A study of the comfort of patients with lower limb injury using the AlterG Antigravity Treadmill©

Abstract

The AlterG Antigravity Treadmill© is an important tool in the rehabilitation of lower limb injuries but only little is known about the experience of the patients using this device during their rehabilitation. The main purpose of this study was to examine whether patients experience discomfort, pain or other unpleasant sensations while training with the AlterG Antigravity Treadmill©. Twenty patients with lower limb injury rehabilitating with the AlterG Antigravity Treadmill© were included. Patients completed three questionnaires after a training on the AlterG Antigravity Treadmill©. No significant difference was found in pain after training when compared to pain before training. No significant difference was found when comparing knee injuries with ankle injuries, men with women, different age categories and patients with a different duration of rehabilitation. When comparing the mean scores in discomfort of different zones of the body, it was seen that the lower extremities had the highest score followed by the trunk and upper extremities. Patients feel safe and comfortable while using the AlterG Antigravity Treadmill©. The patients had an overall positive experience while using the device and the rate of perceived exertion was fairly light. The device was found to be suitable for different age categories, for men and women and for patients with a different rehabilitation duration. The AlterG Antigravity Treadmill© seems to be an appropriate device to use in the rehabilitation of lower limb injury.