Novel Ways Occupational Therapists Can Use Bodyweight Support Technology

By: Maddie Runyen, OTR/L, CSRS

 

Bodyweight support technology (BWST) is used in physical rehabilitation to offload a percentage of an individual’s body weight with a harness and robotic technology. Many existing technologies implement body weight support.

Bodyweight support technology decreases a person’s risk of further injury while also optimizing the challenges implemented in therapy. It can help increase confidence for both the patient and clinician when trying new, taxing activities in a safe environment. Strength, activity tolerance, and balance can simultaneously improve with the use of body weight support. There are various ways for occupational therapists to harness this technology for individuals at any level of care.

How Can Bodyweight Support Technology be Used?

Functional Tasks:

  • Easily applicable to activities of daily living (i.e., dressing) and instrumental activities of daily living (i.e., cleaning, cooking)
  • Transfers
  • Sitting or standing tasks
  • Quadruped or crawling

Engaging:

  • Task-specific training and specificity
  • Contextual practice
  • Leisure, fun, and creative interventions
  • Technology can be easily layered (i.e., electrical stimulation, virtual reality)

Intensity and Repetition:

  • Increases intensity and feasibility of meeting heart rate goals
  • Maximizes repetitions
  • Higher salience due to task challenge and whole-body engagement

Bodyweight Support Technology in Occupational Therapy

Practicing getting dressed

Fun, leisure activities such as playing basketball

Practicing meal preparation

Crawling and high repetition arm movement on a treadmill layered with electrical stimulation

Bodyweight support technology plays an integral role in providing the most innovative care at Sheltering Arms Institute. To find out if bodyweight support technology is right for your rehabilitative needs, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us or call (804) 764-1000 to schedule an appointment with a therapist.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury You May Not Know

What exactly is a traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that can be caused by a forceful jolt, bump, or hit to the head. It can also be caused by a sharp object that pushes through the skull and into the brain. Such injuries are often caused by car accidents, falls, sports, or natural disasters. For example, a concussion is a mild form of TBI; however, not all injuries to the head will cause a TBI.

Floor Transfers: Why They’re Important

Floor transfers, the ability to get down and rise from the floor without assistance, are an indicator of an individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and a predictor of longevity and overall health. This seemingly simple movement represents a complex integration of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination that is closely linked to one’s overall functional mobility.

Heart Healthy Foods

Five Foods That Promote Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and most ethnic groups in the United States. While some risk factors—such as age, gender, and family history—are beyond our control, many other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices. Diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco all play a critical role in supporting heart health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.