Gait and Balance training

Vector Therapy

Developed by Bioness, Vector is an innovative, state-of-the-art rehabilitation solution that integrates technology into the treatment process for neurological conditions like

• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal cord injury
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy

Employing a harness system, Vector creates a safe environment where the therapists at Kliniken Schmieder can implement various strategies to improve patient mobility and balance. The result is a significant decrease in recovery times and improved outcomes in balance, strength and coordination. Currently, only ten therapy centres across Europe are utilizing the Vector.

During a Vector session, the patient wears a specialized harness attached to an overhead track system. The system’s dynamic support and guidance help patients maintain proper gait mechanics and prevent falls. This is why the Vector enables active therapy at a very early stage. Moreover, the Vector delivers real-time feedback to the therapist, allowing constant monitoring and personalized therapy adjustments.

As Johannes, our Head of Physiotherapy, explains:

How does Vector work?

By relieving the patient’s body weight,  preventing the risk of falls, and freeing up the therapist, patients can perform everyday activities in comfort and safety. Common practices include:

• Gait training
• Climbing stairs
• Side steps
• Posture and stability exercises
• Getting up from the floor
• Climbing over obstacles

Before commencing a Vector session, our therapists will comprehensively assess the patient’s gait mechanics, medical history, physical abilities, and lifestyle. The system can be used with various mobility aids, including walkers and sticks. Based on the results, the therapist at Kliniken Schmieder will develop a tailored treatment plan for your patient’s goals and needs. Regular, intensive sessions lead to impressive outcomes in walking and performing daily activities.

Our therapists can focus on balance and coordination exercises through the vector system, such as standing on one foot or walking on uneven surfaces. In addition, the patients may practice specific gait mechanics like proper posture or foot placement.

Known as a dynamic body weight support (DBWS), the Vector system promotes faster gait rehabilitation across all conditions. Before, patients required a basic level of strength to perform certain exercises, but DBWS allows patients to practice pre-gait activities, over-ground gait rehabilitation, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Like other gait and exercise therapies, Vector involves a gradual progression in difficulty to challenge patients continually and foster their recovery.

Expected Results

The primary goal of Vector therapy is for our patients to regain mobility and independence, feel confident in their walking abilities, and, importantly, gain motivation from the gait support system.

The key benefit of Vector is the inability to fall – it’s a fundamental risk during the rehabilitation process. Consequently, Vector provides more confidence to patients, resulting in impressive results.

• Improved Gait Mechanics
  Vector therapy helps improve gait speed and mechanics, allowing patients to walk more efficiently and easily. The treatment can enhance overall physical activity and daily activities.
• Enhanced Balance and Coordination
  Vector therapy improves balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and related injuries. Improved balance can also help patients perform activities that require standing or walking on unstable surfaces.
• Reduced Pain and Fatigue
  Vector therapy helps reduce pain and fatigue associated with walking, improving patients’ overall comfort and quality of life.

The Vector system suits most patients with a gait or balance impairment. Our experts, doctors and therapists at Kliniken Schmieder decide individually and, depending on the course of the patient’s illness, whether the form of therapy with Vector is used and conducive to the desired physical improvement. However, according to Bioness, it cannot be used in individuals weighing more than 225 kg or who have unstable fractures, severe osteoporosis, uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, or halo neck supports.