Standing Frames

• helps to strengthen the bones in the legs
• encourages good position of the hip joint, so reducing the risk of dislocation
• helps to keep the spine straight and strengthens the back muscles
• helps to minimise the risk of deformities to the spine, hips, knees and ankles
• stretches muscles in legs and spine
• can improve muscle strength
• allows a change of position which relieves pressure on the skin and internal organs
• encourages head control
• improves kidney and bladder function
• improves hand function
• can provide a good position for eating and drinking
• alternative play position
• enables child to be same height as friends allowing better interaction

These will not be relevant for all children and should be discussed with your therapist on an individual basis.

• your child should wear appropriate footwear as advised by your Physiotherapist
• your Physiotherapist will show you how to help your child into their standing frame
• place the child's feet onto the foot plates
• fasten the Velcro straps securely
• make sure that the stitched cross on the hip strap is facing the child
• place the hip strap around the child's hips
• make sure the longer straps are loose and free
• slowly stand the child up
• if possible, have someone else in front to guide the child's arms on the tray
• supporting the child at their pelvis
• apply the Velcro hip strap onto the frame and secure with the clip
• finally secure the chest strap

• look at the child's position from the front, side and back
• look at foot, knee, hip, shoulder and head position.
• the child should be well supported in the frame and look relatively straight
• make sure that the child is showing no signs of discomfort
• there should be a 3 finder space between the chest strap and the child's armpit look from the front and behind
• check that the child's hips are level and not rotated (turned or pulled more to one side) knees should be facing forward and be comfortable
• feet should be facing forwards

Do not think of the standing frame as an activity. Instead think about ways to play with your child in the standing frame.

• baking
• water play
• washing up
• drawing painting
• playing with toys
• sharing a book

• light headedness/dizziness
• unexpected colour changes
• pressure marks (particularly around the knees/shins) that do not disappear after 20 minutes out of the standing frame
• pain
• colour change
• sickness

If you notice any of the above please remove the child from the frame and inform their Physiotherapist before using it again.