Anti-Gravity Treadmill Eliminates Pounding And Pain In Young Athlete
Patient Stories Orthopedics Exercise
January 19, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic forced college students to start virtual learning, from the comfort of their homes. Sophie Liles was no different, other than the fact that she was also recovering from surgery to repair damaged cartilage in her knee. A competitive runner since she was 12, Sophie hoped surgery would allow her to be ready to compete in cross country and track when she returned to campus. But that is not exactly how it worked out.
It took a second surgery a year later to get Sophie back to the sport she loves. But she also has a unique treadmill equipped with space-age technology to thank for helping her get back on track.
Sophie was the perfect candidate for the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill used by physical therapists and athletic trainers at Franciscan Health Lafayette’s outpatient therapy at the Lafayette Family YMCA. The treadmill uses technology developed by NASA to help astronauts maintain their strength and bone density while in space.
“The treadmill allows the user to “unweight” up to 80 percent of their body weight,” said Dusti Chase, Franciscan Health outpatient therapy manager. “They can walk and run without pounding, restrictions or pain.”
How Does The Anti-Gravity Treadmill Work?
The technology encloses the treadmill and a person’s lower body in an airtight chamber, giving it a “bounce house” look. Users wear a pair of neoprene shorts with an attached skirt that zips into the casing. The machine inflates an airtight bubble around the lower body and measures the user’s weight. It then unloads weight in 1 percent increments, as low as 20 percent of someone’s weight. That means a 100-pound person could feel as light as 20 pounds on the treadmill.
“It feels bouncy, like you’re floating, almost,” Sophie said.
Working with Franciscan Health athletic trainer Jen Walters-Smith, Sophie started training at 50 percent of her body weight and worked up to 90 percent.
“She increased her mileage and runs close to race pace without the pounding,” Walters-Smith said.
The treadmill has allowed Sophie to ease back into land running. “It’s exciting to be closer to running with my team again,” she said.
Who Can Benefit From The Anti-Gravity Treadmill?
The AlterG isn’t just for competitive athletes. The technology helps recreational athletes maintain conditioning while an injury heals. Stroke patients, people dealing with conditions such as arthritis, fractures, joint replacement or Parkinson’s disease can also benefit from the anti-gravity technology.
