Lode BWSS User manual

Manual - Body Weight Support System
Rehabilitation
Lode BV
Zernikepark 16
NL 9747 AN
Groningen
The Netherlands
t: [phone]
f: [phone]
@: [e-mail]
www.lode.nl
M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

44
44
44
55
77
77
88
8
9
10
10
1111
11
11
12
13
14
14
15
15
16
1717
17
17
1818
1919
2020
Table of contents
1 - Intended Use1 - Intended Use
2 - Contra Indication2 - Contra Indication
3 - Maintenance3 - Maintenance
4 - Precautions4 - Precautions
5 - Introduction5 - Introduction
6 - List of symbols used6 - List of symbols used
7 - Description of the Body Weight Support System7 - Description of the Body Weight Support System
7.1 - Parts
7.2 - Control unit
7.3 - Power supply panel
7.4 - Adjustments
8 - Using the BWSS8 - Using the BWSS
8.1 - Adjust the Harness
8.2 - Select the desired bodyweight support range
8.3 - Attaching the harness to the balancer
8.4 - Putting on the Harness for Wheelchair Patients
8.5 - Lift a Test subject from a wheelchair
8.6 - Select the weight to be unloaded during the training
8.7 - Release a test person form the BWSS
8.8 - Place the test person from the BWSS into a wheel chair
8.9 - Emergency release of a test person from the BWSS
9 - Problem solving9 - Problem solving
9.1 - The BWSS does not work. The display on the control unit remains blank.
9.2 - The lift mechanism does not work. The display on the control unit is on.
10 - Maintenance10 - Maintenance
11 - Accessories11 - Accessories
12 - FAQ12 - FAQ

2020
2121
13 - Science13 - Science
14 - Specifications14 - Specifications

1 - Intended Use
A Lode Body Weight Support System (BWSS) is a rehabilitation or training device intended to be used as
a device to reduce the body weight acting on a test persons lower limbs in a medical environment. The
force to reduce the body weight will be transferred through a harness, worn by the test person, to the
Body Weight Support System. The parameter “supported body weight” can be measured (kg).
In combination with other (medical) devices, like a treadmill, the BWSS forms a dedicated rehabilitation
or training device for people unable to bear their full bodyweight on the lower limbs.
The BWSS has to be operated under the supervision of well-trained rehabilitation specialists or
physiotherapists. The ultimate judgment whether a test person is capable of using the BWSS must be
made by the responsible specialist, based on the limitations of each individual, the medical history and
all other applicable circumstances. Neither Lode BV nor its distributors can be held responsible for the
final use of its equipment.
2 - Contra Indication
The BWSS is to be operated by classified personnel only. As stated in the intended use, the BWSS is
intended to be used in a medical environment.
3 - Maintenance
The BWSS should be calibrated once a year. In case any damage is observed of the BWSS Lode B.V. or
his representative should be informed in order to execute the necessary repair(s). Service of the BWSS
is restricted to factory-trained personnel only.
4/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

4 - Precautions
Read this manual before using the device and follow it
carefully.
The test subject should not wear loose or dangling clothing
while using the device.
Do not unweight until you are sure the vest is properly
secured.
Set up and operate the device on a solid level surface.
The test subject shall wear clothes when using the harness or
the lanyard belt to prevent skin irritation.
Read this entire manual before using the vest.
Read all warnings posted on the device.
Inspect the device for worn or loose components prior to
use. Tighten / replace any loose or worn components prior to
use.
5/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

Before each use, inspect the vest for damage. Do not use if
the integrity is questionable.
Do not release the test person when the system is under
tension, unless in an emergency situation.
Not suitable for use in the presence of flammable
anaesthetics.
This device should only be sold by, or under the supervision
of authorized persons.
6/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

Locked
Unlocked
On-off Switch: IEC 60417-5010
Potential Equalization Conductor
Supported body weight
Range from zero up to ….
5 - Introduction
Congratulations on your new Body Weight Support System (hereafter denoted as BWWS)! This device
will provide you optimal test and rehab possibilities. Your test subject will feel safe during the therapy
because of the dynamic body weight support functionality and the fall stop. The BWSS has standard
possibilities for body weight unloaded therapy. The basic BWSS has wheels to ride the system easily
over the treadmill. Optional side chairs for the therapist are available which can be mounted on the
side bars.
The BWSS is easy to move and can be used in a variety of operating environments. The design is user
friendly, for both the test subject and the operator of the system.
Another feature of the BWSS is that it offers possibilities for placement over a range of treadmills.
6 - List of symbols used
7/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

7 - Description of the Body Weight Support System
7.1 - Parts
The BWSS is a solid mobile
device that can be used to
reduce the body weight acting
on a test persons lower limbs in
a variety of operating
environments. The following
will be described in this chapter:
- Identification of parts
- Control Unit
- Power supply panel
- Adjustments
BWSS main parts
1. Mainframe BWSS
2. Unload mechanism.
3. Power supply and lift
mechanism.
4. Balancer.
5. Control unit
6. Fall stop system
7. Adjustable handle bars
(optional)
8. Adjustable seats (optional)
9. One or more size Harness,
depending to your order (Not
shown in this Figure)
8/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

7.2 - Control unit
The “Control unit” (part 5)
consists of the following
elements:
Control unit BWSS
1. Support weight indication
display (Kg)
2. Up button. Increase support
weight / Lift a person up
3. Down button. Decrease
support weight / Put a person
on his feet
4. Lock light. When on, the
bodyweight support range
selection mechanism is locked
5. Unlock light. When on, the
bodyweight support range
mechanism is available
6. Bodyweight support range
indication lights
7. Bodyweight support range
selection buttons
9/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

7.3 - Power supply panel
The power supply panel
contains the following
elements:
1. Mains on/off switch
2. Mains connector
3. Fuse box (two fuses inside)
4. Protective Earth connector
7.4 - Adjustments
The BWSS can be fitted with
optional side handle bars and
optional therapist seats. The
side handle bars are adjustable
for test subjects of all sizes and
ages.
1. Handle bars are adjustable in
height
2. Handle bars can be rotated
to change the width between
the handle bars.
3. Seats can be moved along
the BWSS frame bars.
4. Seat cushions can be rotated.
10/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

8 - Using the BWSS
This chapter describes how to use the BWSS. Execute the following steps for performing an
bodyweight support test with the BWSS after the BWSS is installed.
8.1 - Adjust the Harness
To adjust the harness read the separate harness manual, within the harness
Note: The patients do need to wear appropriate cloths for the training before putting on the harness.
Loose fitting clothing will tend to allow the harness to ride up.
8.2 - Select the desired bodyweight support range
To accomplish the best dynamic
support forces, the Bodyweight
support system is fitted with 7
dynamic support ranges. Within
each dynamic support range,
the supported weight can be
accurately set with the up down
buttons.
Execute the following steps to
select the desired bodyweight
support range:
1. Switch the BWSS on.
2. Fix the fall stop rope
3. Lower the balancer,
4. until the unlock light goes on.
5. Select the desired bodyweight support range. We advise to select a range that is the closest above
the desired weight to be supported. Example: The desired weight to be supported is 28 kg. The best
support range for this example is 30kg.
11/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

8.3 - Attaching the harness to the balancer
Each shoulder strap at the harness has a D-ring that attaches with quick release hooks to the balancer.
Adjust the upright posture of the patient by moving the D-ring back and forth on the straps. With the
individual adjustment the patient can be prevented of falling over to the front of the back. Open the
Velcro strap underneath the D-ring and adjust it. By moving forth and back. Close the Velcro. For more
flexion, slide the D-ring backwards and for more extension, slide the D-ring forward and fasten.
Before unweighting anyone, be sure the waist belt is snug and that the safety snaps are closed
completely.
The most important thing is, that the patient is feeling comfortable. Be sure that the harness is not
wedged into the underarms and that it does not restrict breathing. Be sure that the leg straps are not
tight enough to restrict circulation in the legs. Readjust the harness and single straps as necessary.
Correcting Harness ProblemsCorrecting Harness Problems
If the harness rides up under the arms, reweight and pull the harness down. Have the person tighten
the abdominal muscles, then re-tighten the waist straps and leg straps. If the chest strap is too tight
during exercising, it has to be loosened. If the leg cuffs ride up, the cuff has to be fixed due to placing
the front leg strap in the center of the thigh
12/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

8.4 - Putting on the Harness for Wheelchair Patients
- Put the left side of the cross over chest strap through the D-ring on the inside of the belt, pull back
and attach to the Velcro. Pull the right side of the cross over chest strap tightly over to the right,
through the D-ring and press securely on the Velcro.
- While holding the cuff in place (just above the knee) wrap the cuff and strap behind the leg between
the legs keeping the cuff taut. Pull on the strap to tighten comfortably. Press down on the Velcro to
secure the strap. Repeat the procedure for the right leg. The front strap on the cuff should be centered
on the thigh.
- Buckle up both buckles. Tighten up the top buckle by pulling first on one side of the adjusting strap
and then the other, keeping the buckle centered. Next tighten up the second buckle using the same
method. You may have to reposition the cross over strap and the first buckle to get a snug tight fit. Do
not tighten enough to restrict breathing. Make sure that the back D-ring is at the center back in
alignment with the spine.
Reposition leg straps if necessary after waist has been strapped. The shoulder straps will remain loose
until connected to the unweighting bar.
When strapping the waist area, fit the harness as tightly and as low as possible (have the person lift the
shoulders if able).
The patient is now ready to be unweighted. Before unweighting anyone, be sure the waist belt is snug
and that the safety snaps are closed completely.
- Place the wheelchair under the Lode BWSS. For treadmills, you may need to use a ramp to place the
person under the system.
- Pull the bar down and connect the extension with the karabiners to the unweighting bar
- Unweight the person from the chair and remove the chair. Adjust the extension as needed
Most of the comfort problems encountered during unweighting are the results of improper
adjustment of the harness.
13/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

8.5 - Lift a Test subject from a wheelchair
A test subject can be lifted from a wheelchair with a total bodyweight up to 160kg. The body weight
support system has a dynamic unweighing range up to 80kg. Each of the seven body weight support
ranges can be used beyond their maximum dynamic unweighing range. Beyond this range the system
loses its dynamic behaviour and becomes a patient lift.
Before becoming a patient lift the system has to go through the selected dynamic unweighing range.
This takes more or less time dependent on the selected unweighing range.
Execute the following steps to lift a test person from a wheel chair:
1. Switch the BWSS on
2. Fix the fall stop rope.
3. Lower the balancer until the unlock light goes on.
4. Select the desired bodyweight support range.
5. Unlock the fall stop rope.
6. Lower the balancer.
7. Drive the wheel chair with the test person under the BWSS
8. Connect the D-rings from the harness shoulder straps to the quick release hooks from the balancer.
9. Lift the test person from the wheel chair to a position the test person is able to walk.
10. Fix the fall stop rope.
11. Remove the wheel chair
The BWSS is now ready for unloading
8.6 - Select the weight to be unloaded during the training
At this point, the test person is wearing the Harness and is connected to the BWSS. The desired body
weight support range should have been selected at this point. When the test person was lifted from a
wheel chair. The BWSS is still in the patient lift mode! (Full tension!)
1. (Make sure the test person is in an upright position, and able to walk) Unlock the fall stop rope
2. Pull the fall stop rope tight.
3. From the tight position release the fall stop rope approximately 10 cm, to make sure there is enough
free vertical movement available.
4. Fix the fall stop rope.
5. Press the up or down button on the control unit until the display shows the desired body support
weight.
The test person is now ready for training.
Be sure the Test Subject is ready and is wearing the harness in the correct way. (be aware of long hair
during lifting.)
During the training the Test subject is not allowed to be left alone.
14/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

8.7 - Release a test person form the BWSS
At this point, the test subject is wearing the Harness and is connected to the BWSS. The desired body
weight support range should have been selected at this point.
1. Unlock the fall stop rope.
2. Pull the fall stop rope tight.
3. Fix the fall stop rope.
4. Release the tension in the BWSS by pushing the down button, until the unlock light on the control
unit goes on.
5. Pull the quick release hooks to release the test person form the balancer.
6. Turn the BWSS off.
8.8 - Place the test person from the BWSS into a wheel chair
1. Unlock the fall stop rope.
2. Pull the fall stop rope tight
3. Fix the fall stop rope.
4. Push the up button until the BWSS behaves like patient lift. The BWSS supports the test person’s
body weight completely.
5. Drive the wheel chair behind the test person.
6. Unlock the fall stop rope.
7. Push the down button until the test patient is able to sit in the wheel chair.
8. Pull the fall stop rope tight.
9. Fix the fall stop rope.
10. Push the down button until the unlock light goes on.
11. Pull the quick release hooks to release the test person form the balancer.
12. Drive the wheel chair away.
13. Turn the BWSS off.
15/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

8.9 - Emergency release of a test person from the BWSS
In some cases a person must be released from the BWSS immediately.
Execute the following steps to release a test person immediately form the BWSS. You will need at least
two persons to executed this procedure:
1. Fix the fall stop rope.
2. Carefully hold back the balancer from the test person when the support rope is cut. (not the fall stop
rope)
Caution: the system may still be under tension!
3. Cut the support rope.
4. Hold the test person with one or two persons.
5. Pull the quick release hooks to release the test person from the BWSS.
Caution: After this procedure the system may not be used until a qualified service engineer has
checked the BWSS!
16/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

9 - Problem solving
9.1 - The BWSS does not work. The display on the control unit remains blank.
1. Make sure the BWSS is turned on
2. Check if the power cable is properly connected
3. Check if the connectors are properly connected. (read 3 Installing the BWSS)
4. Check if the control unit is properly connected. (read 3 Installing the BWSS)
5. Check the fuses
6. When necessary release the test person from the BWSS. (read chapter "Emergency release a test
person from the BWSS")
7.Call a service engineer.
9.2 - The lift mechanism does not work. The display on the control unit is on.
1. Turn the system off wait 10 seconds and turn the system back on to reset the internal motor
controller.
2. When necessary release the test person from the BWSS. (read 4.9 Emergency release a test person
form the BWSS)
3. Call a service engineer.
17/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

10 - Maintenance
The BWSS is designed mechanically and electronically for durability and accuracy. The load cell in the
BWSS needs to be calibrated once a year.
The calibration is performed using calibration equipment specially designed by the manufacturer.
CleaningCleaning
The BWSS can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with non-aggressive liquid.
Replacing fusesReplacing fuses
There are two fuses in the power supply unit. Figure 3
Note: make sure that 250V 5A fuses are used
Always disconnect the power cord first!
Replacing the springsReplacing the springs
The springs need to be replaced after approximately 2500 trainings.
Replacement of the springs needs to be done by a qualified service engineer.
Always disconnect the power cord first!
Contact your local dealer for a maintenance contract or ask Lode:
LODE BV
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
Service department
Zernikepark 16
9747 AN GRONINGEN
The Netherlands
Email: [e-mail]
www.lode.nl
18/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

11 -
Accessories
BWSS - Operator Chairs
Partnumber: 932828Partnumber: 932828
Comfort for therapist
while providing leg
support
Optional Operator Chairs for
BWSS
BWSS - Handrails
Partnumber: 932827Partnumber: 932827
Support for treadmills
without handrails
BWSS - Handrails
Harness BWSS Small
Partnumber: 932763Partnumber: 932763
Harness BWSS Small
Harness BWSS Small
Harness BWSS Large
Partnumber: 932765Partnumber: 932765
Harness BWSS Large
Harness BWSS Large
Harness BWSS Medium
Partnumber: 932764Partnumber: 932764
Comfortable Harness,
size Medium for
optimal support
Harness BWSS Medium,
standard supplied with BWSS
Height adjustment 18
cm for BWSS / Mobile
Fallstop
Partnumber: 932824Partnumber: 932824
Flexibility for tall
patients
Height adjustment BWSS
Height adjustment 36
cm for BWSS / Mobile
Fallstop
Partnumber: 932833Partnumber: 932833
Flexibility for tall
patients
Height adjustment 36 cm
19/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23

13 - Science
12 - FAQ
Is Lode recommending special disinfection procedures for the Lode products due to COVID-19?
Yes, Due to the fact that the scientific research on the spread of Covid-19 is not yet conclusive Lode
recommends to disinfect and clean all Lode products and their accessories (cuffs, heart rate belts,
SpO2 sensors, handgrips/rails, touchscreens etc) that are in contact with the patient and or the
medical personnel with a standard disinfectant as used in the hospital before and after every patient,
with attention and care!
Since these agents are sometimes aggressive it might be advisable to check the effect on sensitive
surfaces, like cushioning on non-visible areas. Lode will not take responsibility for discoloration due to
these agents.
Effect of high-speed treadmill training with a body weight support system in a sport acceleration
program with female soccer players
Date
2013-06-27
Author(s)
Johnson AW, Eastman CS, Feland JB, Mitchell UH, Mortensen BB, Eggett D.
Source
Journal of Strength and Conditional Research
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation over the supplementary motor area body
weight-supported treadmill gait training in hemiparetic patients after stroke
Date
2018-01-15
Author(s)
Atsushi Manji; Kazu Amimoto; Tadamitsu Matsuda; Yoshiaki Wada; Akira Inaba; Sangkyun Ko
Source
Neuroscience Letters, Volume 662, 1 January 2018, Pages 302-305
20/21M932822 / VERSION: 1.0 - 2020-07-23