Gait training has come a long way since we introduced our first model in the 1980s. And over the years our customers have faithfully delivered design suggestions. Now, we’re proud to respond with the redesigned Pacer. We know you’ll see your ideas reflected in this newly imagined gait trainer. Download the New Rifton Pacer brochure.
Walking is a complex function. 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 new Rifton Pacer, helps achieve this proper positioning and provides the dynamic weight-bearing and weight-shifting needed for a more natural gait pattern and easier stepping.
Rifton’s New Pacer
It’s a system comprising an upper frame with a choice of bases, to accommodate clients with a broad range of abilities, in a variety of settings. Everything about Rifton Pacers encourages progress for clients so nothing stands between them and the places they want to go. And like all of our products, the new Pacer comes with the quality and dependability you rely on from Rifton.
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 new Rifton 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 new sleek dynamic upper frame delivers the kind of movement you’ve asked for with 3″ of vertical movement, 2″ of horizontal movement and 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 3” vertical up and down movement during the process of walking
Dynamic weight-shifting – providing support for 2” side-to-side movement while walking.
Dynamic upper frame. A sophisticated, compact mechanism allows this upper frame to float 3″ up and down and 2″ side-to-side, 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 they can be locked out independently.
Standard upper frame is a great choice for clients who do not need dynamic movement. It accommodates all the Rifton prompts you‘re familiar with and depend on.
Both our upper frames feature 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.
Indoors: Better than ever. Our standard base provides exceptional functionality and support in any setting with improved casters and all-new features.
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.
Over a treadmill: We heard you. Our therapists asked for a simple and affordable treadmill accessory and we delivered.
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.
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 has five adjustments for 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.
Posterior Position: Even in the reverse position the New 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 the client’s needs.
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, the caregivers raise the client’s pelvis to the optimal height for weight-bearing and step-taking.
With the tilt adjustment on the MPS, caregivers quickly position the client’s pelvis into anterior or posterior tilt for the most effective gait pattern.
No more counting tiles! Now available on every New 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.
Really good isn’t good enough when it comes to mobility, so we took your advice and made our acclaimed casters work even harder.
You said you could use foot-actuated swivel locks. We agreed.
You asked for improved swivel with low turning resistance. We listened. No one else makes a caster like Rifton.
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.
One-way direction control: Set each caster to prevent involuntary backward movement. (Only works with swivel locks engaged.)
Utility base front caster
Utility base rear wheel
Foot-operated brakes make it easy to lock the wheels for transfer.
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.
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 easily stowed in a trunk.
The dynamic upper frame can easily fit into your trunk.
Standard base frame ready to go into your trunk.
Makers of high-quality bicycles believe 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 new Pacer gait trainer is available in your choice of 5 colors: blue, red, lime, pink and gray. This slide shows our most popular color Pacer, blue; swipe or click the arrows to view the other colors.
The new Pacer in red.
The new Pacer in green.
The new Pacer in pink.
The new Pacer in gray.
Arm prompts include 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 of arm prompts mounted 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 offer a simple alternative for clients who need less arm positioning. They attach to our adjustable arm prompt base and are made of an integral skin foam for padded comfort and easy cleaning.
Padded surface dimensions: 13½”x 5½”
The arm platforms in use.
Hand loops can be used on any size 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.
Providing a hand loop boosts a client’s sense of stability and confidence while moving.
The chest prompt is 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 the chest 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.
The Multi-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.
Saddle height adjusts to fine-tune the position of the pelvis during gait.
Adjustment range: 8½”
Saddle depth adjusts to optimally position the pelvis in relation to the upper body to encourage forward motion during ambulation.
Adjustment range: 5″
Saddle angle is adjustable to position the pelvis in anterior or posterior tilt for the most effective gait pattern.
Adjustment range:
7.5° and 15° forward
7.5° and 15° back
Hip corral height adjustments provide cushioning and support for the pelvis at the level of ASIS.
Adjustment range: height 3″
Hip corral depth adjustments provides cushioning and support for the pelvis at the level of ASIS.
Adjustment range: depth 3″
For clients who need less abduction, the pelvic support is a softer alternative to the hip positioner. It provides weight–bearing assistance and freedom of movement while clients build strength and stamina.
See Sizing for user and item dimensions.
Offering a less rigid, narrower fit for larger clients or those who find the hip positioner too bulky between the thighs, the pelvic support is ideal for the youngest walkers and others who need support with minimal abduction.
The pelvic support is 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 size pelvic support needed, measure half of the user’s thigh circumference:
Small: 4″ – 8″
Medium: 6″ – 10″
Large: 8″ – 14″
The hip positioner is 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.
See Sizing for user and item dimensions.
Rings on the posterior strap of the hip positioner or pelvic support clip onto the handholds mounted on the Pacer frame, allowing you to quickly secure a client following transfer.
Thigh prompts swing with the user’s stride and prevent leg scissoring. They are height adjustable in the medial and lateral positions and prevent 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″
The thigh prompts assist leg abduction. Used with the ankle prompts they can also prevent scissoring.
Ankle prompts snap 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 new ankle prompts for the new Pacer gait trainer frames. The top one is for the utility base and the bottom one is for the standard base.
Ankle prompts help to prevent scissoring. Used with the thigh prompts they can assist with leg abduction.
The odometer makes it easy to record client progress in any setting, in either feet or meters.
The odometer is an option when choosing your Pacer base.
The odometer looks 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 one 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!
The ergonomic handholds are 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.
Handholds can be used by caregiver or client.
Our redesigned communication tray features a new mounting system with an improved range of positions. Great for holding tablets and other mobile devices.
Inside dimensions: 8½”x 11″
Max. working load: 10 lb.
The communication tray is a handy surface for small devices.
The guide bar is made of high strength aluminum alloy, is lightweight and strong and attaches with a quick-release clamp. Its easy installation and removal on the front tube of the standard or utility base enables the caregiver to guide the Pacer from in front or behind.
The guide bar enables 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.
The guide bar can be held by the caregiver with their right or left hand.
The optional hand brakes combine 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.
The hand brakes are designed for use by client.
A tough and attractive tote bag big 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.
Accessories tote
Important: User’s weight must not exceed the maximum working load.
 Measure the vertical distance from the bent elbow to the floor while the user is standing upright. |
Medium New Pacer (K630) 24 – 35 |
Large New Pacer (K640) 32 – 47 |
XL New Pacer (K650) 34 – 49 |
Item Dimensions (inches) |
|||
| Floor to top of arm prompt | 24 – 35 | 32 – 47 | 34 – 49 |
| Floor to top of MPS (not tilted)* | 9½ – 23½ | 17 – 35 | 19½ – 37½ |
| Overall width | Standard base: 26 Utility base: 30 Narrow treadmill/stability base: 35 Wide treadmill/stability base: 40 |
Standard base: 28 Utility base: 32 Narrow treadmill/stability base: 35 Wide treadmill/stability base: 40 |
Standard base: 31½ |
| Overall length | Standard base: 30 Utility base: 36 Treadmill/stability bases: 41 |
Standard base: 36 Utility base: 40½ Treadmill/stability bases: 41 |
Standard base: 39¾ |
| Frame height | Standard & utility bases: 21½-27 Treadmill/stability bases: 23½-36½ |
Standard & utility bases: 28½-38½ Treadmill/stability bases: 30-47 |
Standard base: 31-41 |
| Base height (without upper frame) | Standard & utility bases: 14½ Treadmill/stability bases: 21-28½ |
Standard & utility bases: 16 Treadmill/stability bases: 21-28½ |
Standard base: 18½ |
| Frame weight (lbs) | Standard base: 15 Utility base: 18½ Narrow treadmill/stability base: 27½ Wide treadmill/stability base: 28 Standard upper: 7½ Dynamic upper: 11½ |
Standard base: 15½ Utility base: 19¼ Narrow treadmill/stability base: 27½ Wide treadmill/stability base: 28 Standard upper: 9½ Dynamic upper: 13½ |
Standard base: 22½ Standard upper: 11 Dynamic upper:15 |
| Dynamic upper movement | Vertical: 3 Horizontal: 2 |
Vertical: 3 Horizontal: 2 |
Vertical: 3 Horizontal: 2 |
| Caster diameter | Standard & treadmill bases: 5½ Utility base front casters: 8 Utility base back wheels: 11½ |
Standard & treadmill bases: 5½ Utility base front casters: 8 Utility base back wheels: 11½ |
Standard & treadmill bases: 5½ Utility base front casters: 8 Utility base back wheels: 11½ |
| Maximum treadmill width | Narrow treadmill/stability base: 29 Wide treadmill/stability base: 34 |
Narrow treadmill/stability base: 29 Wide treadmill/stability base: 34 |
n/a |
| Maximum treadmill height | Treadmill/stability bases: 11 | Treadmill/stability bases: 11 | n/a |
| Maximum working load (lbs) | 150 | 200 | 250 |
*This measurement is taken at the lowest frame and MPS height, and the highest frame and MPS height.
Chest prompt chest circumference / height (inches) |
|
| Small | 14-28 / 4½ |
| Medium | 22-40 / 6½ |
| Large | 28-50 / 8 |
| Important: Make sure that the chest prompt width allows for growth. | |
Communication tray (inches) |
|
| Inside Dimensions | 8½ x 11 |
| Maximum working load (lbs) | 10 |
Learn more about the new Pacer gait trainer using the resources below.
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