1) PWBS allow for equal distribution of weight over the patients BOS
2) Reduces tension on muscles allowing an increase in ROM and motor control
3) Allow patient to exercise with less demand on the cardiopulmonary system allowing patients to gradually increase exercise activity. This is useful in the reconditioning of cardiac and pulmonary patients
4) Provides a safe environment to initiate therapy on acute patients immediately following surgical procedures, injury or chronic conditions
5) A PBWS eliminates the fall risk associated with gait and balance activities allowing patients to excel with confidence
6) Input from the harness allows for proprioceptive feedback allowing the patient to orient their trunk accordingly
Harness attachment…show more content… Goal:
1. Regain functional gait through partial weight-bearing therapy.
B. Method:
1. Initial removal of 40 % of patients body weight
2. While suspended at 40% unloaded, patients may begin to perform weight shifting exercises, helping develop balance and gait
3. Audio and visual cues may be initiated by the therapist to aide in retraining of temporal and spatial deficits
C. Results and Benefits:
1. Stride length is improved
2. Cardiopulmonary endurance is maintained and improved
3. Use of PWBS allows therapist to concentrate more effectively on treatment rather than supporting the patient
3. Low back pain
A. Goal:
1. Regain pelvic rotation and provide vertical traction in conjunction with exercise.
B. Method:
1. In conjunction with the PWBS a 3% incline of the treadmill may be used to provide vertical traction
2. With the treadmill in a 3% incline, the pelvis shifts into an anteriorly tilted position, this open up the intervertebral foramen allowing a reduction of compression on the associated nerves.
C. Results and Benefits:
1. Vertical traction provides a reduction of compression on the peripheral nerves
2. Ability to exercise on a treadmill is improved leading to an increase in muscles needed for core stabilization and…show more content… Initial removal of up to 30% of a patients body weight
Under support of PWBS, patient may begin activities such as weight shifts
2. During ambulation, foot placement is directed by the clinician to assist in proper gait development
C. Results and Benefits:
1. Use of PWBS allows for a reduction in pain
2. Toughening of the stump begins earlier with a more gradual acclimation possible
3. Demands on the metabolic and cardiac systems are reduced.
4. Use of PWBS allows therapist to concentrate more effectively on treatment rather than supporting the patient
5. Orthopedic Patients
A. Goal:
1. Aide in development in weight bearing acceptance and proprioception following joint injury, repair, and replacement through partial weight bearing therapy
B. Method:
1. Initial removal of up to 40% of patients body weight
2. Under support of PWBS patient may perform gait training and balance exercises.
3. Reduction of body weight support as range of motion begins to increase
4. Progression of weight bearing activities may be initiated with the gradual acceptance of more body weight
C. Results and Benefits:
1. Therapeutic rehabilitation may begin sooner
2. Proprioception and weight bearing activities are improved more quickly
