Journal of Clinical & Experimental Orthopaedics

Comparison of Therapeutic Progression Using Anti-Gravity Treadmill for Different Postoperative and Post Injury Conditions

Background: Rehabilitation of the patient by allowing walking and running with unloaded body weight might represent a solution for shortening immobilization time. The anti-gravity treadmill approach yields a reduction in pain, ground reaction force and lower extremity force during weight-bearing activities and enables patients to engage impaired segments without the need for assistive devices.

Aim: The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate and compare the progress achieved during anti-gravity treadmill therapy in patients with various musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods: Sixty-nine male and female participants recovering from various musculoskeletal disorders of the lower extremities, who met the study criteria for antigravity treadmill therapy, underwent six twenty-minutes treatment sessions scheduled two days apart. Treatment parameters (speed, inclination and weight loading) were reported during each session and values were used to calculate metabolic rate. The progress achieved between the first and the last treatment was evaluated.

Results: A significant increase in all therapy parameters was observed for all musculoskeletal indications. A comparison between the groups revealed a significant difference in metabolic rate enhancement between postoperative states after total joint arthroplasty and other postoperative/ postinjury states of the lower extremity.

Conclusion: Patients with musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb experienced significant progress when antigravity treadmill therapy was incorporated in to their rehabilitation protocol. The possibility of partial weight bearing of the damaged limb soon after the trauma enables rapid movement recovery and early discharge to home care.

Author(s): Daniel Savarino and Anna Prunerova

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