Gait training has come a long waysince we introduced our first model in the 1980s, and our Pacer continues to evolve and improve to meet our customers’ needs. Over the years your suggestions have helped us keep our design at the cutting edge.
Walking is complex.When we talk about dynamic gait training we refer to the often unobserved but significant shifts of body and weight that occur in typical gait patterns. In the therapy community there is a growing consensus that a well-positioned pelvis in combination with dynamic movement is critical to successful gait training. A specialized gait trainer, like the Pacer, helps achieve this proper positioningand provides the dynamic weight-bearing and weight-shifting needed for a more natural gait pattern and easier stepping.
Features
View below to learn more about the features that make the Pacer gait trainer the most versatile, adaptable and durable patient mobility aid on the market today.
Dynamic movement
Dynamic weight-shifting– providing support for 2" side-to-side movement while walking
Walking is dynamic.As we take steps to move through space we make subtle but significant shifts of the body both vertically and laterally. When providing gait training it’s important to accommodate this dynamic movement rather than restrict it.
The Pacer with the dynamic upper frame accommodates the natural side-to-side and up and down movements of the body during step-taking to facilitate a more effective gait pattern.
Our sleek dynamic upper frame delivers the kind of movement you’ve asked for with 2" of vertical and horizontal movement with separate lock-out control for each. Whatever the particular needs of your client – in either anterior or posterior positioning – you can now do more.
Dynamic weight-bearing– supporting 2" vertical up and down movement during the process of walking
Dynamic weight-shifting– providing support for 2" side-to-side movement while walking
Choice of two uppers
TheStandard upper frameis a great choice for clients who do not need dynamic movement. It accommodates all the Rifton prompts you’re familiar with and depend on.
Dynamic upper frameA sophisticated, compact mechanism allows this upper frame to shift 2" vertically and horizontally, providing dynamic body support. These powerful features enable the vertical and lateral movements that occur naturally as we shift weight from one leg to the other. If your client doesn’t need this movement, vertical and lateral dynamic functions can be locked out independently.
TheStandard upper frameis a great choice for clients who do not need dynamic movement. It accommodates all the Rifton prompts you’re familiar with and depend on.
Easy height adjustment
The column has been indexed for easy recording of positions between clients and sessions.
Both our upper framesfeature a single telescoping column with a gas spring to make height adjustments easy.
A single button releases the gas spring for easy height adjustment. Release the button to lock it at any height.
The column has been indexed for easy recording of positions between clients and sessions.
Versatile in every setting – a system built on three bases
Over ground,the treadmill/stability base provides all the functions of our standard base, plus extra stability for those that need it. And you can adjust it from floor to treadmill height with the press of a button.
Indoors:Better than ever. Our standard base, with improved casters and features, provides exceptional functionality and support. It is designed to be used on smooth surfaces.
Indoors or out,our standard base takes your clients where they need to go.
Who says therapy can only happen indoors?Bring your gait training outdoors or in with our new utility base featuring large, rugged wheels and greater base width for better mobility on rough surfaces.
The utility base is not recommended for use in the posterior (reverse) position.
Over a treadmill:We heard you. Our therapists asked for a simple and affordable treadmill accessory and we delivered – the treadmill/stability base.
You can mount the same upper frame easily on any of the three bases.
Available in two widths, the treadmill/stability base straddles almost any treadmill. It also adjusts 7½" from the lowest to highest position.
Over ground,the treadmill/stability base provides all the functions of our standard base, plus extra stability for those that need it. And you can adjust it from floor to treadmill height with the press of a button.
Quick and easy positioning
Posterior Position:Even in the reverse position the Pacer offers all the supports your client needs, and it’s a great solution for those who walk better with open access to the environment. Additionally, this posterior positioning is a natural progression towards independent movement.
Prompts and supports can be reversed and moved along the top bar of the frame to whichever position best matches your client’s needs.
The Multi-position saddle (MPS)is the ultimate positioning accessory for easy transfers and gait training.
The MPS hip corral quickly provides the pelvic stability needed for upper and lower body mobility. Additionally, the MPS hasfive adjustmentsfor quick and easy pelvic positioning.
The MPS can be used for anterior and posterior gait training.
The MPS easily attaches to both the dynamic and standard upper frames.
The Pacer The Pacer, because it can be configured in so many ways, can accommodate clients of every ability, in any environment. Everything about thePacerencourages progress for clients so nothing stands between them and the places they want to go. It’s the versatility and dependability you’ve come to expect from Rifton.
The Pacer is easily configured to meet your client’s every need. Choose between dynamic and standard upper frames and pair them with standard, utility and treadmill/stability bases.
Additional Accessories
Frame:
Frame With or Without Odometer:
Choose one of our 5 colors and select an upper frame, one or several bases, and any accessories you need.
Arm Prompt Set:
Versatile arm prompts include height, rotation, angle, lateral proximity and forward/backward adjustments, to accommodate numerous positioning requirements.
Padded surface area: 4½ x 8" Range of adjustment (elbow to fist): 9 -12½"
Small Handlebars:
For users who need minimal support, the small handlebars are lightweight and easy to adjust. Attach on the top bar of any Pacer.
Handle height from pivot to top: 5"
Hand Loops:
Single Hand Loop:
Secure and highly adjustable, the hand loop boosts a client’s sense of stability and confidence while moving. Attach on the top bar of any Pacer.
Pair Of Hand Loops:
Secure and highly adjustable, the hand loops boost a client’s sense of stability and confidence while moving. (require mounting bracket)
Chest Prompts
Small Chest Prompt :
The padded chest prompt holds the torso at the desired angle using the tilt adjustment forward or backward in 15° increments. One knob adjusts both tilt angle and width. Adjustments can be made while user is in the Pacer. The chest prompt stays open for easy transfers.
Range of circumference: 14 - 28" Height of padded area: 4½"
Medium Chest Prompts:
The padded chest prompt holds the torso at the desired angle using the tilt adjustment forward or backward in 15° increments. One knob adjusts both tilt angle and width. Adjustments can be made while user is in the Pacer. The chest prompt stays open for easy transfers.
Range of circumference: 22 - 40" Height of padded area: 6½"
Small Chest Pad:
Ideal for less involved users, the small chest pad offers angle adjustment, easy transfers and quick positioning. In combination with the MPS and handlebars, it forms a simple configuration perfect for high functioning users.
Range of circumference: 14" – 28"
Pad height: 4"
Small Multi Position Handle:
The multi-position saddle (MPS) offers quick, finely tuned positioning of the pelvis. Adjustable in four directions to accommodate each client’s posture, the MPS easily attaches to both the dynamic and standard upper frames.
MPS Seat Cover:
A nylon spandex cover that fits tightly over the MPS seat pad and decreases surface friction.
Pelvic Support With Handholds
Small Pelvic Support:
Designed to achieve the best position for gait training. The key to optimal positioning is the placement and length of the four attachment straps. The unique, suspended design permits the natural pelvic movement and lower extremity weight-shifting that therapists want to see in their clients’ gait. The pelvic support has a softer, closer fit than the hip positioner.
Key dimension: half of thigh circumference 4 - 8"
Medium Pelvic Support:
Designed to achieve the best position for gait training. The key to optimal positioning is the placement and length of the four attachment straps. The unique, suspended design permits the natural pelvic movement and lower extremity weight-shifting that therapists want to see in their clients’ gait. The pelvic support has a softer, closer fit than the hip positioner.
Key dimension: half of thigh circumference 6 - 10"
Hip Positioner With Handholds:
Designed to achieve the best position for gait training. The key to optimal positioning is the placement and length of the four attachment straps. The unique, suspended design of the Pacer’s hip positioner permits the natural pelvic movement and lower extremity weight-shifting that therapists want to see in their clients’ gait.
crotch length and width: 2½ x 1¼", overall length: 9"
Hip Positioner Pad:
The hip positioner pad, provides cushioned comfort. Used with the small hip positioner.
Small Ankle Prompts For Standard Base:
Ankle prompts snap securely onto the frame and have comfortably padded ankle straps. The spring adjusters limit stride length and control stride placement. Strap length adjusts to determine foot separation and prevent scissoring.
Ankle Prompts For Treadmill Base:
Ankle prompts snap securely onto the frame and have comfortably padded ankle straps. The spring adjusters limit stride length and control stride placement. Strap length adjusts to determine foot separation and prevent scissoring.
Handholds Only:
The ergonomic handholds are height-adjustable and rotate in four directions. Place handholds anywhere along the top bar of the frame. Handholds can be used by the caregiver or the client.
Communication Tray:
The communication tray holds most communication devices or other small objects.
Guide Bar:
The optional attendant guide bar attaches to the center front of the top bar of any size Pacer gait trainer. Rotate 180° to pull either from the front or push from behind the Pacer.
Rifton Accessory Bag:
A tough and attractivetote bagbig enough (14"x 16"x 9") to keep all your Pacer accessories together when not in use. Made of black ballistic nylon with a zippered top, here’s a bag that will hold up to whatever you throw in it and still look great.
And like all things Rifton, it’s made in the USA.
Posterior Position:Even in the reverse position the Pacer offers all the supports your client needs, and it’s a great solution for those who walk better with open access to the environment. Additionally, this posterior positioning is a natural progression towards independent movement.
Prompts and supports can be reversed and moved along the top bar of the frame to whichever position best matches your client’s needs.
Smoother transfers
With the tilt adjustment on the MPS, caregivers can quickly position the client’s pelvis into anterior or posterior tilt for the most effective gait pattern.
The MPS makes transfers,especially for heavy clients, so much easier (and safer). By placing the upper frame and MPS in their lowest positions you can ease your seated clients onto the saddle.
Once the transfer is completed, caregivers can easily raise the client into an upright position for gait training.
Using the height adjustment on the MPS, caregivers can raise the client’s pelvis to the optimal height for weight-bearing and step-taking.
With the tilt adjustment on the MPS, caregivers can quickly position the client’s pelvis into anterior or posterior tilt for the most effective gait pattern.
A measurable improvement
A close-up view of the front caster with optional odometer.
No more counting tiles!Now available on every Pacer base as an option, Rifton’s new odometer makes it easy to record client progress in any setting, in either feet or meters.
A close-up view of the front caster with optional odometer.
Infinite control for effective movement
Utility base rear wheel
Foot-operated brakes make it easy to lock the wheels for transfer.
The Pacer casters’ five functionslet you fine tune the Pacer’s movement as your clients gain control.
Variable drag:Made with the same material used in automotive brakes, our variable drag feature gives you greater control with the simple twist of a dial.
Swivel lock:Each caster’s swivel can be locked independently. Lock all four to help clients walk in a straight line, or just the two rear casters to eliminate drifting sideways. Release swivel locks on all casters for movement in any direction.
Direction lock:Prevent involuntary backward movement with the one-way directional lock featured on each caster.
Utility base front caster
Utility base rear wheel
Foot-operated brakes make it easy to lock the wheels for transfer.
Old Pacer prompts attach on new frame
This feature also allows the Pacer to be easily adapted to multiple clients’ needs in a school or institution.
Prompts and supports– such as the new arm supports and old chest support – attach anywhere along the Pacer frame’s top bars.
As with the old Pacer, prompts are easily removed when a client no longer needs them.
This feature also allows the Pacer to be easily adapted to multiple clients’ needs in a school or institution.
Easily transportable
Standard base frame ready to go into your trunk.
Our detachable upper frame makes it easy to stow and transport the Pacer. Separable components allow you to bring the right base for each client and every setting.
The upper frame can be easily detached from any base by pressing the button and pulling out the column stem. The two parts of the frame can be stowed in a trunk.
The dynamic upper frame can easily fit into your trunk.
Standard base frame ready to go into your trunk.
Colors
The Pacer in gray.
Makers of high-quality bicyclesbelieve in the long-term benefits of baked-on powder coating because it is formulated to stand up to wind and weather. So do we.
Our Pacer gait trainer is available in your choice of 5 colors: blue, red, lime, pink and gray.
The Pacer in blue.
The Pacer in red.
The Pacer in lime.
The Pacer in pink.
The Pacer in gray.
Components
Our gait trainers are used to assist clients with a multitude of motor limitations. Each client needs support customized to particular needs. With these components you can configure your Pacer gait trainer to your precise requirements.
Arm prompts
A set ofarm promptsmounted in the most typically-used position on a Pacer gait trainer frame. Placed at the front of the Pacer frame, they encourage a forward-leaning posture.
Arm promptsinclude height, rotation, angle, lateral proximity and forward/backward adjustments to accommodate numerous positioning requirements.
Padded surface area:small 4½"x 8", large 5"x 9"
Adjustment range:(elbow to fist): small 9"– 12½", large 10½"– 15"
A set ofarm promptsmounted in the most typically-used position on a Pacer gait trainer frame. Placed at the front of the Pacer frame, they encourage a forward-leaning posture.
Arm platforms
The arm platforms in use.
Arm platformsoffer a simple alternative for clients who need less arm positioning. They attach to our adjustable arm prompt base and are made of integral skin foam for padded comfort and easy cleaning. Arm platforms are available with or without handgrips.
Padded surface dimensions:13½"x 5½"
Arm platformswith handgrips.
The arm platforms in use.
Hand loops
Providinghand loopsboosts a client’s sense of stability and confidence while moving.
Hand loopscan be used on any size of Pacer. Hand loops attach as a pair or singly anywhere on the Pacer’s upper frame and are height and angle adjustable to fit each client’s unique needs.
Providinghand loopsboosts a client’s sense of stability and confidence while moving.
Handlebars
Thehandlebarsin use on the small Pacer.
Thehandlebarsare available for any Pacer. In combination with the simple chest pad, they form a lightweight configuration perfect for higher functioning users.
Handle height from pivot to top:small 5", large 7"
For users who need less arm support, thehandlebarsattach quickly and adjust easily.
Thehandlebarsin use on the small Pacer.
Chest pad
Thechest padin use on the small Pacer.
Thechest padis ideal for less involved users. Its anterior support pad offers angle adjustment, and its single support strap allows for easy transfers and quick positioning.
Range of circumference:small 14" – 28", med 22" – 40", large 28" – 50"
Pad height:small 4", med 5", large 6"
Thechest padis available for the small, medium and large Pacer sizes. Together with the MPS and handlebars it forms a simple configuration perfect for higher functioning users.
Thechest padin use on the small Pacer.
Chest prompt
Adjustments to thechest prompt are tool-free and can be made while client is in the Pacer. The cover is cleanable, healthcare-grade vinyl. The chest prompt fits snugly to support dependent users, or wraps loosely as a training guide for gaining independent trunk control.
Thechest promptis available in three sizes and accommodates a wide range of users. It holds the client’s torso at the desired angle, with tilt adjust forward or back in 15° increments. One knob adjusts both the tilt-angle and width of the chest prompt.
Range of circumference:small 14"– 28", med 22"– 40", large 28"– 50"
Height:small 4½", med 6½", large 8"
Adjustments to thechest prompt are tool-free and can be made while client is in the Pacer. The cover is cleanable, healthcare-grade vinyl. The chest prompt fits snugly to support dependent users, or wraps loosely as a training guide for gaining independent trunk control.
Multi-position saddle (MPS)
An optional nylon spandex cover fits tightly over the MPS seat pad and decreases surface friction
Themulti-position saddle (MPS)enables finely tuned positioning of the pelvis. Adjustable in five directions to accommodate each client’s posture, the MPS easily attaches to both the dynamic and standard upper frames.
MPS seat pad dimensions: Width at back: small/med 3½", large 5¼" Width at front: small/med 3", large 4½" Length: small/med 9½", large 10¾"
Saddle heightadjusts to fine-tune the position of the pelvis during gait.
Adjustment range:Large: 8½", Med: 8½", Small: 5½"
Saddle depthadjusts to optimally position the pelvis in relation to the upper body to encourage forward motion during ambulation.
Adjustment range:Large: 5", Med/Small: 4"
Saddle angleis adjustable to position the pelvis in anterior or posterior tilt for the most effective gait pattern.
Adjustment range: Large: 15° forward and 15° back Med/Small: 7° forward and 7° back
Hip corral depth and heightadjustments provide cushioning and support for the pelvis at the level of ASIS.
An optional nylon spandex cover fits tightly over the MPS seat pad and decreases surface friction
Pelvic support
To determine the correct sizepelvic supportneeded, measure half of the user’s thigh circumference:
Small: 4" – 8" Medium: 6" – 10" Large: 8" – 14"
For clients who need less abduction, thepelvic supportis a softer alternative to the hip positioner. It provides weight–bearing assistance and freedom of movement while clients build strength and stamina.
For clients who need less abduction, thepelvic supportis a softer alternative to the hip positioner. It provides weight-bearing assistance and freedom of movement while clients build strength and stamina.
Thepelvic supportis made of microbe-resistant polyurethane over a core of closed cell foam padding. It will withstand routine cleaning with a 10% bleach solution. This foam and web-reinforced construction is comfortable yet durable.
To determine the correct sizepelvic supportneeded, measure half of the user’s thigh circumference:
Small: 4" – 8" Medium: 6" – 10" Large: 8" – 14"
Hip positioner
Rings on the posterior strap of thehip positioneror pelvic support clip onto the handholds mounted on the Pacer frame, allowing you to quickly secure a client following transfer.
Thehip positioneris designed to encourage good positioning for gait training. It enables natural pelvic movement and lower extremity weight-shifting, and provides good abduction. A pad is available for added comfort.
SeeSizingfor user and item dimensions.
Rings on the posterior strap of thehip positioneror pelvic support clip onto the handholds mounted on the Pacer frame, allowing you to quickly secure a client following transfer.
Thigh prompts
Thethigh promptsassist leg abduction. Used with the ankle prompts they can also prevent scissoring.
Thigh promptsswing with the user’s stride and prevent leg scissoring. They are height adjustable in the medial and lateral positions and prevent the user from turning within the Pacer frame.
Length (from clamp to strap):small 5"– 8", large 5"– 11”
Max. leg circumference:small 15", large 20"
Thethigh promptsassist leg abduction. Used with the ankle prompts they can also prevent scissoring.
Ankle prompts
Ankle promptshelp to prevent scissoring. Used with the thigh prompts they can assist with leg abduction.
Ankle promptssnap securely onto the frame and have comfortably padded ankle straps. The spring adjusters limit stride length and control stride placement. Adjust the strap length to determine foot separation and prevent scissoring.
Shown at left are two ankle prompts for the Pacer gait trainer frames. The top one is for the utility base and the bottom one is for the standard base.
Ankle promptshelp to prevent scissoring. Used with the thigh prompts they can assist with leg abduction.
Odometer
It’s no longer necessary to count floor or ceiling tiles to mark walking progress!
Theodometermakes it easy to record client progress in any setting, in either feet or meters.
The odometer is an option when choosing your Pacer base.
Theodometerlooks simple, but has a lot of functions.
To reset display to 0, press the reset button. To display total lifetime distance traveled, press and hold button for 1 second. Lifetime distance will be displayed in kilometers or thousands of feet, depending on unit setting. To switch between feet or meters, press and hold button until units change (approximately 10 seconds).
It’s no longer necessary to count floor or ceiling tiles to mark walking progress!
Handholds
Handholdscan be used by caregiver or client.
The ergonomichandholdsare height-adjustable and can be positioned in four directions and placed anywhere along the top bar of the frame. A pair of handholds automatically comes with every hip positioner or pelvic support; an additional pair can be purchased if needed.
Handholdscan be used by caregiver or client.
Communication tray
Thecommunication trayis a handy surface for small devices.
Ourcommunication trayfeatures a mounting system with a range of positions. Great for holding tablets and other mobile devices.
Inside dimensions:8½"x 11"
Max. working load:10 lb.
Thecommunication trayis a handy surface for small devices.
Attendant guide bar
Theguide barcan be held by the caregiver with their right or left hand.
Theguide baris made of lightweight, high strength aluminum alloy. It attaches to the front tube of the standard or utility base with a quick-release clamp, and enables the caregiver to guide the Pacer from in front or behind.
Theguide barenables caregivers to guide clients while gait training and can be rotated 180° to pull from the front (as shown) or push from behind the Pacer.
Theguide barcan be held by the caregiver with their right or left hand.
Hand brakes
Thehand brakesare designed for use by client.
The optionalhand brakescombine both running and parking brake functions in a simple lever-action control. The brakes attach to the arm prompts and can be quickly removed when not needed.
Note: Since retrofitting is complex, we recommend ordering brakes with the original purchase.
Thehand brakesare designed for use by client.
Accessories tote
Theaccessories tote
A tough and attractivetote bagbig enough (14"x 16"x 9") to keep all your Pacer accessories together when not in use. Made of black ballistic nylon with a zippered top, here’s a bag that will hold up to whatever you throw in it and still look great.