It’s a long, fancy name for a simple concept: walking on a treadmill while having some of your body weight supported. This support typically comes from specialized equipment like a universal exercise unit or a gait trainer. And from what I’ve personally witnessed, BWSTT can make a huge impact. Here's how:
- Improved Endurance
Ah yes—the good ol’ benefits of cardiovascular exercise. Most people love to hate it, but it’s vital for health! Walking for any sustained period helps improve cardiovascular fitness. When body weight is supported, gravity’s load is lessened, making movement more manageable—especially important for individuals who use wheelchairs. In fact, BWSTT can be more essential for those individuals to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. Start small, work up—something is always better than nothing. - Improved Balance and Coordination
Walking requires both balance (to keep yourself upright) and coordination (to step purposefully). With body weight support, individuals can achieve a more stable stance, and even at the treadmill’s lowest speed, the rhythm encourages consistent stepping—helping train coordination and dynamic balance. Guided support from a PT to fine-tune foot placement and step timing reinforces this effect, allowing carryover improvements in walking, posture, and overall movement control. - Improved Strength
You knew this would be on the list. Even though the body weight support eases the load on your legs, the repeated activation of muscles in your hips, knees, ankles, core, and even your neck (for head control) builds strength over time. Repetition = progress. - Motor Planning
Walking isn’t automatic for everyone—it takes neurological effort and planning. With support and repetition, BWSTT helps the brain and body practice and refine the timing and sequencing needed for more fluid, intentional movement. For individuals who struggle with initiating or organizing movement, this kind of training is key. - Improved Confidence
You may wonder: how can a treadmill improve confidence? But for individuals who struggle with independent walking, balance, or coordination, having the support of equipment to practice those movements safely makes a huge difference. I’ve seen it firsthand—just being able to take steps in a secure environment creates momentum, builds self-belief, and transfers into confidence with other tasks too.
Check out the quick video linked here to see BWSTT in action and how it can support walking development!
Christine Astarita
Certified TheraSuit Therapist at Breakthrough Intensive Physical Therapy
Christine received her honor’s Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2011 from Richard Stockton University located in New Jersey. She then earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy through their accelerated program and graduated in 2013. In 2015, she became certified in the TheraSuit Method.
She discovered her passion for the neurologic pediatric and adult population during her clinical affiliation at a special services school in Cape May, New Jersey. She is an active member of the APTA and continues to take post-graduate course work related to treatment methods for neurological diagnoses.