AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill
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AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill =
Walk, Jog, Run on Air
Physical therapy, sports training get a ‘lift’ with NASA-inspired unit
 Out-of-this-World Technology
The Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Medicine Center now offers the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill to patients and athletes. Developed from NASA’s user experience in weightlessness, AlterG scientists and engineers took anti-gravity technology to a whole new level here on earth. Many Olympic and pro sports teams, and top university-affiliated rehabilitation/sports centers, use the AlterG.
Down-to-Earth ResultsDuring any weight-bearing exercise, the lower extremities take a pounding. The AlterG anti-gravity treadmill uses a lifting effect to ease the impact. The AlterG is suitable for physical therapy after sports injuries, knee and hip replacement or stroke. It also is excellent for incorporating weight-bearing/aerobic exercise at practically all workout levels. Many physical therapists and sports trainers find the AlterG reduces their clients’ post-surgery recovery by days or even weeks.
Exercise Without the WinceThe AlterG’s lifting force saves the day. The patient or athlete dons special shorts and steps in an air chamber on the treadmill. Once activated, the chamber surrounds the lower extremities in a cocoon of air, creating a comfortable, supportive cushion during walking, running and other weight-bearing movement. |
Try it out at our 8700 W. Watertown Plank Road location!
Reserve a 30-minute session for $15 by calling 414-805-7100.
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| The degree of lift is based on an anti-gravity factor recommended by Sports Medicine Center staff. For example, a 150-pound person at a 20 percent anti-gravity factor would effectively weigh only 30 pounds in the chamber. Imagine how gentle that anti-gravity lift feels on weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees and ankles. |
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The Details:
- Range of 20 percent to 100 percent anti-gravity factor in 1 percent increments. The Sports Medicine Center staff can determine what anti-gravity percentage is best for your prescription, physical condition and goals.
- Speed from 1-18 mph
- Grade from 1-15%
- Operation is intuitive and similar to a traditional treadmill
- Monitor measures vitals; unit’s design allows full range of motion
Who Should Try the AlterG Anti-Gravity TreadmillRecovering patients. The AlterG is helpful for patients who have been prescribed by their physician to start weight-bearing exercise as tolerated – those recovering from ACL surgery, stress fractures, tendon repair or stroke. The pressurized chamber stabilizes the body so tethers or harnesses aren’t needed, and in many cases rehabilitation with the AlterG can start sooner than with hydrotherapy. The AlterG anti-gravity treadmill is FDA-cleared as a medical device.
Overweight/irregular exercisers. Users may find the AlterG treadmill is a much gentler way to get into the all-important weight-bearing/aerobic groove – key to strengthening, building intensity and losing weight.
Endurance athletes. Power walkers, distance runners and frequent exercisers with occasional lower-limb soreness may find the AlterG is much easier on the body, during and after exercise. If you cross-train in water, you may find the AlterG offers as much resistance as, and more convenience than, a hydro workout.
Injured athletes. Sport injuries stymie activity levels. Many athletes in physical therapy find they bounce back more quickly with the AlterG treadmill. The stabilizing design, gentle lifting effect and fully adjustable controls get them back on their feet, and back to their usual training levels, sooner.
Special Try-Out RateVery few area sports/rehabilitation centers or athletic clubs offer the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill. You can try it out at our 8700 W. Watertown Plank Road location. Reserve a 30-minute session for $15 by calling 414-805-7100. Appointments are required and subject to availability.
Last Review Date: July 11, 2011 Online Editor(s): Kathryn Adam |
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