Defying Gravity: The AlterG Treadmill
The Stephen A. Orthwein Center offers countless ways to regain your strength and health through adaptive exercise. This year, we added a cutting-edge piece of equipment to our facility — the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill™. While this machine is beneficial for an array of injuries and disabilities, many of our members have not had the chance to discover its features. Read on to learn more about the AlterG treadmill and Paraquad’s latest pricing special.
What is the AlterG Treadmill?
The AlterG® was originally developed for sports rehabilitation but also has applications for people with disabilities. The machine combines NASA Differential Air Pressure (DAP), a low-step height, intuitive touchscreen interfaces and more to create an all-encompassing cardio workout.
The AlterG offsets weight through anti-gravity technology. The air chamber creates an airtight seal around a user's lower body, taking off anywhere from 20-100% of your body weight. Since the support comes from underneath instead of using overhead harnesses, some members describe it as more comfortable and pain-free.
However, you need a certain level of tolerance before using it. Paraquad typically only recommends this machine to those who can stand with limited support for at least five minutes and have the ability to step up and down over eight inches. Sessions with the anti-gravity treadmill are usually longer, so be prepared for at least 30 minutes of standing and off-weighted walking.
What features does it have?
The Orthwein Center currently has the AlterG VIA, which offers innovative data-driven possibilities for every workout. Features include:
Gait Assessments. The AlterG treadmill tracks your gait and mirrors it on a touchscreen display. Graphs reveal your step pattern and stride length — allowing you to figure out how to equalize and normalize your weight while walking.
Weight Customization. The machine caters to your physical needs. If you need more weight offset, a staff member can inflate the chamber more to ease your pain. As you get stronger, we deflate the chamber to increase the weight your legs support.
Speed Customization. This anti-gravity treadmill can help you work on walking or running, with speeds of up to 13 MPH.
Safety Bars. The AlterG chamber is surrounded by a safety bar so you can stabilize yourself with your arms at any time.
Who does it benefit?
The AlterG treadmill is ultimately great for any Orthwein Center member looking to regain mobility in a supportive environment — namely those with neurologic conditions, gait deficits or an amputated limb. Anti-gravity technology decreases the impact running or walking has on your bones, joints and muscles while still allowing you to build your strength and maintain your cardiovascular health.
Paraqaud often recommends anti-gravity treadmills for people who have experienced a stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries or brain injury. In these situations, recovery and rehab mean moving quickly — implementing a workout regime and taking advantage of neuroplasticity can improve results.
How can I try the AlterG?
Previously, the AlterG treadmill was only available through 1:1 training sessions with our staff members. Now, we are rolling out a new special: For a $25 fee, any member can reserve the AlterG for one hour with setup assistance from our trainers.
To make your reservation today, contact the Orthwein Center at (314) 289-4202, or ask a staff member on the gym floor.
