A Parent’s Guide to Standing

Answers to why children need to stand and how
long to stand for maximum benefit

Your Physical Therapist has recommended you begin a standing program with your child, but you may be wondering why your child
needs to initiate a standing program, and how it will help your child develop. If you are apprehensive about using a stander, hopefully
this brochure will answer some of your questions and help you explain to family members the “Why” of standing

“Standing helped my son Easton get stronger after his shunt revision and brain bleed.”
Lisa Johnson – parent of Easton (meningitis. CP)

“We have been using a stander with RJ since he was one. Standing has helped him with his hip development, strengthening his whole body and keeping his GI moving -which makes everyone
happy!”
Jess and Mike
parents of RJ
(hydrocephalus, CP)

Bone Density

Children who participate in a standing program
can help reduce their chance of bone fractures by
building up the density of their bones. Research
shows standing at least 60 minutes daily is needed
to maintain good bone density for the prevention of
fractures. Standing for multiple episodes a day that
total up to 60 minutes is a beneficial way to gain
bone density benefits.

Range of Motion

Standing can help your child maintain their flexibility as they grow. If your child spends time in a
special chair or wheelchair or is not able to move
around as easily on their own; their muscles are
susceptible to getting tight as they grow. Standing
is one way to fit stretching into your child’s daily
routine. Maintaining flexibility will make daily
activities such as bathing, dressing, and getting into
and out of a wheelchair easier as children grow. Research shows that children need to stand at least 45
minutes at one time to gain the benefits of improving or maintaining their muscle range of motion

Hip Integrity

Your child may be asked to stand in a stander that
allows hip abduction. if your child stands with
hips moved outward in a position of hip abduction
standing may help prevent secondary hip integrity
issues such as a hip subluxation or hip dislocation.
When standing with hips outward, children can
also, maintain hip flexibility; making daily cares
such as dressing, and bathing easier for parents.
Research shows children need to stand 45 minutes
a day with hips in 15-30 degrees of hip abduction to
maintain hip integrity