Franciscan Health Rehabilitation Services In Lafayette Obtains New, High Technology Anti-Gravity Treadmill®

LAFAYETTE, Indiana - Franciscan Health Rehabilitation Services Lafayette, located at the Lafayette Family YMCA on 3001 South Creasy Lane in Lafayette, now has the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill®. The treadmill will offer the Lafayette community the opportunity to walk or run with greatly reduced impact in 30- or 60-minute sessions using this anti-gravity technology with licensed athletic trainers.

The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill® was developed with NASA technology for rehabilitation following an injury to the lower extremities. It is also effective athletic conditioning and performance enhancement at partial body weight. It is the first FDA-cleared therapeutic device created for precise partial weight bearing exercise.

The device is ideal for:

• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Gait training for neuro-patients
• Weight control and reduction
• Minimizing stress-related and recurring injuries
• Reduced impact training and athletic conditioning
• Strength and conditioning for older patients

How does it work?

The treadmill allows for ultra-low impact ambulation using AlterG®'s Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology. The user wears neoprene shorts that zip into a pressurized, airtight enclosure. By controlling the pressure inside the enclosure, the users can easily change and control their body weight, reducing it by as much as 80% in precise 1% increments with just the touch of a finger.

"We are excited to offer the Anti-Gravity Treadmill® as part of our specialty equipment at the Lafayette YMCA Therapy location," said Shannon Heitmiller, Director of Rehabilitation Services. "The AlterG® Treadmill allows a person to walk or run on the treadmill without as much pressure to their muscles and joints and results in less pain and increased endurance and training potential. This technology is great to help people improve walking or running on a treadmill after a joint replacement, after a stroke, or training for marathon. We are excited to have you try it out by scheduling time with a staff member."

For more information or to sign up, please call 765-423-6885.