Standing is so important to the human body that most of its major systems can reap substantial rewards from it. Amy Morgan, PT, ATP, one of the authors of RESNA’s newly updated position paper on standing, gives this (partial) list of potential benefits:
- Skin Health: e.g., lowering risk of pressure ulcers involving ischial tuberosities, sacrum, scapulae, vertebrae.
- Bowel/Bladder: Lowering risk of constipation, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, etc. Facilitating urination.
- Spasticity: Reducing it, specifically in lower extremities.
- Joint Contractures: Lowering risk, specifically in lower extremities.
- Bone Mineral Density: Lowering incidences of osteoporosis, osteopenia or risk of these due to immobility.
- Respiratory Function/Capacity: Aiding in airway clearance, depth of respiration, etc.
- Gastro-Intestinal Management: Lowering risk of reflux; gravity-assisted digestion, etc.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Improving circulation and endurance; lowering risk of orthostatic hypotension.
- Cognitive & Psycho-Social Development
