Body-weight-supported treadmill training for neurological rehabilitation

¶ … physical therapy that can enable a disabled person to walk again.

Enabling the Disabled to Walk Again

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation aims to evaluate, treat and prevent physical disability, movement dysfunction and pain that is caused by injury, disease, disability or other health related conditions. According to these objectives physical therapy supports the performance and interpretation of tests and measurements to assess pathophysiological, ergonomic and development of bodily systems in order to diagnose the treatment, prevention, and the planning of therapeutic exercises that focus on posture, locomotion, strength, endurance, cardiopulmonary function, balance, co-ordination, joint mobility, flexibility, pain, healing and repair, and functional abilities in our daily lives.

One way to restore mobility for a person suffering from multiple sclerosis is by using therapy that uses a special type of treadmill and a measure that suspends body weight. This therapy can be shown to people suffering from similar condition or more so students who are in the process of becoming physical therapists. Light symphony with dull lightning can help to lessen the patient's anxiety and tension about the whole procedure and also create a comfortable ambience for the audience. Altogether, two people are needed in this exercise; one is to play the role of the physical therapist, and one is to be the patient. Equipment required are a special treadmill, and weights.

This form of exercise or therapy can be shown during a session, by having the patient secured in a mountain-climbing harness suspended over a treadmill. The treadmill is to start at a speed of 4 miles per hour, and the physical therapist is to hold on to the patient's weaker foot to guide the first steps. This exercise if done in a routine session everyday can enable a disabled person to walk again.

The basic technique of "weight-suspended ambulation system" has been employed for many years to basically help rehabilitate stroke patients. However, it's also being used with the treadmill training for patients with spinal-cord injuries.