To achieve 25-50% partial weight bearing (PWB), where should the water hit during static standing?

To achieve 25-50% partial weight bearing (PWB), the water should reach the axilla during static standing. This positioning is significant because the axilla indicates that approximately 25-50% of body weight is being supported by the buoyancy of the water, which reduces the load on the lower extremities. When standing in water at this level, the individual experiences a substantial reduction in gravitational force, allowing for safe and controlled weight-bearing exercise while minimizing the risk of pain or injury.

This level of immersion supports rehabilitation by enabling movement patterns and weight-bearing activity that might otherwise be too challenging on land. The therapeutic application of water buoyancy helps in facilitating safe mobility for patients, particularly in geriatric populations, allowing for strength development and mobility training in a low-impact environment.