Benefits of an Underwater Treadmill

Underwater treadmills combine the principle of buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure with a treadmill to offer a low-impact cardiovascular workout. They are particularly useful for patients with joint injuries.

For example, a geriatric patient recovering from knee surgery can use the underwater treadmill to build strength and endurance. It is also used by athletes to build speed and endurance.

Cost

An underwater treadmill is a great tool for anyone who suffers from muscle or joint pain. It can help you perform workouts that are normally impossible or too difficult to do without causing additional pain. You can also use a treadmill to help you recover from injuries or to prevent new ones. In addition to the physical benefits, it can improve your overall mood.

The best underwater treadmills are made of sturdy materials that won’t rust and can withstand heavy use. They’re also easy to transport and can be rolled into place in a pool or rehabilitation tub. These features make them suitable for use at home or in a rehabilitation clinic. The cost of an underwater treadmill can be expensive, but it’s worth the investment to get the most out of your therapy program. It’s also important to find a therapist with experience using the underwater treadmill. They can instruct you on how to use the machine properly and help you develop a comprehensive exercise regimen that will provide the most benefits for your condition.

Unlike land running, underwater treadmills can provide the same cardiovascular benefits but with less stress on the legs and joints. Runners can benefit from this type of training by increasing Underwater treadmill their mileage or recovering faster after hard efforts. Elite runners like Budd Coates, a top distance runner, use the aquatic treadmill to supplement their running regimen and reduce injury risk. However, you should only run on the treadmill if your doctor has cleared you to do so.

Safety

Unlike traditional land-based treadmills that can lead to overuse injuries in those who are sedentary, overweight or experience musculoskeletal problems, an underwater treadmill provides a low-impact, cardiovascular workout. It also allows a user to vary speed, water depth and water temperature, all of which can significantly affect aerobic and strength-training responses.

For safety, the UAH underwater treadmill has full hand rails on both sides and at the front of the unit. This feature offers a sense of security for those who need to hold on, especially if they are tetraparetic or recovering from lower-limb amputations. Additionally, the treadmill is equipped with a filtration system that keeps the water clean and safe for use.

In addition to reducing the impact on joints and muscles, the buoyancy of the water supports from 20 to 90% of an individual’s weight. This unloading of weight can help to reduce pain in individuals who are overweight, have arthritic or injured joints and muscles, or who experience chronic back and neck problems.

Many athletes – including top distance runners like Galen Rupp – incorporate aqua jogging into their training. It helps to strengthen the legs and hips and can help them recover faster from hard road running sessions. However, running on the underwater treadmill is not for everyone. It is important to speak with a veterinary doctor to learn more about your health and whether or not you should consider this form of exercise.

Ease of Use

In addition to easing joint and muscle pain, the buoyancy of the water Underwater treadmill can help patients improve their balance, strength, and mobility. Physical therapists can also use the water to adjust the level of resistance, which is especially useful for injured patients. For example, they can increase the resistance when working with patients suffering from arthritis or who have a knee replacement.

While some pets, including dogs, may be initially fearful of the underwater treadmill, they quickly adjust to it. Most of them find it fun and rewarding, especially if they are being encouraged with treats and toys. In addition, the water temperature is usually warm, which helps to relax joints and ease pain.

The underwater treadmill allows users to simulate land-based walking and running exercise without the stress or impact on joints and muscles. This allows for healthy pseudo-joint formation and helps the body recover from injury faster. It is also suitable for older adults who experience joint and muscle pain.

In fact, professional athletes such as elite distance runner Galen Rupp use the zero gravity aquatic treadmill to prepare for marathons and other races. In fact, Runners World reports that most common running injuries can be treated with an underwater treadmill. These include achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and iliotibial band syndrome. It can also help rehab ankle sprains, fractures, and ACL reconstruction.

Effectiveness

Underwater treadmill therapy is an excellent way to help a patient walk with correct gait and improve flexion, extension and balance. Unlike a regular land treadmill, an underwater treadmill has a variable surface that provides resistance to the foot and leg muscles as they walk on it. This can be especially beneficial to a patient who suffers an injury to the hip or legs. Depending on the patient’s condition, an underwater treadmill may also be able to reduce pain and swelling, increase muscle strength and mobility, as well as aid in rehabilitation and recovery.

Almost all patients can benefit from the use of an underwater treadmill as long as it is used under the care of a physical therapist that has received specialized training for working with these units. A trained therapist can help a patient overcome obstacles that might interfere with the effectiveness of an underwater treadmill, such as fear of the belt moving under their feet, incoordination or a tendency to fall during exercise.

Patients who are unable to walk due to joint or muscle pain, like osteoarthritis, find comfort and increased mobility when using an underwater treadmill. The buoyancy and lift of water removes the concussive impact of body weight, relaxes joints, increases flexibility and promotes muscle strength. In one study, Texas A&M researchers found that combining strength training with aerobic exercises in an underwater treadmill improved on-land endurance for older adults suffering from OA.