Velvet Magazine March 2017

Health
Not only are Spire Healthcare renowned
for their extremely high quality patient care,
they’ve also earned a fabulous reputation in
offering an extensive range of treatments
and procedures for both insured and selffunding
patients. We popped into their
Cambridge-based Progress clinic to test out
their new AlterG anti-gravity treadmills and
find out a little more from Lauren Bradshaw,
their specialist physiotherapist.
WHAT IS THE ALTERG ANTI-GRAVITY
TREADMILL AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
It’s designed specifically for aiding physical
rehabilitation and removes the usual strain
caused by the body’s own weight on the
lower limbs. It is able to select between 20%
and 100% of your body weight whilst you are
running. It’s precise unweighting technology
allows users to push their training and
rehabilitation further than ever before. These
Spire Sprints Ahead
Hear about Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital’s
innovative AlterG
anti-gravity treadmills
treadmills are able to strengthen users in a
way that couldn’t be achieved on the road, in
the gym or even in water.
WHO ARE THEY AIMED AT AND WHY MIGHT
PATIENTS USE THEM?
These treadmills are aimed at all levels
of fitness - from top-level athletes and
orthopaedic and neurological patients to
seniors and even those who are looking to
lose weight.
For rehabilitation patients with lower limb
injuries the AlterG treadmills are great.
They’re also really beneficial to neurological
patients who have conditions which mean
they require extra assistance with mobility
and strength. Not only this, they’re ideal
for runners who are looking to boost their
cardiovascular fitness without the impact
that running unfortunately has on our joints.
By reducing pressure on the body and joints,
it enables rehabilitation users to quicker
return to sport following an injury.
HOW DOES A SESSION ON AN ALTERG ANTI-
GRAVITY TREADMILL WORK?
Each session allows you to exercise at a
chosen percentage of your bodyweight. The
anti-gravity condition is reached by filling
the treadmill’s pressure-controlled chamber
with air which lifts the user up and reduces
any weight-bearing pain. Sessions may
be booked as part of your physiotherapy
appointment or as a stand-alone session.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE?
As a regular road runner I wasn’t quite sure
what to expect, but after being zipped in and
letting the machine gauge my bodyweight,
Lauren was able to adjust the treadmill
allowing me to run at different percentages
of my bodyweight. When it was dropped
to just 20% it felt as though I was running
in space and had virtually no impact at all.
My muscles were still running at 12km per
hour but without the usual pounding on my
knees and other joints. I can certainly see
the benefit for those with injuries who are
looking to regain mobility.
Written by Samantha Nice
Progress - The Cambridge Centre for Health and Performance
Conqueror House, Vision Park, Chivers Way, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9ZR
Tel: 01223 200580. www.progresshealth.co.uk. www.spirehealthcare.com
Velvet Magazine | March 2017 69