as speech-generating devices, computers, tablets, and smartphones. This session will present mounting options for each of these technologies to secure the device to the wheelchair for optimal visual regard, access, safety, and security.9569OnlinePT60M
'great resource to share with our AT team'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.1 Intermediate, OT Service Delivery, 07536; CE Broker/1.0 General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-1090378; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Intermediate, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.1 Intermediate
People who use wheelchairs may also use assistive technology such as speech-generating devices, computers, tablets, and smartphones. This session will present mounting options for each of these technologies to secure the device to the wheelchair for optimal visual regard, access, safety, and security.
