7 Standing Frame Benefits That Help Rehab Patients Recover Faster

If you or someone you care for spends most of the day in a wheelchair, you’ve likely wondered how to keep the body strong, healthy, and ready for recovery. A standing frame could be one of the most powerful tools to make that happen.

Used in both pediatric and adult rehabilitation, standing frames allow people who can’t stand independently to safely spend time upright. This simple change in position can trigger a cascade of health improvements—from stronger bones to better circulation and even improved mood.

In this guide, you’ll discover 7 standing frame benefits backed by real scientific evidence. By the end, you’ll understand exactly how standing frames can help rehab patients recover faster, stay healthier, and maintain independence for longer.

Sections

• What Is a Standing Frame?

• Who Can Benefit from Standing Frames

• How Standing Frames Transform Rehab Outcomes: The 7 Key Benefits

• Choosing the Right Standing Frame

• Standing Frames vs Other Rehab Devices

• FAQs for Standing Frames

• NDIS Funding for Standing Frames
  

What Is a Standing Frame?

A standing frame is a supportive device that holds a person in an upright, weight-bearing position when they can’t stand independently. It uses straps, supports, and a stable base to keep the body aligned and safe while standing.

Types of Standing Frames

• Sit-to-Stand Frames – Lift the user from sitting to standing, ideal for those with some upper body control.

• Supine Frames – Support the body from behind, used for those needing full back and head support.

• Prone Frames – Support the body from the front, often for people who can control their head and trunk but need leg support.

• Mobile Standing Frames – Allow the user to move around while upright, combining standing benefits with mobility.

• Static Standing Frames – Stationary units for therapeutic use in clinics, schools, or at home.

• Dynamic Standing Frames – Dynamic frames are designed to facilitate limited movement in all directions, promoting active participation and engagement in standing

Healthtec Dynamic Standing Frame, one of our most popular standing frames used to facilitate movement, prioritising safety, comfort and balanced support for users.

Who Can Benefit from Standing Frames?

• Children with Cerebral Palsy or Developmental Delays – For postural support, bone health, and participation in activities.

• Adults with Spinal Cord Injuries – To reduce secondary health risks and maintain physical function.

• People Recovering from Stroke or Brain Injury – To retrain standing tolerance and improve circulation.

• Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis or Progressive Conditions – To maintain mobility, flexibility, and independence.

• Elderly or Long-Term Wheelchair Users – To combat deconditioning and improve quality of life.

 

How Standing Frames Transform Rehab Outcomes: The 7 Key Benefits

1) Improved Bone Health and Density

Prolonged immobility leads to bone mineral density loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Weight-bearing activities, like standing in a frame, stimulate the bones to maintain strength.

Evidence

When the body is upright, the legs bear weight, sending signals to bone cells to remodel and strengthen (Eng et al., 2009). Even partial weight-bearing from a standing frame can help slow bone loss in both children and adults with mobility limitations.

A systematic review found supported standing to be effective in maintaining bone mineral density in non-ambulatory individuals, particularly in the lower spine and hips. In children with severe cerebral palsy, regular standing sessions improved spinal bone density over time (Paleg et al., 2010).

Therapists Recommendation

Therapists often recommend at least 60 minutes of supported standing, 5 times per week to maintain bone health in non-ambulatory patients (Eng et al., 2009). Programs can be tailored for tolerance, starting at shorter durations and gradually increasing.

For a child with cerebral palsy, daily standing in a frame during school hours not only helps with posture but also reduces the long-term risk of fractures. Adults recovering from spinal cord injury often use standing frames alongside resistance training to maintain lower limb bone mass.

Key Takeaway: Regular supported standing is one of the most effective ways to protect bone strength for non-ambulatory patients.

 

2) Boosts Circulation & Cardiovascular Health

Standing frames engage the cardiovascular system by encouraging blood to pump against gravity from the legs to the heart (Chao et al., 2014).

Evidence

This helps prevent blood pooling in the lower limbs and supports healthy blood pressure regulation.

Studies on people with spinal cord injury show that supported standing improves orthostatic tolerance and stabilises blood pressure responses (Chao et al., 2014).

Breaking up long periods of sitting with standing also increases energy expenditure and supports cardiovascular health (Bailey & Locke, 2015).

Therapists Recommendations

Therapists often recommend gradual standing progression, starting with short intervals and increasing to 20–30 minutes, 2–3 times daily, for cardiovascular adaptation
(Chao et al., 2014). Monitoring for dizziness or low blood pressure is key, especially early on.

A stroke survivor using a standing frame in short bursts during rehab sessions can improve circulation and reduce swelling in their feet. For wheelchair users, daily standing breaks can offset the cardiovascular risks of prolonged sitting.

Key Takeaway: Even short standing sessions can boost circulation, reduce swelling, and support heart health.

 

3) Supports Bladder, Bowel, and Kidney Function

The upright position aids bladder emptying, promotes bowel movement, and supports kidney drainage through gravity (Dunn et al., 2013). Standing also activates abdominal and pelvic floor muscles that can assist with elimination.

Evidence

People with spinal cord injury who regularly used standing frames reported fewer urinary tract infections and improved bowel regularity (Dunn et al., 2013).

Clinical surveys have linked consistent supported standing with improved bladder management and reduced constipation (Eng et al., 2009).

Therapist Recommendations

Therapists may recommend standing after meals to stimulate digestion and bowel movement. Frequency varies, but daily sessions of at least 30 minutes are often encouraged for bladder and bowel benefits.

A multiple sclerosis patient using a standing frame after breakfast finds they no longer rely on as many laxatives. In paediatric rehab, children with complex needs often use standing frames before toileting to improve success.

Key Takeaway: Daily standing can make bladder and bowel care easier, more predictable, and less stressful.

 

4) Prevents Contractures and Improves Range of Motion

Standing frames position the hips, knees, and ankles in extension, providing a prolonged stretch to muscles and connective tissues (Eng et al., 2009). This helps preserve joint flexibility and prevent contractures.

Evidence

In a study of people with multiple sclerosis, 30 minutes of daily standing for three weeks improved hip and ankle range of motion more than conventional seated exercise (Eng et al., 2009).

Clinical guidance for children with cerebral palsy also supports standing as a tool to prevent hip displacement (Paleg et al., 2010).

Therapists Recommendations

Daily standing with correct positioning helps maintain joint flexibility.

Key Takeaway: Consistent supported standing helps keep joints flexible, preventing painful stiffness and contractures that limit independence.

 

5) Reduces Muscle Spasticity

Spasticity is excessive muscle tone caused by disrupted nerve signals, common in spinal cord injury, stroke, and cerebral palsy. Standing frames help reduce spasticity by providing sustained muscle stretching and weight-bearing input to the nervous system (Hoh et al., 2009).

Evidence

Studies report significant spasticity reductions in both upper and lower limbs after regular supported standing (Eng et al., 2009). This reduction improves comfort, mobility, and sleep quality in affected individuals.

Therapists Recommendations

Therapists may start with 20–30 minute sessions, increasing gradually to 60 minutes to achieve tone reduction. Combining standing with gentle movement or vibration can further enhance results.

Key Takeaway: Standing frames can ease muscle tightness, making movement, transfers, and daily activities more comfortable.

 

6) Prevents Pressure Ulcers and Improves Skin Health

Prolonged sitting creates high-pressure areas on the buttocks and thighs, reducing blood flow to the skin. Standing frames redistribute weight through the legs, relieving pressure on vulnerable areas (Chao et al., 2014).

Evidence 
In people with spinal cord injury, standing for at least 30 minutes per day reduced the incidence of pressure ulcers compared to non-standing wheelchair users. Pressure mapping studies show that standing can reduce seat interface pressure by 40% (Chao et al., 2014).

Therapists Recommendation
Therapists often integrate standing into daily routines for pressure relief every 2–3 hours. Combining standing with skin checks and regular repositioning maximises protection.

Key Takeaway: Regular standing relieves pressure points, boosts skin circulation, and lowers the risk of painful, hard-to-heal sores.

 

7) Enhances Mood, Confidence, and Social Participation

Standing frames allow face-to-face interaction at eye level, improving communication and self-esteem (Eng et al., 2009). Being upright can also stimulate alertness and engagement.

Evidence from Research

Surveys show that wheelchair users who stand regularly report improved confidence, greater comfort, and better participation in daily life (Paleg et al., 2010).

In school settings, standing programs have been linked to increased classroom engagement in children with disabilities.

Therapists Recommendations

Therapists may include standing during social or educational activities to combine physical and emotional benefits. Regular standing – even in short sessions – can contribute to a sense of normalcy and inclusion.

Key Takeaway: Standing at eye level with others can boost confidence, improve mood, and encourage greater social engagement.

Choosing the Right Standing Frame

The best standing frame for you depends on mobility level, medical needs, and where it will be used. Here’s a quick overview of the main types:

• Sit-to-Stand – Best for people with some upper body control. Lifts the user from a seated to a standing position, allowing for easy transfers.

• Supine – Best for users needing full back and head support. Supports the body from behind, ideal for early rehabilitation stages.

• Prone – Best for users with good head and trunk control. Supports the body from the front, encouraging forward engagement.

• Mobile – Best for people who want movement while upright. Features wheels for self-propulsion or assisted movement.

• Static – Best for therapy or home use without mobility needs. Offers a sturdy base with adjustable straps and supports.

• Dynamic – Best for users who can benefit from gentle, assisted movement while standing. Allows controlled shifting of weight or leg movement to promote circulation, joint mobility, and active engagement.

When selecting a frame, consider adjustability, support straps, ease of transfer, and space requirements. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure your choice matches your needs and goals.

 

Standing Frames vs Other Rehab Devices

While standing frames focus on maintaining an upright position for health benefits, other rehab devices have different functions:

• Tilt Tables – Used for gradual, supported upright positioning, especially in early rehab when tolerance to standing is low. They can help patients progress to standing frame use. Explore our tilt tables collection here.

• Gait Trainers – Allow walking movement with partial weight support, often used after standing tolerance has improved.

• Parallel Bars / Walking Rails – Support balance training and short walking practice, typically later in rehab. You can explore our parallel bars collection here.

Many clinics use tilt tables and standing frames together — tilt tables for initial tolerance building, and standing frames for ongoing daily standing and participation.

 

FAQs for Standing Frames

Q: How long should I stand each day?
A: Most therapists recommend 30–60 minutes per day, 5 days a week, but this varies based on your condition and goals.

Q: Can I use a standing frame at home?
A: Yes – many models are designed for home use, but professional fitting and training are important.

Q: Will standing frames help me walk again?
A: Standing frames are designed for health maintenance and rehabilitation support, not guaranteed walking recovery.

Q: Are they suitable for children?
A: Yes – they’re widely used in paediatric rehab for conditions like cerebral palsy, with adjustable sizes for growth.

Q: Can they be used without supervision?
A: In most cases, especially early on, a caregiver or therapist should be present.

Q: Are they covered by NDIS or insurance?
A: Many standing frames can be funded under NDIS or private insurance if there’s a clinical need.

 

NDIS Funding for Standing Frames

If you’re an NDIS participant, a standing frame may be funded under your plan if recommended by your therapist. The process usually requires clinical justification, quotes, and supplier details.

You can visit our NDIS page here to fill out our quick form for quotes and invoices. Our team will help you with product information and documentation to make your funding application smoother.

 

Conclusion

Standing frames are a powerful tool in rehabilitation, offering benefits that range from improved bone health and circulation to enhanced confidence and daily participation. Whether used in a clinic, school, or home setting, they play a vital role in helping patients maintain mobility, prevent secondary health issues, and recover faster.

If you’re ready to explore the right standing frame for your needs, view our standing frame collection to find the ideal solution for your rehabilitation goals.

If you’re an NDIS participant, we can provide quotes and support for your funding application — fill in our NDIS form here.

For personalised guidance, contact us today — our team is here to help you choose with confidence.

 

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or rehabilitation needs.

 

References

1. Bailey, D. P., & Locke, C. D. (2015). Breaking up prolonged sitting with light-intensity walking improves postprandial glycemia, but breaking up sitting with standing does not. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 12(62). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-015-0311-y
2. Chao, C. Y., Cheing, G. L., & Cheung, K. K. (2014). Orthostatic responses to standing in people with spinal cord injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(8), 1469–1476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.05.009
3. Dunn, R. B., Walter, J. S., Lucero, Y., Weaver, F., Langbein, W. E., Fehr, L., & Johnson, P. (2013). Follow-up assessment of standing mobility device users. Clinical Rehabilitation, 27(3), 238–245. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215512462903
4. Eng, J. J., Levins, S. M., Townson, A. F., Mah-Jones, D., Bremner, J., & Huston, G. (2009). Use of prolonged standing for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Physical Therapy, 89(7), 653–664. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20080214
5. Hoh, D. J., Fisher, C. G., & O'Shaughnessy, B. A. (2009). Rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis patients using prolonged standing. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 90(9), 1541–1548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2008.09.573
6. Paleg, G., Smith, B. A., & Glickman, L. B. (2010). Systematic review and evidence-based clinical recommendations for dosing of pediatric supported standing programs. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 52(3), 197–206. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2010.03725.x