NASA Technology in Physiotherapy: Anti-Gravity AlterG Treadmill

NASA technology gives Clare athletes a lift:  Space age technology originally developed by NASA is being used at Active Ennis Leisure Complex in County Clare to help improve recovery times, increase mobility and lessen the chance of future injury for athletes and patients.

The antigravity treadmill relies on advanced air pressure technology, which, after calibrating the user’s weight, reduces the load and impact on legs and joints at anywhere between 20 and 100 percent of the user’s body weight to allow them to walk or run.

Physiotherapists throughout the world have hailed the treadmill for its role in expediting rehabilitation for athletes overcoming lower leg injuries, or for patients with a variety of medical conditions such as Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease and total knee and hip joint replacements.

It’s more widely used across the United States where it is a regular feature of the recovery process for injured professional basketballers and American Footballers.

Active Ennis Leisure Complex is the only facility in the Mid West Region to provide public access to an anti-gravity AlterG treadmill which has previously been used by internationally renowned sports stars such as former Irish rugby international Brian O’Driscoll, Barcelona footballer Luis Suarez, multiple tennis Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal  and Irish Olympian Derval O’Rourke.

“We are delighted to expand our offering by providing this new facility in conjunction with an in-house consultant physiotherapist,” commented Tim Forde, Active Ennis General Manager.

“Built in Silicon Valley using the NASA technology, this unique device has proven to be extremely successful in the areas of sports and medical rehabilitation and obesity. It has been utilised by top Olympic athletes, Premiership soccer teams and Irish Rugby players.

“We would invite anyone interested in seeing the AlterG in operation or finding out more about the technology behind the treadmill to call into Active Ennis Leisure Complex,” added Mr. Forde.

“The AlterG treadmill is perfect for individuals who have suffered a lower extremity injury, like an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, hip or foot and ankle injury,” explained Anne Marie Kinsella, a Chartered Physiotherapist who is based with Active Ennis.

“Active Ennis has already received significant interest from sports clubs looking to treat athletes who are recovering from injury or seeking to avoid an injury, as well as patients who are post-operative or trying to prevent surgery. Non-injured athletes have also found ways to utilise the AlterG before and after endurance events. For example, long distance runners can use the treadmill without the impact before a marathon, or equally as a tool for recovery following a long race.

“Even stroke patients can benefit as the AlterG helps to retrain their legs and brain with supported movements,” added Ms. Kinsella.

News Link: http://clareherald.com/2014/12/29/nasa-technology-gives-clare-athletes-a-lift-3453/

John Carey, Gym Manager along with Tim Forde , General manager and Anne-Marie Kinsella, Chartered Physio Therapist demonstrating the new anti-gravity AlterG treadmill at Active Ennis Leisure complex for John Crowe, Cathaoirleach Clare County Council this week. 

Evidence: Hospital-based exercise program improves quality of life for adults with arthritis

Hospital-based exercise program improves quality of life for adults with arthritis

It may seem counterintuitive, but exercise can be beneficial for people suffering from arthritis and other muscle and joint conditions. A new study at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) finds that older adults experienced less pain, reduced stiffness and less fatigue after participating in a hospital-based exercise program.

"The study adds to the growing body of evidence that exercise can help people with muscle and joint conditions," said Sandra Goldsmith, MA, MS, RD, director of Public and Patient Education at Hospital for Special Surgery.

Up to 50 million adults in the United States have some type of musculoskeletal condition, affecting mobility and quality of life. Ms. Goldsmith and colleagues set out to assess the impact of HSS exercise classes on pain, stiffness, fatigue, balance, falls and physical activity.

A total of 1,400 adults participated in various exercise programs at the hospital during the course of the study, which began in 2011. The low-cost classes, led by certified instructors, included pilates mat, therapeutic yoga, yoga-lates (a combination of yoga and pilates), t'ai chi and dance. Classes met once each week and were open to the general public.

"Our data indicate that hospital-based programs can play an important role in pain relief, improved quality of life and improved levels of physical activity in older individuals with musculoskeletal conditions," Ms. Goldsmith said. The research was presented at the American Public Health Association annual meeting in November.

"Often patients with musculoskeletal disease are more deconditioned than their disease-free counterparts. Strengthening the muscles around an arthritic joint has been shown to slow the progression of osteoarthritis and reduce pain," said Linda Russell, MD, a rheumatologist and member of the Community Benefit & Services Committee of the Board of Trustees at Hospital for Special Surgery.

The majority of participants in the exercise program were age 75 or older. Thirty-six percent were 75 to 84 years old; 31.2 percent were over age 85; 24.8 percent were age 65 to 84; and eight percent were under 65. Ninety-two percent were women.

A total of 204 individuals handed in questionnaires both before and after completing the program. Survey results covered September 2011 to July 2014.

The study found that after taking the classes, fewer participants reported experiencing a high level of muscle/joint pain from their condition (56 percent before the program started vs. 47 percent after completing the program). The study also reported statistically significant reductions in how much their pain interfered with their general activities, ability to walk, mood, sleep and enjoyment of life.

Eighty-three percent of participants indicated a reduction in stiffness; eighty-two percent said they felt their balance improved; and sixty-seven percent said they experienced less fatigue as a result of taking part in the program.

Health outcomes were also related to the type of exercise class participants chose, with the greatest reduction in muscle/joint pain reported by those who took t'ai chi.

"The survey results indicate that the hospital's exercise programs have a positive impact on the musculoskeletal health of participants," said Ms. Goldsmith. "Hospital for Special Surgery will continue to offer these programs to this community to help them stay active, decrease pain and improve their overall health."

Adopted from original media release.