Does supported standing work?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Darryl Caves | Published: 17 January 2018 | Updated: ~

It is not clear if standing helps to maintain or increase bone density in the legs after SCI. Current research evidence is inconclusive and further studies are needed.

Another proposed use of standing after SCI is to help with blood pressure control. One study provides weak evidence that standing with a harness and assistance from health providers helps to increase resting blood pressure and reduce drops in blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension) in people with cervical SCI.

There is weak evidence that standing may help to reduce spasticity short term in people with SCI. There are also surveys that report that many people with SCI report that regular standing helped to reduce their spasticity.

There is not enough evidence to determine whether standing can also improve bowel function. Further research in this area is needed.