The Benefits of an Underwater Treadmill

Walking or running on an underwater treadmill offers the benefits of exercise without excessive stress, strain or impact on joints. This workout can also be used to build strength and endurance.

Waist- or chest-height water reduces your body’s weight up to 75 percent, so you get a good cardiovascular and muscular workout without undue pressure on injury-prone joints.

Benefits

The hydrostatic pressure created by the water provides gentle support and resistance to the body. Walking and jogging in the water increases muscle tone, decreases swelling and pain while providing a better cardiovascular workout than on land. Some units of the underwater treadmill offer jets that create turbulence, increasing the intensity of the workout. Our practice utilizes these jets in patients with hip dysplasia, arthritic knees and tibial plateau fractures.

Most dogs adjust quickly to the underwater treadmill and usually enjoy it. We offer them treats and toys and make sure to give them lots of attention while they are on the treadmill. This positive attitude typically helps to eliminate the fear and anxiety that some pets may have about using the underwater treadmill.

In addition to building muscle, the underwater treadmill can also help increase balance and stability in debilitated pets. For example, we will use the treadmill to tire out the other three legs in a debilitated patient so that they learn to use the fourth leg and don’t compensate with their back leg.

Not all running injuries require the use of an underwater treadmill, and professional athletes often use this equipment to maintain their fitness while recovering from a run or injury. Research by TAMU shows that athletes who alternate aquatic treadmill workouts with on-land strength training achieve greater improvements in muscle mass than those who perform only on-land strength exercises.

Safety

While the natural resistance of water reduces strain on joints, it also provides increased aerobic activity for the cardiovascular system. It is ideal for rehabilitation and fitness. These underwater treadmills are used for many different types of physical therapy, athletic training, and recovery from injuries. They are especially useful for runners because they provide an effective alternative to traditional running surfaces.

Underwater treadmills are a popular workout choice for dogs and humans alike. They are convenient and allow people to exercise at their own pace without worrying about falling or slipping. In addition, they are safe for overweight or injured individuals. Dogs can use them to build endurance and speed while also recovering from injuries.

The system and method permits control of resistance within a pool by selective adjustment of a hydraulically underwater treadmill driven treadmill belt and selective adjustment of a jet positioned in a housing of the underwater treadmill underwater treadmill system adjacent to or in proximity to the user. The device is mobile and able to position itself in a variety of pool designs.

The treadmill’s drive motor 220 is a conventional hydraulic drive motor that drives a fluid-driven conveyor belt 31 via supply line 18. In one embodiment, the supply line 18 is branched from conduit 20. A proportional valve 268 is positioned between the pump in the first hydraulic tank drive 17 and the conduit 20 to divert some or all of the hydraulic fluid to the return line 19. Once line 277 reconnects to the line 19, preferably within the housing, the remaining hydraulic fluid is urged through the valve and through the drive motor to convey the conveyor belt.

Training

An underwater treadmill can help with a variety of conditions. For example, if a patient has a knee injury, aquatic treadmill training can be used to mimic running on land without the pounding and impact on the joints. Using this type of exercise equipment can also improve muscle strength and balance. This is important for people with osteoarthritis and other joint and muscle problems, such as tendonitis.

These aquatic treadmills can be adjusted to a range of speeds and resistance, which can be adjusted to suit the needs of the individual user. They can be used to perform walking, retro-walking, sprinting, shuffling and back-pedaling exercises. Physiotherapists will provide guidance and instruction on how to use this equipment. They can also demonstrate how to safely and effectively conduct an exercise routine on the device.

Some people are afraid of exercise on an underwater treadmill, but they should know that exercising in water can be more comfortable and less stressful than working out on a regular treadmill. Additionally, exercising in water increases muscle strength and reduces the risk of injury. Lastly, it can help people with injuries feel better about the impact on their bodies.

In addition, a person only carries about 20% of their body weight in the water, which eliminates strain on the joints. Moreover, research from Texas A&M University shows that combining strength training with underwater treadmill workouts leads to greater body mass growth than conducting either activity alone.

Cost

The cost of an underwater treadmill is not cheap. It costs between $20,000 and $65,000 to purchase one, depending on the manufacturer. Then there is the installation, maintenance and staff training. Additionally, a basement or area to store the filtration system is required as well as a water source to fill the pool and drainage when it needs to be partially or completely drained. The equipment is also quite heavy, and floor strength is an important consideration.

The underwater treadmill has several benefits for humans as well as dogs and cats. It can help heal muscle and joint injuries and improve balance and gait. It can also increase cardiovascular endurance. In addition, it is used as a conditioning method for high-energy pets and as a weight loss tool for overweight animals.

In chest-high water, the hydrostatic pressure of the equal pressure all around the body reduces swelling, relieves pain and stress on joints, increases flexibility, enhances strength and promotes healing. Water treadmills can be used by people with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, or by individuals who are recovering from surgery and who may not be able to walk on land.

It can be used by tetraparetic patients who need two or more therapists to work with them in the water. In these cases, one therapist works with the rear limbs, and another with the fore limbs. In addition, there is usually a person who manages the head movement to prevent drowning and ensures safety.