Reduce patient body weight with single-point suspension for proper gait mechanics.
The Biodex NxStep™ Unweighing System enables partial weight-bearing therapy with open access to the patient. Offloading a percentage of body weight allows the opportunity for early rehabilitation while providing a safe environment for patient and therapist. Therapists can focus on treating their patients, manually facilitating lower extremities.
The dynamic, single-point suspension of NxStep accommodates pelvic rotation and vertical displacement. This encouragement of proper mechanics allows functional gait patterns to be practiced. When used in combination with the Biodex Gait Trainer, a comprehensive gait training environment complete with audio cueing and visual biofeedback, is possible.
NxStep™ Unweighing System allows full and partial weight bearing without compromising proper gait kinematics. Depending on walking speed, up to four inches of vertical displacement is permitted while the system maintains a consistent level of unweighing.
The ability to allow pelvic rotation has its own advantages. Unlike two-point suspension systems that have a tendency to restrict rotation on a horizontal plane, the single-point method of NxStep permits functional pelvic rotation and versatility when walking, side-stepping, retro-walking and turning. Patients can engage in reactive postural control exercises or change direction without repositioning the entire support system.
The unique, forward corner-mounted design of NxStep enables many advantages. Therapists can view patients from all angles; patients have full visibility of treadmill display and, the open design allows natural arm swing, an essential component to encourage neuroplasticity.
While essential to invest in equipment and training to prevent patient falls, it is equally important to protect therapists, rehabilitation nurses, caregivers and visiting family from injury when trying to lift or support a patient.
Currently eleven states have enacted “Safe Patient Handling” laws that improve safety for both patient and healthcare provider. Powered lift-assist devices promote rehabilitation and facilitate functional recovery – while maintaining safe conditions.
GAIT TRAINER 3 + UNWEIGHING
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Allows for functional vertical displacement and functional pelvic rotation or stabilization during partial weight-bearing therapy
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.”
* 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 |
The question isn’t whether to offload a patient’s weight, but how. What factors to consider should be textbook, allowing the biomechanics of gait without impeding movement.
The Biodex Unweighing Harness is designed to provide vertical lift through three shared points of pressure: through the hip straps, gluteal fold straps and the lumbar-thoracic harness. Its secure fit with maximum support offers comfort without limiting lower extremity range of motion. Assuring that the patient is comfortable is essential when lengthy exercise sessions are required.
The NxStep Unweighing System allows the necessary movements to replicate natural ambulation – uniquely offered with Biodex design. The new Auto Unload feature compensates for any harness slippage, maintaining unloaded amount and position throughout the exercise.
Take it a step further and partner the NxStep Unweighing System with the Biodex Gait Trainer. This combination provides the safety to treat people with movement disorders, and the biofeedback technology with objective reporting to prove need, progress and outcome.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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| Select the amount of weight to offload the patient. | Hand-Held Controller | Raise overhead bar in Load Range until indicator is in the green zone. |
| 950-485 | NxStep™ Unweighing System, 115 VAC Includes: Standard unweighing harness, one therapist seat, a set of retention cords and an Allen wrench. |
U.S. Patent 6,302,828
Export models available.
| 950-486 | Therapist Seat |
| 950-487 | Harness, Standard Unweighing Note: Standard Unweighing Harness included with Biodex Unweighing System |
| 960-126 | Harness, Support, DLX Includes Pelvic Support Strap |
| 960-401 | Harness, Bariatric |
| 960-402 | Harness, Pediatric |
| 950-488 | Strap, Extender, Pediatric |
| 945-462 | Retention Cords, Pelvic Stabilization |
| 056-862 | Battery and Wall Charging Unit, 115 VAC |
| 056-863 | Battery and Wall Charging Unit, 230 VAC |
Course Presented by
Dr. Kevin E. Wilk
Biodex Medical Systems
49 Natcon Drive
Shirley, New York
11967-4704
Tel: (800) 224-6339
Int Tel: +1-631-924-9000
Fax: (631) 924-8355
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