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What is an Anti-Gravity Treadmill?

Home News & Videos AlterG What is an Anti-Gravity Treadmill?

Aerobic lower body exercise, such as running or jogging, can be key to improving strength and agility and getting leg function back to normal after an injury or in recovery from surgery. However, some individuals may have conditions that make outdoor running or using a conventional treadmill difficult or impossible. The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill® is a revolutionary piece of equipment that allows people to train their lower extremities under less than their own body weight, so that they can rehabilitate more efficiently and achieve better results.

JAG Physical Therapy makes the Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill available to our patients at many of our convenient locations in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. You can contact us to learn more about this cutting-edge technology or book an appointment today to get started with your Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill physical therapy program.

How Does an Anti-Gravity Treadmill Work?

The Earth’s gravity pulls us down towards the ground proportionally to our body mass. Therefore, to counteract the negative effects of gravity when it comes to exercise, an upward, lifting force is needed. The Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill encases the user in a bubble-shaped chamber that seals the air around their lower body. By applying varying amounts of air pressure, the machine can be calibrated to reduce the user’s effective weight by up to 80%.

The user’s feet remain in contact with the belt of the treadmill, so they can walk or run as normal (but less restricted by gravity) and adjust the speed as needed. The chamber is translucent, allowing a physical therapist to advise the user on their gait mechanics – the natural movement patterns each person uses while running or walking.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Anti-Gravity Treadmill?

The Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill is a useful recovery tool for people who can’t bear their whole body weight on their feet, such as individuals with ACL damage or who have recently had hip replacement surgery. It can also help to restore normal movement for people who have neurological conditions or who have had a stroke.

Older people may be less able to exercise normally due to wear and tear on the joints, but the Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill enables them to maintain a regular fitness routine. Those with arthritis in the knees may also benefit from the Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill, in order to increase their endurance without stiffness and pain. The Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill is additionally helpful for exercise for weight loss, intensive aerobic conditioning, and specialized training for athletes, and is safer to use for those who would face health risks from a regular treadmill.

Train with the Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill at JAG PT

People from all walks of life across NY, NJ, and PA trust JAG Physical Therapy for the expertise and empathy of our staff. We’ll develop a custom treatment plan that may incorporate use of the Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill and many other techniques to target your specific rehabilitation goals. Contact us with any questions you may have, or schedule your appointment online now.

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