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One of the most significant benefits of the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill is its ability to improve walking gait mechanics and overall walking capacity. These improvements are crucial for maintaining independence and enhancing daily mobility.

Below is a list of medical conditions where this device can improve walking capacity:

Orthopaedic Conditions

• Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., joint replacement, ligament repair)
• Stress fractures or other bone injuries
• Arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Tendonitis or tendinopathies (e.g., Achilles tendonitis)
• Chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia)

Neurological Conditions

• Stroke recovery (hemiparesis or balance impairment)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebral palsy
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury (incomplete)
• Peripheral neuropathy

Sports and Athletic Injuries

• Overuse injuries (e.g., shin splints, plantar fasciitis)
• Post-surgical recovery for athletes (ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair)

Cardiopulmonary Conditions

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Post-cardiac surgery recovery

Obesity and Weight Management

• Weight reduction programs to reduce stress on joints
• Exercise training for morbid obesity

Paediatric Conditions

• Developmental delays affecting mobility
• Congenital disorders impacting gait (e.g., spina bifida)

Geriatric Conditions

• Balance and mobility impairments due to aging
• Fall prevention programs

Other Medical Uses

• Post-amputation rehabilitation (e.g., learning to walk with a prosthesis)
• Chronic pain syndromes with mobility limitations (e.g., complex regional pain syndrome)

How the AlterG Improves Gait Mechanics

For some individuals, walking can be challenging. The AlterG treadmill provides a controlled environment to address these issues:

1. Facilitates Improved Gait Patterns
   By reducing body weight, the AlterG allows you to practice walking with improved mechanics. It minimizes compensatory movements caused by weakness, spasticity, coordination issues, or joint pain, promoting a more natural stride. Over time, this practice helps “retrain” the brain and body for improved movement patterns.

2. Improves Step Symmetry and Length
   The weight-supported environment reduces the effort required to move each leg, helping you focus on creating even, consistent steps.

3. Supports Gait Initiation
   For those with conditions that cause difficulty initiating movement, the AlterG provides a safe space to overcome this challenge, making it easier to start and maintain a steady walking rhythm.

4. Encourages Heel-to-Toe Movement
   Proper gait mechanics involve a heel-to-toe walking pattern. The AlterG enables users to practice this technique without overloading muscles or joints.

Enhancing Walking Capacity

Walking capacity—how far or how long you can walk—directly impacts your ability to engage in daily activities and maintain independence. The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill improves walking capacity in several ways:

1. Builds Endurance Gradually
   By reducing body weight, the AlterG makes walking less tiring. This allows you to increase the duration or intensity of your walking sessions gradually, improving cardiovascular endurance and muscular stamina over time.

2. Increases Walking Speed
   Reduced-gravity training allows you to practice walking at a faster pace than on the ground, helping train your body to handle increased speed while maintaining control and balance.

3. Improves Walking Distance
   With consistent use, the AlterG helps you build the strength and confidence to walk longer distances, supporting greater independence in activities like shopping or enjoying outings with loved ones.

4. Encourages Regular Movement
   Pain or fatigue often discourages walking. The AlterG eliminates these barriers, encouraging regular, low-impact exercise that contributes to long-term improvements in walking capacity.

Tailored Training for Your Needs

One of the standout features of the AlterG treadmill is its ability to be customized to your specific needs. Your Exercise Physiologist or Allied Health Professional can adjust the percentage of body weight support, treadmill speed, and incline to create a program tailored to your goals and abilities. Whether your focus is on regaining a natural walking pattern, increasing endurance, or improving confidence, the AlterG supports you every step of the way.

The Science Behind It

Research shows that weight-supported treadmill training, like that offered by the AlterG, leads to significant improvements in walking mechanics and capacity. Key benefits include:

• Neuroplasticity: Repeated practice of proper walking mechanics in a reduced-gravity environment encourages the brain to develop new neural pathways, improving coordination and control.
• Muscle Strengthening: Even at reduced weight, walking on the treadmill engages key muscle groups, helping to build strength and endurance gradually.
• Joint Relief: By reducing the impact on joints, the AlterG allows for longer, more consistent walking sessions essential for improving gait mechanics and endurance.

Why Choose the AlterG for Gait Training?

Traditional rehabilitation tools can be limited in addressing gait mechanics and walking capacity. The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill offers distinct advantages:

• Safe and Controlled Environment: Focus on improving your walking without fear of falling or injury.
• Progressive Training: Gradual adjustment of body weight support allows for individualized progression.
• Real-Time Feedback: Some AlterG treadmills provide video feedback to help correct your gait in real time.
• Comfortable Exercise: The reduced-gravity environment minimizes pain and discomfort, making walking more enjoyable.

Take the First Step Toward Better Mobility

If walking is a challenge, the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill can be a game-changer. By improving gait mechanics and walking capacity, it empowers you to move more freely and confidently, enhancing your independence and quality of life.

Talk to your Doctor or NDIS provider today about incorporating the AlterG into your therapy plan. With its innovative technology and personalized approach, the AlterG supports your journey to better mobility, one step at a time.