Another use of the scale as a biofeedback tool: have the patient watch the numbers as they walk: if the patient is very asymmetrical, they'll see the number jump when taking weight on their impaired side, and dive as they take weight on the stronger side... a simple cue would be to simply "keep the numbers as steady as you can." Many of my patients figure out how to load a hemiplegic limb on their own when given a specific task like that.
BiSym - Bilateral Symmetry Scale measures the load on each supportive arm of the LiteGait Yoke. It provides a continuous real time measure of how the patient uses the support LiteGait provides.
Bio-Feedback - As a real time measure of how the patient is using the support, BiSym readings are a great source of bio-feedback for the patient and the therapist too. If you have a patient that due to weaknesses of one side or the other has 60 pounds on the unit. He/She maybe leaning or just stand with flexed knee or hip; with enough cognition to make sense of the numbers on the monitor, ask him/her to reduce the number by standing on their own (this is in static standing). The way to reduce the numbers is to find a strategy to stand more on his/her own - get off leaning onto the straps for support or extend hip or knees.
What do I chart progress with? In a reproducible standing position you can set the level of support understanding that you are asking LG to hang on to your patient even if due to dynamic weaknesses he/she need more support to stay upright. The static support needed to achieve the therapy session objectives(we should talk about this as well!) should be charted and should show signs of improved function as therapy progresses.
Please keep in mind PWB-GT or BWS-TT techniques (or any other name one gives them) when applied to neuro patients must include the provision of support to correct dynamic posture during gait, rhythmic stimulus of a motorized treadmill, and most importantly the facilitation of a clinician to correct for the gait patterns and produce the most normal afferrence/sensory input possible. As you do the facilitation, the support, speed of the treadmill, and patient participation impacts how much effort it takes to correct the movements. This is an excellent though subjective measure of the level of support (and speed of treadmill) being correct. If it is getting easier for you to achieve the objectives at previous levels(support and speed), the patient is improving and maybe ready for a round of speed hike and/or reduction of support.
