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, ATP/SMS
Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with over 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. 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. She is the former NRRTS Continuing Education Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Editor of NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. Michelle is a RESNA certified ATP and SMS.
Related Courses
1https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/continued-conversations-ce-podcast-top-4610Continued Conversations, The CE Podcast: The Top Ten Mistakes Clinicians Make During Seating and Mobility EvaluationsThis podcast will be a conversation about common mistakes made during wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations. The discussion will give you new ideas to improve the evaluation process!auditory129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comContinued Conversations, The CE Podcast: The Top Ten Mistakes Clinicians Make During Seating and Mobility EvaluationsThis podcast will be a conversation about common mistakes made during wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations. The discussion will give you new ideas to improve the evaluation process!4610OnlinePT60M
AOTA/0.1 Introductory, OT Service Delivery; 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 #20-769118; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Beginner, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.1 Introductory
This podcast will be a conversation about common mistakes made during wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations. The discussion will give you new ideas to improve the evaluation process!
2https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/wheelchair-mobility-power-alternative-driving-4363Wheelchair Mobility: Power Wheelchair Alternative Driving MethodsWhile some clients require a power wheelchair to achieve independent mobility, not all will be able to use a standard joystick. Clients with paralysis, muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, and uncontrolled movements can often drive a power wheelchair successfully when matched to the most appropriate alternative driving method. This course will systematically explore various alternative driving methods, including specific features, to match these complex client needs. Case studies will be used throughout.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comWheelchair Mobility: Power Wheelchair Alternative Driving MethodsWhile some clients require a power wheelchair to achieve independent mobility, not all will be able to use a standard joystick. Clients with paralysis, muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, and uncontrolled movements can often drive a power wheelchair successfully when matched to the most appropriate alternative driving method. This course will systematically explore various alternative driving methods, including specific features, to match these complex client needs. Case studies will be used throughout.4363OnlinePT120M
'Did demonstrates the wide array of options available for people trying to use power wheelchairs'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.2 Advanced, OT Service Delivery; CE Broker/2.0 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 #20-746906; IACET/0.2; NBCOT PDUs/2.5 Advanced, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.2 Advanced
While some clients require a power wheelchair to achieve independent mobility, not all will be able to use a standard joystick. Clients with paralysis, muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, and uncontrolled movements can often drive a power wheelchair successfully when matched to the most appropriate alternative driving method. This course will systematically explore various alternative driving methods, including specific features, to match these complex client needs. Case studies will be used throughout.
3https://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
'The assessment tool is very helpful for evaluating seating in the school population'Read Reviews
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.
4https://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
'Michelle is a fabulous presenter, not speaking too fast, and is very calm and to the point'Read Reviews
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.
5https://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 detailed and informative course!'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.
