Make a verticalizer with your own hands

Rehabilitation of disabled children with cerebral palsy must be carried out from birth. Once they reach the age of seven to eight months, when ordinary children make their first attempts to stand up and walk, special devices and devices can be used to rehabilitate children with cerebral palsy, for example, a verticalizer for children. Subsequently, when the child acquires certain motor skills, the parapodium can be used. Features of using these devices, their types and functionality are described below. We’ll also tell you how to make a simple home verticalizer from scrap materials with your own hands.

How to make a verticalizer for children with cerebral palsy with your own hands

Hello everyone! I know that this is an automotive portal, and this post is far from automotive topics, but I decided to publish it, since a similar problem exists and is relevant for someone.
Perhaps it will help someone. Well, no, no. So. Our son needed a technical means of rehabilitation - a verticalizer. Naturally, you need to buy it at your own expense. The prices for verticalizers are very interesting :). I looked on the Internet, including records of users of this portal, and decided to do it myself.

For several reasons: factory expensive; they are made by people just like us; It became interesting. The material chosen was 10 mm thick plywood.

It is sufficient for the weight of a child with a large margin, and it is easier to work with than a thicker one, and in terms of the price/required safety margin ratio, it is the best option. All sizes were taken and made, as they say, “by eye.”

Son in the factory verticalizer

Three blocks that move in height: the lowest one is a support for the knees, then there is support for the child’s pelvis and the top one is a chest attachment.

The girth for the chest - the upper part - took something ready-made, a pillow with a belt, it was from some other exercise machine.

Knee support (lowest block). Adjustable in height and forward reach.

Brackets for the middle block - pelvic support. It should be adjustable both in height and width, this is done at the factory, it was decided to do the same on ours.

And now the pelvic support is ready and a cut has been made for the foot clamp...

Almost ready, all that remains is to cover it with fabric and make inserts from dense foam rubber...

Well, the finish line. 3cm foam rubber for knee support and pelvic support, all in fabric covers. On the blocks themselves there is 1 cm foam rubber, dense and also in fabric covers.

If anyone is interested, I will answer any questions. Good luck to all!

Do-it-yourself verticalizer: simulator diagram

How to choose

There is a wide variety of verticalizers that differ from each other in functionality, design and price. The simplest ones in terms of functionality, for example, a verticalizer table, provide a smooth rise from a horizontal to a vertical position.

In appearance, they resemble a table that can be used for massage. A verticalizer table is suitable for traction of the spine, which is necessary in a number of cases.

It is equipped with various accessories, including a removable adjustable table that allows you to place various objects on it.

More complex designs provide for a variety of different adjustments that provide comfortable fixation for a disabled child with cerebral palsy and give the body different orientations in space.

This helps the development and proper functioning of the vestibular apparatus in a disabled person with cerebral palsy, promotes normal blood circulation, and eliminates the formation of bedsores, which cannot be avoided with a constant lying position. The child acquires basic motor skills and learns to use objects while in an upright position.

But, most importantly, these devices contribute to the social adaptation of a patient with cerebral palsy. The baby gains, although limited, freedom of movement, has the opportunity to play using toys and a table, and eat food independently.

Let's consider several popular models. We can mention the Squiggles verticalizer, Shifu Ocean verticalizer, Kitten 2 verticalizer, R82 Gazelle, Dino verticalizer, X-tend.

The Shifu Ocean verticalizer is a combined type device that allows you to fix a disabled child with cerebral palsy with emphasis on the back or stomach. Has height adjustment of the headrest. The soft orthopedic base and the presence of several stages of adjustment in the pelvic and leg clamps ensure comfortable placement of a child with cerebral palsy.

The Shifu Ocean verticalizer is equipped with a removable table that can be placed in front or behind the device. The table is equipped with several adjustments, which allows you to adapt it to perform different tasks.

This useful device is available in three sizes, depending on the height of the baby. The Dino verticalizer provides reliable and comfortable fixation of a disabled child with cerebral palsy in three main positions: lying, sitting and standing.

It is made of environmentally friendly material (wood) and has several stages of adjustment, allowing you to give the child’s body the required position.

The headrest is adjustable in height and width, providing head support if the baby does not hold his head well.

The R82 Gazelle model is a device that can be used for posterior or anterior fixation (with emphasis on the back or abdomen) of a disabled child with cerebral palsy. Equipped with an adjustable table. The advantage of this R82 Gazelle model is that it can be easily folded, which makes transportation and storage easier.

The R82 Gazelle model is available in three sizes, which allows you to take into account the height and age of the baby.

Another interesting model is the X-tend. It is produced by the Italian company Fumagalli. Its peculiarity is the presence of a leg abduction function, which ensures the correct location of the femoral head in the hip joint.

Precise and numerous adjustments of the X-tend model ensure that this device adapts to the changing needs of the child. This model is available in two sizes. The first size is suitable for children from two to eight years old, the second from seven to fourteen.

Unfortunately, this model does not come with a table and must be purchased separately.

All of the models mentioned have wheels that make them easy to move indoors. To do this, it is necessary to remove from the floor all objects that impede movement (rugs, rugs, etc.). When choosing a device, you need to make sure that its dimensions do not exceed the width of the doorway and that it can move freely everywhere.

The main criterion that parents must follow before purchasing any device model is the doctor’s recommendations. Only he will tell you what type the model should be and what functions it should have.

Video “Formation of a vertical posture”

What types are there

Based on their functional features, the following groups of devices can be distinguished:

The first type does not imply independent movement of a patient with cerebral palsy, for example, a vertical table and the above-mentioned device models. They usually have orthopedic lining, which ensures comfortable placement of the child in various positions. The existing wheels ensure that the devices can only be moved with assistance from others, for example, parents or a nanny.

To better adapt a sick baby to the device, some models are stylized to resemble animals, for example, cats, dogs, dinosaurs. This gives the patient’s rehabilitation an element of play and contributes to better social adaptation.

The dynamic verticalizer gives the child the opportunity to move around. He can carry out this movement with the help of his legs, pushing off from the floor surface. Special mechanical designs can convert hand movements into forward motion of the device. Another option could be an electric drive.

Such devices must be sufficiently maneuverable and ensure safe movement throughout the room and fit into turns.

What to consider when choosing

First of all, when choosing a device, it is necessary to take into account the general condition of the child and what kind of therapy he needs. However, even in this case, there is often a need to adjust the mechanism to the child, because each patient with cerebral palsy has its own characteristics.

Some companies that sell verticalizers allow you to conduct a kind of testing of the device by taking it to your home for a week or two, after which you can return it.

You can also rent a device before purchasing it to make sure it is what your child needs.

When choosing a verticalizer, it is also important to consider the age of the child who will use it. Manufacturers usually produce such devices in three sizes:

for children from 3 to 6 years old;
for children from 5 to 12 years old;
for children from 12 to 16 years old.

As a rule, there is no need to use such mechanisms until the child is 2 years old.

In addition, you can purchase a verticalizer with a removable or fixed table, folding or capable of transforming into a couch.

You can choose exactly the model that is ideal for both the child and the person who cares for him and will help him use the device.

There is no need to make hasty conclusions regarding whether the device is suitable or not. In most cases, each child with cerebral palsy needs some time to get used to this device.

Sometimes it may be necessary to persuade a child to use a verticalizer, especially in the first days of rehabilitation. Only after the child gets used to this device will it be possible to judge how effective the rehabilitation is.

Verticalizer for disabled people: why is such a complex device necessary?

A verticalizer for the disabled is a special device that helps people with limited physical capabilities to take a vertical body position.

Why do people with disabilities need a verticalizer?

Many disabled people are deprived of the ability to move independently due to atrophy or damage to the lower extremities.

There are also people who are completely immobilized due to serious illnesses or people who can only partially move. It is extremely undesirable for such people to constantly be in a horizontal position.

The first reason is psychological. The inability to participate in many processes depresses a person morally, he loses interest in life, and slowly sinks into depression.

With the help of a verticalizer (stander), people with disabilities have a chance to lead a completely different lifestyle.

The second reason for using a stander is medical. The thing is that in a horizontal position many processes in the body slow down, which leads to negative consequences such as: pulmonary and kidney failure, bedsores, osteoporosis, decreased blood pressure, slowed blood circulation.

Dynamic verticalizer Actival

Classification of verticalizers

Dynamic

A dynamic stander is a verticalizer for disabled adults to move independently.

It is equipped with large wheels, so a person can move using the force of his hands.

Static

A static verticalizer is a device that allows you to move around a room using small wheels on the device.

Static verticalizer Parapion

These devices can only move with the help of strangers.

Front

The front verticalizer for adults and children is a stand in which a person rests on his stomach.

Such devices are prescribed to people who can hold their head up independently.

Rear

Strollers

There are also verticalizers built into wheelchairs. They help you get into an upright position from a sitting position.

Functions of verticalizers

Benefits of use:

Children's stands help:

Standing devices for children with cerebral palsy help prevent the destruction of limb bones and strengthen muscles.

Factors to consider when choosing

The choice of stander should be given special attention.

Before purchasing, it is worth measuring the following parameters of the patient:

When choosing a device, always consult your doctor!

When choosing a stand for children with cerebral palsy, take into account the asymmetry of the pelvis. Choose verticalizers with rigid clamps. The straps must fit snugly to the body, otherwise the baby will simply hang on them.

When choosing a device for an adult, pay attention to its appearance. If a person cannot support his head on his own, then purchase a rear one, but if everything is fine with head support, then the front one is also suitable for rehabilitation.

DIY verticalizer

For manufacturing, it is better to choose wood. This material is easier to work with than metal.

Before manufacturing, it is worth deciding on the design and purpose of its use.

Scheme of a verticalizer for disabled people Akced Med

If it is needed for rehabilitation, then it is better to make a statistical rear stander. They are more comfortable for adults and are the easiest to make.

Initially, you will need to make a podium to which 4 small wheels are screwed. This is necessary to move the device. Then you should lean on your back.

It is worth remembering that before manufacturing it is necessary to take measurements from the patient in order to know what width and height to make.

After the back of the future device is made, it is necessary to screw supports to the wooden layer on the sides for greater stability. The next step is to drill two vertical openings in the board that serves as the backrest.

When drilling, take into account the width of the patient’s pelvis, because then wooden bases will be attached to these openings to support the pelvis.

Then you need to make 3 blocks that move in height: the first is designed to support the knees, the second to support the pelvis, the third to fix the chest. Moving blocks are very easy to make.

Then the middle block (for the pelvis) is equipped with sides to support the pelvis. This can be done using special metal brackets.

Then a long metal support is cut into the lower block and secured well with bolts. A wooden block the width of a person’s body is attached to this support. This block serves as a support for the knees.

Self-made verticalizer

Then the bases for the feet are made. The required distance is measured, and each place for the foot is made of two wooden blocks. Make sure that the base of the leg fits snugly to the sides.

Instead of such bases, you can attach special shoes for foot correction. These shoes have a hard back and a high instep, and thanks to the abundance of fasteners, they will secure the foot well.

Then all the blocks should initially be covered with foam rubber (3–4 cm is enough) and fabric for an attractive appearance.

The upper block (for the sternum or head) is equipped with fasteners with adjusters for fixing the body. This completes the manufacture of the stand with your own hands.

Conclusion

Stenders significantly improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. They help you take care of yourself.

These devices help to cope with depression due to immobilization of the body, and children using such devices learn to stand correctly, maintain balance and eat food independently.

Video: Video review of the SHIFU OCEANM verticalizer

General technical specifications

Verticalizers for disabled people are available in different sizes, which are adjusted to the following parameters:

hip width;
hip depth;
chest width;
chest depth;
height to the axis of the femoral joint;
height to sternum;
maximum permissible weight.

Standard vertical equipment:

frame on swiveling wheels with brakes;
chest and thigh clips with soft seal;
stabilizers for arms, feet, knees;
seat;
table;
electromechanical rotor;
lower limb separator.

How to make a verticalizer for children with cerebral palsy with your own hands

Cerebral palsy is a chronic congenital neurological disease characterized by damage to the central nervous system. Occurs when one or more areas of the brain are damaged.

Depending on the volume of brain damage, the severity of cerebral palsy is determined. When the child is ill, various motor abnormalities are observed. In the most severe forms of the disease, muscle structures are involved.

In addition to partial loss of motor activity, the disease can reveal pathology of the visual and auditory apparatus, as well as impaired speech activity.

Cerebral palsy is often accompanied by epileptic seizures and dementia. The disease is chronic and cannot be fully recovered.

Which verticalizer to choose for children with cerebral palsy

A verticalizer for children with cerebral palsy is a design that will allow a child to stand without assistance. When choosing a specific model, you need to take into account the specifics of the child’s condition, so before purchasing a device, you need to consult a doctor who will help you choose the best option.

Currently, there are many models that differ in size and fixation methods. Cerebral palsy is often aggravated by epilepsy, and in order for the child not to injure himself, the structure must be very stable, and all parts must be covered with soft upholstery.

How to choose a verticalizer?

Thanks to the vertical position, the satisfactory condition of the muscle corset is maintained. This allows children and teenagers to carry out many activities independently: play, eat, work at the computer. Children with cerebral palsy are characterized by a violation of the symmetrical position of the pelvis, and to compensate for this violation, the verticalizer fixes this area.

It is possible to rent a device, test it for a week or ten days, and then either purchase it or return it to the manufacturer.

Renting a verticalizer will help you become familiar not only with its capabilities, but also with the likely disadvantages of the model. Since the child and teenager are at the age of active growth, the device will have to be periodically replaced with a new one. Most manufacturers produce 3 age lines to cover as many children as possible with various musculoskeletal disorders:

Before reaching 10 months of life, there is no need to burden the child with an upright position. Some manufacturers start counting at 1.5 or 2 years.

The time to start using a standing support should be discussed with your doctor.

Cross age values allow the use of verticalizers for children with underdevelopment or severe asymmetry of individual parts of the body, suffering from obesity or dwarfism.

Since verticalizers are used not only for chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but also as a means of rehabilitation after spinal injury, intermediate sizes allow all children to receive support in recovery.

A standard verticalizer looks like a table around which the child is secured in a standing position. The table can be removable or non-removable. Other options are also possible, for example, equipped with a seat, folding or transforming into a couch.

According to their fundamental functions, verticalizers are:

Static ones can be equipped with wheels to make it convenient for parents to change the location of the device. Most children's stand-up beds are made using soft and hypoallergenic materials.

In order for the child to develop a positive attitude towards the device, their design is usually bright and colorful, reminiscent of a children's playground. Often the models are made in the form of supporting animals, for example, “Kitten” or “Dinosaur”.

Thanks to the animation of the device, it becomes possible to motivate the child to stay in a standing position.

Regardless of the convenience of the design, the vast majority of children have an adjustment period, during which they have to be persuaded and encouraged to use the device.

Varieties

A stander is a device with special belts that secures a disabled person. They support the body in such a way that the lower limbs are not loaded at all. The design of the verticalizer has clamps for the torso, feet, knees and pelvis.

Currently, standers are made of metal, wood or polymer

There are several varieties:

Dynamic. This verticalizer is produced for adults. It allows a person to move independently. A dynamic stander has large wheels, which a person operates with the force of his hands.
Static. It includes small wheels that help you move around the room. In this case, the disabled person does not require outside assistance.
Front. Such a device can be purchased not only by adults, but also by children. The front verticalizer involves relying on the abdominal area. However, only those people who can hold their head up on their own can use it.
Rear. The device is designed to rest on your back. Such standers are needed by people who are unable to hold their head up on their own. They are usually prescribed to patients who cannot move.
Stroller with verticalizer. They are produced not only with mechanical, but also with electric drive. The convenient design of this stand allows you to easily move a disabled person from a sitting to a standing position. This action makes the life of a sick person much easier.
Multi-level. This device allows a disabled person to change his position. The patient can stand, sit and even lie down. Another function of this verticalizer is fixation in a semi-standing position.

There is another type of stander - active. This is a so-called simulator with which you can train muscles.

Standing machines for children with cerebral palsy

The problem of cerebral palsy is currently relevant. The number of children suffering from this pathology remains high. Modern medicine makes it possible to significantly achieve positive results from treatment and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Mechanism of action and features

The verticalizer refers to devices used by patients with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system caused by cerebral palsy. It allows you to maintain the patient’s previously unstable position in an upright state.

Due to regular use of the device, an improvement in the quality of life is observed. This is largely due to the fact that the process of stimulation of muscle fibers occurs, due to which musculoskeletal functions are activated.

Important! The main task of the device is to activate supporting loads in the foot area.

Regular use of the verticalizer in patients prevents muscle atrophy and early thinning of bone elements.

Rehabilitators, together with parents, achieve positive dynamics of the disease, due to the ability to independently lift or sit down, as well as grab a spoon or other manual manipulations that were previously impossible.

Patients become more adapted, they can not only care for themselves, but also receive a specialty in the future.

Basic recommendations for selection

Choosing the right verticalizer will help not only achieve the desired result, but also prevent serious consequences associated with inconvenience of use. The selection is carried out by the patient together with a specialist, who identifies the main characteristics of the required device.

They are assessed on the severity of the pathological process, the physical parameters of the patient, the required level of fixation, and the load that is subsequently imposed. At the same time, the patient’s condition, which he experiences in a verticalizer with these parameters, is also taken into account, especially if these are children.

Not only the level of comfort is assessed, but also other degrees of muscle tension.

Size selection

The choice of the size of the verticalizer should be given special importance, since the effect of the device largely depends on the selected parameters. It is recommended that all measurements be taken by a specialist or relative under the strict supervision of a doctor. This is due to possible difficulties due to the patient's condition. The following values are taken into account, including the following data:

Measurements are taken in the clothes and shoes that the patient wears in everyday life. A child suffering from this diagnosis and regularly using orthopedic shoes needs to wear them when taking parameters, as they will change the values.

Rules of application

It is important for the patient’s relatives to receive recommendations from a specialist on the use of a verticalizer for a child. This is largely due to the presence of certain operational difficulties in the early stages.

Before each use of the device, the condition of the locking apparatus and brakes is checked. The verticalizer should be installed on a surface that has a horizontal coating.

If the device does not move, the brake setting and the child holder must be checked regularly.

It is prohibited to use a verticalizer for children with cerebral palsy if the surface on which it stands is tilted.

The load level is checked by tilting the device; the load increases in proportion to the angle. This explains the gradual change in inclination, since the initial installation at 90 degrees vertical can cause overvoltage. The duration of training should also be increased as treatment progresses. The first experiment should not exceed 2–3 minutes.

Modern verticalizers not only improve health, but also help the child adapt to the environment.

Currently, the choice of device is made between six existing varieties, depending on the mechanism of their action and the achievement of effect, and selection is carried out. Among them can be used:

Hyaluronic acid in the joint

Flaws

Despite the clear advantage of using this device for people suffering from cerebral palsy, there are also disadvantages that are caused by various factors.

Attention! The primary one is the relatively high cost of the verticalizer.

In the absence of additional financial assistance to the patient, as well as restrictions on the rehabilitation program, independent purchase of the device is difficult. This is due to the relatively high cost of the equipment, as well as the need for replacement depending on age or the required load.

In some cases, relatives try to make it with their own hands in order to improve the prognosis for the patient and prevent serious complications. A self-made standing support for children with cerebral palsy does not always have a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system.

In more rare cases, the lack of the desired effect from using a verticalizer is noted. As a rule, this is associated with the beginning of its use at stages of pronounced irreversible changes, when such correction can no longer correct the condition.

A self-assembled device does not always fit the exact dimensions of the patient.