Partial weight bearing gait therapy

Partial Weight Bearing (PWB) gait therapy, also called Body Weight Supported (BWS) gait therapy, is a method of supporting the body to facilitate walking.

It is a particularly effective rehabilitation technique for those who have experienced the following conditions:

• stroke
• brain injury
• spinal cord injury
• Parkinson's disease
• multiple sclerosis
• adult cerebral palsy

PWB gait therapy enables the therapist to assist the patient in regaining the ability to walk by:

• reducing weight-bearing loads
• providing a safe environment free from falls
• supporting optimal upright posture
• beginning gait training much earlier in the rehabilitation process
• beginning gait training at a lower level of ability
• allowing correction of improper walking patterns.

Benefits of PWB gait therapy

Benefits associated with PWB gait therapy include:

• improved gait speed
• improved balance
• improved efficiency of gait
• increased ability to walk for longer distances.

To initiate PWB gait therapy, the patient must have a referral from a physician for a physical therapy evaluation. After the referral is made, a qualified physical therapist will perform an evaluation to determine if the patient is an appropriate candidate for PWB gait therapy.

If the patient is a candidate for this therapy, he/she will be assessed on the PWB system and monitored closely for any adverse reactions. A therapist will then work with the patient to establish an appropriate treatment plan.