Unweighing System

Allows for functional vertical displacement and functional pelvic rotation or stabilization during partial weight-bearing therapy

• Dynamic suspension - allows for natural vertical displacement of center of gravity
• Patented off-loading mechanism - maintains constant force; simply dial in amount to off load
• Single-point suspension - permits functional pelvic rotation
• Unobstructed open access - Offset design provides full access for easy patient interaction
• Attachment rings - on support vest allow single or two-point pelvic stabilization when desired
• Low-effort manual operation - no power cord, no weights, no air compressor
• Adjustable and removable patient handrails - accommodates diverse patient populations and allows for easy treadmill access
• Unweighing Harness- fits a variety of patients
• Adjustable height - can be assembled at reduced height for use in rooms with 8-foot ceilings
• Adjustable suspension - accommodates children and adults
• Therapist seats - provide a place to sit during assistive exercise and provides a safer environment for therapist interaction
  

• Stroke
• Spinal Cord
• Head Injury
• Amputees
• Orthopedic
• Neurologic
• Vestibular
• Older Adult Patients 

Spinal Cord Injury

Goal:
To reduce spasticity and regain functional gait through partial weight-bearing therapy.

Method:
Initial unweighing support up to 40% of body weight. As the patient begins to demonstrate step symmetry, body weight support can be decreased. When used with a Treadmill or Biodex Gait Trainer, and support is decreased to 20% of body weight, treadmill belt speed can be increased to develop functional step length and step speed.

Results and Benefits:

Rehabilitation can begin within the first 1-3 months following onset when there is the most plasticity of the Central Nervous System and greater potential for recovery. Improved gait is achieved in an upright and fully supported position through the repetitive and rhythmic movements of the Treadmill or Biodex Gait Trainer. Effective, efficient and safe use of clinician time. Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient. When used with a Treadmill or Biodex Gait Trainer:
Better recovery of ambulation with effects transferred to improved over ground walking speed, endurance, and
physical assistance required to walk.

Reference:
- Barbeau et al., Walking After Spinal Cord Injury: Control and Recovery
- Gardner et al., Partial Body Weight Support With Treadmill Locomotion
- Visintin et al., A New Approach To Retrain Gait In Stroke Patients Through Body Weight Support and Treadmill Stimulation 

Stroke / Traumatic Brain Injury

Goal:
To regain functional gait through partial weight-bearing therapy.

Method:
Initial unweighing support, up to 40% of body weight. As the patient begins to demonstrate step symmetry body weight support can be decreased. When used with a Treadmill or Biodex Gait Trainer and support is decreased to20% of body weight, treadmill belt speed can be increased to develop cadence.

Results and Benefits:

Rehabilitation can begin within the first 1-3 months following onset when there is the most plasticity of the Central Nervous System and greater potential for recovery.Improved step length symmetry and increased cadence during ambulation is achieved in an upright and fully supported position through the repetitive and rhythmic movements of the Treadmill or Biodex Gait Trainer.Effective, efficient and safe use of clinician time. Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient.

When used with a Treadmill or Biodex Gait Trainer:
Better recovery of ambulation with effects transferred to improved over ground walking speed, endurance, and
physical assistance required to walk.

Reference:
- Visintin et al.: A New Approach To Retrain Gait In Stroke Patients Through Body Weight Support and Treadmill Stimulation 

Parkinson's Disease

Goal:
To regain functional gait through partial weight-bearing therapy.

Method:
Initial unweighing support is up to 40% of body weight. Once supported, the patient can perform balance and gait training exercises, such as weight shifts. When used with the Biodex Gait Trainer, audio and visual cues are used to assist retraining of the temporal and spatial deficits associated with Parkinsonian Gait.

Results and Benefits:

Improvement of stride length.Maintain/Improve cardiopulmonary endurance.Effective, efficient and safe use of clinician time. Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient.

Reference:
- Morris, ME, et al., Stride Length Regulation In Parkinson's Disease Normalization Strategies and Underlying Mechanisms.
Brain, 119:551-568, 1996.

Low Back Patients

Goal:
To regain pelvic rotation and provide vertical traction in conjunction with exercise.

Method:
When used with a treadmill inclined to 3% grade, the Unweighing System will provide vertical traction. The inclined treadmill brings the pelvis into an anteriorly tilted position allowing the intervertebral foramen to open up and reduce the compression on the associated nerve(s). Once supported, the patient can perform gait and balance exercises.

Results and Benefits:

Reduction of compression on the peripheral nerves.Improved tolerance for exercise.Ability to exercise longer on a treadmill, providing increased core stabilization and endurance of postural muscles.

Reference:
- Simpson, S, et al. Unloaded Treadmill Therapy for lumbar disc herniation injury 

Older Adult

Goal:
To regain functional gait through partial weight-bearing therapy.

Method:
Support patient in the Biodex Unweighing System. Once supported, the patient can perform gait and balance exercises.

Results and Benefits:

Improved confidence.Improved tolerance for exercise.Transfer of training benefits to activities of daily living.Maintain or regain independence. 

Amputation of the Lower Extremity

Goal:
To regain functional gait through partial weight-bearing therapy.

Method:
Initial unweighing support is up to 30% of body weight. Once supported,the patient can perform early weight shifts. As patient starts gait training, the clinician assists with foot placement.

Results and Benefits:

Reduction of pain.Stump toughening begins earlier and in a more gradual manner.Cardiac and metabolic demands are reduced.Effective, efficient and safe use of clinician time. Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient.

Reference:
- Peterson, et al. "Physiological Responses During Unweighted Ambulation Of Three Patients With Below The Knee Amputation".
A pilot study.

Orthopedic Patients

Goal:
To develop proprioception and weight-bearing acceptance following joint injury, surgical repairs or replacements through partial weight-bearing therapy.

Method:
Initial unweighing support is up to 40% of body weight. Once supported, the patient can perform balance and gait training exercises, such as weight shifts. Reduce body weight support as patient regains range of motion and begin mini-squats and other weight bearing activities.

Results and Benefits:

Rehabilitation can begin earlier.Improve proprioception and acceptance for weight bearing activities.

Reference:
- Mulcare, JA, et al. Physiological responses during unweighing ambulation: A pilot study. 

• Dimensions: 41.5" w x 50" depth x 106" h
  (105 x 127 x 270 cm) accommodates patients from pediatric up to 6' 11" (210 cm) on a standard treadmill; alternate height setting for facilities with low ceilings: 93.5" h (241 cm) accommodates patients from pediatric up to 6' 2" (188 cm) on a standard treadmill
• Accommodates Treadmill up to 35" wide
• Vertical Adjustment: 60" (152 cm)
• Unloading Weight Capacity: 180 lb (82 kg)
• Patient Capacity: 500 lb (227 kg)
• Power: 9V Battery
• Certification: ETL listed to UL 60601-1 and
  CAN/CSA C22.2 No.:601-1-M90.
  CE conformity to IEC 60601-1,
  EMC compliance to EN 60601-1-2.
• Warranty: Two-years parts; one-year labor 

To order, call 1-800-224-6339

U.S. Patent 6,302,828 Pad.

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