Home Physical Medicine
Unweighing System
           

"I need a simple, cost effective way to
reduce a patient's body weight during
rehabilitation exercises..."

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
  • Universal Air Support Vest - 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

The Biodex Unweighing System enables partial weight-bearing therapy to be conducted with the assurance of patient comfort and safety, and with convenient access to the patient for manual assistance and observation.

Unlike the simple patient lift devices, Biodex Unweighing System incorporates a dynamic suspension system that accommodates the vertical displacement of the center of gravity that occurs during normal gait. Biodex's patented off-loading mechanism maintains constant force; simply dial the amount to off load.

When walking, an individual's center of gravity typically moves through a vertical range from one to four inches, depending on walking speed. The Biodex system accommodates up to four inches of vertical displacement while maintaining a consistent level of unweighing.

Another component of normal gait is pelvic rotation. Two-point suspension systems have a tendency to restrict rotation on the horizontal plane. They respond to pelvic rotation similar to the way a playground swing undulates back to neutral after being twisted. The single-point suspension of the Biodex system allows unrestricted pelvic rotation.

Patients can train for weight-bearing ambulation without compromising proper gait kinematics. Should pelvic stabilization be desired, retention cords can be attached to special attachment rings on the sides of the support vest, secured to the frame, and adjusted for the specific degree of pelvic stabilization.

The ability to allow rotation has other advantages. When training with a treadmill, single-point suspension permits functional pelvic rotation and versatility when walking, side-stepping, retro-walking and turning. With a Biodex Unweighing System, the patient can change direction without repositioning the entire patient support system.

Applications

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

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 36" w x 50" depth x 106" h
    (91 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
  • Vertical Adjustment: 60" (152 cm)
  • Unloading Weight Capacity: 180 lb (82 kg)
  • Patient Capacity: 360 lb (163 kg)
  • Power: 9V Battery
  • Certification: ETL and cETL listed to UL 2601-1, CAN/CSA C22.2 No.: 601-1-M90 and EN60601-1. CE conformity to M.D.D. 93/42/EEC
  • Warranty: Two-years parts; one-year labor
 


VA Hospital Study* supports the concept of
the Biodex Unweighing System.

“If the system does not allow for vertical movements, gait is markedly distorted. The subject may still be able to move on the treadmill, since the walking surface is moving below him, but this unnatural gait is not the goal of therapy.”

Specific Recommendations:
- Support up to 40% of patient’s body weight
- Allow for 5.5 cm of vertical movement to permit normal gait
- Report reliably to ensure the correct degree of unloading
- Enable easy adjustment to the amount of body weight support as the subject improves or fatigues during a training exercise

* VA Hospital Study: Source: Wilson M, Qureshy H, Protas E, Holmes A, Krouskop T, Sherwood A.: Equipment Specifications for Supported Treadmill Ambulation Training, J of Rehab, Rehab and Development, Vol. 37 No. 4, July/August 2000, pp 415-422


945-480 Unweighing System, Offset
Includes: Universal Air Support Vest, removable arm supports, pelvic stabilization straps, and two therapist seats
 
U.S. Patent 6,302,828

Includes In-service/Training Video.
(Package pricing & leasing options available)

Export models available


Replacement:

945-462 Straps, Pelvic Stabilization  

Contact Biodex for Price Quote

International Product List

Conditions of Purchase
 
unweighing system
See Presentation

Offset frame design offers improved
access to manually assist patient
footfall and weight shift.
 
Facilitates lifting from
a wheelchair.

Use with treadmills
 
Accommodates pediatric patients.

Air Support Vest

The new Universal Air Support Vest is included with the Offset Unweighing System and is compatible with most other partial weight-bearing therapy devices. The side panels of the vest are fitted with removable, inflatable bladders for superior comfort and support. Side O-rings are used to attach retention cords when additional pelvic stabilization is desired. Air pump bulb is included. One size fits most (chest sizes 24"- 61" 61-142 cm).

Warranty: 60-days parts and labor

945-476 Vest, Universal
Air Support Includes: Air pump bulb and bladders
U.S. Patent No. 6,942,630 B2

GAIT TRAINER 2+UNWEIGHING
The Biodex Gait Training System
The Gait Trainer provides audio and visual biofeedback of step length and step speed. The Unweighing Support System provides assistance, helping patients regain their confidence, their strength and their stride. The Unweighing System, combined with the Gait Trainer 2 allows every patient the opportunity to get an early start on rehabilitation.
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