What is the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill®?
The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill® is a rehabilitation treadmill that uses NASA-patented, differential air pressure to reduce bodyweight to help anyone rehabbing a lower extremity injury to heal faster and with less pain.
Why You Might Need an Anti-Gravity Treadmill
The rehab technology can be beneficial for nearly anyone who has suffered from an injury to the hip, knee, foot, or ankle. It is also advantageous for those who have undergone a lower extremity surgery, and athletes looking to return to their pre-injury peak quickly.
With an injury or surgery to a lower extremity, overly aggressive physical activity too soon can lead to compensatory habits. These habits can negatively affect a person’s natural gait and even lead to additional problems like re-injury.
By allowing each person to be treated at their own pace with the proper movement of their lower extremity, they are able to recover more quickly, correctly, and completely.
The AlterG® minimizes pressure and pain by “unweighting” users by up to 80% of their bodyweight. The unweighting can be adjusted throughout the recovery process to fit the specific needs of the patient. Users can progress from little-to-no-weight-bearing movements in initial recovery stages, all the way up to full weight-bearing exercise.
How the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill® Works
An anti-gravity treadmill user is zipped into a large bag – also known as an air chamber – from the waist down. When the chamber is inflated with air, it unweights users, meaning the air pressure in the chamber physically lifts them off the treadmill surface. This relieves pressure on the lower extremities. The amount of air pressure used to inflate the chamber is altered by the attending doctor and is calibrated based on the patient’s weight.
Benefits of the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill®
For individuals dealing with lower extremity injuries or surgeries and who have limited mobility, the AlterG® is an effective way to quickly improve their range of movement and increase muscle strength while minimizing risk of further injury. Studies show that an earlier return to proper, doctor-approved physical activity prevents atrophy (degeneration of cells) of supporting muscles while improving outcomes.
