Stephanie Carpenter & Sydney Gushlaw Physics and Astronomy Department

Prolonged sitting can cause dangers and additional health risks to people with disabilities. They cannot feel and/or complete the normal weight shifts able-bodied people perform subconsciously every few minutes to relieve pressure. A standing frame, also known as a static stander, is used to allow wheelchair users to assume a standing, weight-bearing position. This device helps to support the physically challenged (such as those with paraplegia or quadriplegia) to maintain standing. Placing these individuals in a ‘passive’ standing position allows them to obtain physical, mental, and emotional benefits we take for granted. The standing position is crucial for health benefits such as, but not limited to, maintaining or improving joint range of motion, preventing osteoporosis, decreasing spasticity, and improving bowel and bladder function.