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Ever wondered what it would be like to walk on the moon? That was my first thought when I got an email asking if I wanted to try out an anti-gravity treadmill a few weeks ago. I eagerly said, “Yes, please!” It felt like my one chance to experience something right out of a science fiction show. I was not disappointed!
We got the opportunity to test a cutting-edge AlterG anti-gravity treadmill at The Bluffs in Columbia, Missouri. Physical therapist assistant Josh Nickell was there to answer all our questions and guide us through the experience. You might be asking yourself, who really needs an anti-gravity treadmill?
This incredible piece of equipment is useful for athletes, regular folks, and elderly individuals alike. Imagine a supercharged treadmill—essentially the Bentley of treadmills. It looks quite unique, with a large bubble enveloping half of the treadmill.
These treadmills are gaining popularity because they offer significant benefits, especially for people recovering from injuries like hip or knee surgeries, such as total hip replacements or ACL repairs. They’re great because they allow patients to walk without the full pressure of their body weight!
Josh explained that the treadmill can reduce up to 80% of a patient’s body weight. This makes it easier on the joints and creates the feeling that you’re barely touching the ground.
Setting it up is pretty cool. You put on what looks like half of a scuba wet suit, and then you zip yourself into the treadmill. The machine then fills a big airtight bubble with air, lifting your weight off you. The wet-suit shorts create an airtight seal, and the constant air pressure in the bag supports you. As it inflates, it calibrates to your body weight so it knows precisely how much weight to lighten you by.
By doing this calibration, it can determine, for instance, what 80% of your body weight is, thus only leaving you with 20%. From there, you can raise the treadmill’s incline to ensure good traction and foot contact. The machine also has several cameras to monitor your gait, foot placement, and foot contact. Plus, a certified professional is by your side the whole time to help ease any apprehension and ensure your safety. Josh mentioned that patients are often nervous at first, but once they get comfortable, they really thrive.
Feeling like you’re walking or running on just 20% of your body weight is odd at first and might make you feel giddy and nervous. When the treadmill is flat, it feels like your toes are barely touching the ground. Increasing the incline helps with better foot contact, and then it feels like you’re floating across the treadmill surface.
Just five minutes on the AlterG treadmill, and you can see and feel how crucial this tool can be for anyone recovering from an injury or looking to improve their endurance. It’s an excellent tool for gradually increasing weight on joints and range of motion as strength improves. It also helps increase endurance by lengthening session durations.
While there are a limited number of AlterG treadmills available across the country, the number is growing. If you’re considering adding it to your post-surgery plan (consult your physical therapist first) or just want to try it out, you can purchase a session by finding one near you on the AlterG website.
This machine is truly making a difference. Josh shared a story about a patient with a spinal cord injury who couldn’t move a toe when she started. Recently, she walked for 15 minutes at 50% of her weight on the AlterG treadmill. Amazing progress is being made with this technology!
Interested in giving it a try? Use the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill locator webpage. And a big thank you to Josh and The Bluffs for letting us visit!
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