The Body Weight Support System (BWSS) is developed to train gait through

mechanical trunk support in patients who are recovering from disabling

neuro musculo skeletal diseases and disorders. not able to walk
independently. This device provides maximum support enabling patients to
feel the sensation of walking without manual support, thereby helping in
motor learning of posture and gait. They need support in order to be able to
learn how to walk again. Many patients that have to learn how to walk again
are mobile through a wheelchair. The BWSS takes these patients into full
consideration: the patient can be placed on the parallel bar in the wheelchair.
The BWSS will enable the patients to achieve this.

The Device:
1. Metal frame:
It has a frame like structure with overhead pulley mounted over a wooden
platform. The pulley that moves over an inclined tract, is connected to a trunk
support harness through ropes(Fig:1). It allows movement in one direction
only, i.e down the inclination.
2. Harness:
Worn like a vest around the upper torso. The Support provided by the Harness
provides patients with security and safety from falling. The versatile harness is
supportive, comfortable and easy to put on and off.

Subjects benefited:

The following categories of patients may be benefited from BWSS:

 CVA patients who are in the recovery phase.

 Spinal Cord injured.
 Motor dysfunction following TBI.
 Lower limb Amputees before and after fitment of prosthesis.
 Partial weight bearing gait training for patients with lower limb fractures.
 Patients with cerebellar and vestibular dysfunctions .
 Any other patients who are apprehensive to walk unsupported.
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.

During the training session, patient weight can be supported up to 50 kg,

allowing a broad range of patients to use the system. The weight is
compensated by a harness that will guarantee comfortable fitting for the
patients and provides the compensation system. The patient will not be
burdened by the compensation weight, enabling the most comfortable way of
rehabilitation.

The harness can be easily put on to the sitting patient. Then the patient can
stand up directly from the wheelchair with support of the therapist. This
function is suitable for patients up to 100 kg. Now the patient can start the
therapy without much effort.

Patients that have to learn how to walk again can be anxious. Safety is one of
the most important aspects that BWSS takes into consideration. In case a
patient threatens to fall, the fully supported harness will make sure that the
patient will remain in the system and will not be injured.

The Unweighing Support System provides assistance, helping patients regain

their confidence, their strength and their stride. The Unweighing System,
allows every patient the opportunity to get an early start on rehabilitation
 THE BODY WEIGHT SUPPORT SYSTEM:

PROJECT SUBMITTED BY: MR. ASHOK KUMAR PANDA AND OTHERS, AS PART
OF THE COURSE OF STUDY IN 8TH SEMESTER BPT.

GUIDED BY: MR. B.K NANDA, LECTURER(PT).

 THE BODY WEIGHT SUPPORT SYSTEM:

The Body Weight Support System (BWSS) is developed to train gait through
mechanical trunk support in patients who are recovering from disabling
neuro musculo skeletal diseases and disorders. This device provides maximum
support enabling patients to feel the sensation of walking without manual
support, thereby helping in motor learning of posture and gait.

THE DEVICE:
1.Metal frame:
It has a frame like structure with overhead pulley mounted over a
wooden platform. The pulley that moves over an inclined tract, is
connected to a trunk support harness through ropes(Fig:1). It allows
movement in one direction only, i.e down the inclination.
2.Harness:
Worn like a vest around the upper torso. The Support provided by the
Harness provides patients with security and safety from falling. The
versatile harness is supportive, comfortable and easy to put on and off.

SUBJECTS BENEFITED:

The following categories of patients may be benefited from BWSS:

 CVA patients who are in the recovery phase.

 Spinal Cord injured.
 Motor dysfunction following TBI.
 Lower limb Amputees before and after fitment of prosthesis.
 Partial weight bearing gait training for patients with lower limb fractures.
 Patients with cerebellar and vestibular dysfunctions .
 Any other patients who are apprehensive to walk unsupported.

SUGGESTIONS:
As this is a beginning of our thoughts to facilitate gait in those who
are deprived of early ambulation training, we suggest, the device to be used
more and more for the needy patients. Further, the limitation of two way
movement, which could not be made possible due to time constraints, may be
made to overcome after, the one way training is successful.