[The weight-bath and its biomechanics]

Authors report about build-up, the biomechanics, the indication, the contraindication and the method of appliance of traction bath. They were the first who made biomechanical calculations so that they could assess the extension power on the different parts of the spinal column as well as on the big joints of the lower limbs during traction bath treatment. The extension power in the traction bath depends on the way of the suspension, the weight of the human body in water, its relative density and the place and size of the weights. Supported by calculations extension power was defined in the suspension point and at any distance from it in unloaded conditions and in loading with various weights. The extension power of the net weight of the body was 2-4 kgs in the suspension point and at the neck (cervical vertebrae) while on the lumbar vertebrae it was the half of that value. The change in the power on the vertebrae (spinal column) was plotted against the body weight, the relative density and the applied weights.