Using the alter-g treadmill system with an extremely obese female: a case study

• Published in: Clinical kinesiology (2003) Vol. 65; no. 2; p. 29
• Main Authors: Simonson, Shawn R, Shimon, Jane M, Long, Elaine M, Lester, Brooke E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego American Kinesiotherapy Association 22.06.2011; Clinical Kinesiology
• Subjects: Arthritis; Body mass index; Cardiovascular diseases; Case studies; Complications and side effects; Health aspects; Kinesiology; Knee; Mental health; Mortality; Obesity; Physical fitness; Physiological aspects; Prevention; Risk factors; Walking; Weight control; United States
• ISSN: 0896-9620

PURPOSE: The present case study examined the potential use of the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill as treatment modality for extreme obese individuals. The special effect of the treadmill reduces ground reaction forces during walking through the use of lower body positive pressure. METHODS: One extremely obese (BMI 69.2) Caucasian 44 year-old female utilized the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill during a 14 wk walking program to pilot test the protocol. RESULTS: At the conclusion of the study, exercise tolerance time increased 3-fold (initially 20 min increased to 65 min) while caloric expenditure increased 4-fold (initially 91.0 kcal/session increased to 442.7 kcal/session) without an increase in heart rate or perceived pain in her lower extremities. The participant demonstrated a 2.75% weight reduction, a decrease in upper body circumference measurements and lower extremity swelling of her knees and ankles, and a 9.7% decrease in fasting blood glucose (102mg/dL). CONCLUSION: Overall, the AlterG Treadmill enabled the participant to exercise and walk pain-free at a distance, intensity level, and speed that she could not accomplish while walking on her own and suggests that further study of this modality is warranted. Key words: exercise modality, lower body positive pressure, obesity