Blog

By Domenic Nasso

The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill is a groundbreaking tool for improving walking gait mechanics and overall walking capacity. These enhancements are essential for maintaining independence and optimising daily mobility.

Conditions Benefiting from the AlterG Treadmill

The AlterG supports rehabilitation and mobility improvement for a variety of medical conditions:

Orthopaedic Conditions

• Post-surgical recovery (e.g., joint replacements, ligament repairs)
• Bone injuries such as stress fractures
• Arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Tendon injuries (e.g., Achilles tendonitis)
• Chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia

Neurological Conditions

• Stroke recovery (addressing hemiparesis or balance issues)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebral palsy
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Incomplete spinal cord injuries
• Peripheral neuropathy

Sports and Athletic Injuries

• Overuse injuries (e.g., shin splints, plantar fasciitis)
• Post-surgical recovery for athletes (e.g., ACL reconstruction)

Cardiopulmonary Conditions

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Post-cardiac surgery rehabilitation

Obesity and Weight Management

• Joint stress reduction in weight-loss programs
• Low-impact exercise for individuals with morbid obesity

Paediatric Conditions

• Developmental delays affecting mobility
• Gait disorders from congenital conditions (e.g., spina bifida)

Geriatric Conditions

• Addressing mobility impairments linked to aging
• Fall prevention through improved balance and strength

Other Applications

• Post-amputation rehabilitation (e.g., prosthesis training)
• Chronic mobility issues from conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

How the AlterG Improves Gait Mechanics

For individuals struggling with mobility, the AlterG treadmill offers a safe, supportive environment to practice walking with optimal mechanics.

1. Facilitates Improved Gait Patterns
   By reducing body weight, users can walk with fewer compensatory movements, addressing challenges like muscle weakness, spasticity, and pain. This helps retrain natural stride patterns.

2. Improves Step Symmetry and Length
   The treadmill’s reduced-gravity design helps users focus on balanced, consistent steps, improving stride symmetry.

3. Supports Gait Initiation
   For those experiencing difficulty starting movement, the AlterG provides a supportive space to practice and maintain a steady rhythm.

4. Encourages Heel-to-Toe Movement Practicing the natural heel-to-toe walking motion becomes easier without overloading the joints and muscles.

Enhancing Walking Capacity

Walking capacity—defined by distance or duration—affects daily life and independence. The AlterG enhances walking capacity through:

1. Gradual Endurance Building
   The reduced-gravity environment makes walking less tiring, enabling gradual increases in session length and intensity.

2. Increased Walking Speed
   The AlterG allows users to practice faster walking speeds in a controlled environment, improving overall mobility.

3. Improved Walking Distance
   Consistent training builds strength and confidence, helping users achieve longer distances over time.

4. Encourages Regular Exercise
   By minimising pain and fatigue, the AlterG motivates users to engage in regular, low-impact physical activity.

Customisable Training for Individual Needs

The AlterG treadmill offers personalised training options tailored to individual goals. Allied health professionals can adjust:
- Body weight support
- Treadmill speed
- Incline settings

These adjustments accommodate specific rehabilitation goals, whether regaining a natural walking pattern or building endurance.

The Science Behind the AlterG

Research supports the effectiveness of weight-supported treadmill training in improving gait mechanics and walking capacity. Key benefits include:

• Neuroplasticity: Repetitive practice in a reduced-gravity environment promotes the development of new neural pathways.
• Muscle Strengthening: Even under reduced weight, walking engages key muscles, gradually building strength.
• Joint Relief: Reduced impact allows for longer, pain-free walking sessions, essential for progress.

Why Choose the AlterG for Gait Training?

The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill provides advantages over traditional rehabilitation tools, including:

• Safety and Control: Users can focus on walking without fear of falling.
• Progressive Training: Adjustments in body weight support ensure gradual progression.
• Real-Time Feedback: Some models offer video monitoring to refine gait patterns.
• Comfortable Exercise: Reduced-gravity environments minimise pain, making exercise more enjoyable.