Clinical indications and protocol considerations for selecting initial body weight support levels in gait rehabilitation: a systematic review

Body weight support (BWS) devices are commonly used to help people with neurological conditions improve their walking. These devices reduce the amount of weight a person has to carry, making it easier to move. This review looked at studies that used BWS during gait training for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The review examined how much body weight was supported during the initial stages of training and why those levels were chosen. The review found that there's no clear agreement on the best BWS levels to use, and the reasons for choosing a particular level are often not well explained. More research is needed to develop guidelines for selecting the right BWS levels for different conditions and training goals.

• 1
  Initial BWS levels varied significantly across studies and diagnoses, with the highest levels used for individuals with MS and the lowest for those with TBI.
• 2
  There was no clear relationship found between the level of BWS, the specific diagnosis of the patient, the goals of the training, and the reasons given for choosing a certain BWS level.
• 3
  Despite the variations in BWS levels, the studies included generally achieved their training goals, such as improving walking speed or endurance.