The Alter G Antigravity treadmill is a treadmill like no other. It looks just like a regular treadmill but the person using it is encased in a bubble filled with pressurized air which helps them “de-load” their joints.

At first glance it looks like a treadmill from outer space. That’s because in a way, it sort of is. Originally developed for NASA to help astronauts train in space, it was then redeveloped so people can use it right here on earth.

The treadmill allows people to decrease their body weight by up to 80%. This means they have the option of putting as little as 20% load on their muscles and joints while walking or running.

The antigravity treadmill is great for anyone who is rehabilitating a lower body injury or an athlete who wants to improve their performance.

HOW DOES THE ANTIGRAVITY TREADMILL WORK?

First, the patient puts on the AlterG performance shorts which then get zipped into the lining of the treadmill “bubble”.

The machine calibrates specifically to the patient's weight and the bubble fills using NASA Differential Air Pressure Technology. Patients are gently and precisely “lifted off their feet” which reduces gravitational forces allowing them to move without pain.

The physiotherapist sets the amount of weight bearing they’d like their patient to place on their lower body. This can be adjusted in 1% increments. The therapist can then set the treadmill speed and incline and adjust as necessary.

As the patient begins to recover, more weight bearing is placed allowing them to return to normal walking or running much quicker.

Other exercises, such as squats, lunges, step downs and even jumping can be performed in the treadmill.

The treadmill also has a front facing camera so the patient can see how they’re walking or running and allows the physiotherapist to cue the patient to correct their form and mechanics. In addition, there are sensors which measure stride length and even how much pressure you’re putting on the right and left foot.