Background/Purpose Participating in physical activity programs for those who are extremely obese can be quite painful, especially when using ambulatory means of exercise, such as walking. To reduce the walking discomforts experienced by the extremely obese, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a walking program using the AlterG Anti-Gravity System Treadmill. The special effect of the treadmill reduces ground reaction forces during walking through the use of lower body positive pressure (LBPP).
Method This case-study approach followed a 14 week walking program on one extremely obese (BMI 69.2) Caucasian 44 year-old female utilizing the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill. Walking sessions occurred three days each week. Heart rate, perceived pain, and step counts were measured each session, while body circumference measurements and weight were assessed at the end of each week. A dietary log was maintained throughout the study.
Analysis/Results At the conclusion of the study, exercise tolerance time increased 3-fold while caloric expenditure increased 10-fold without an increase in heart rate or perceived pain in her lower extremities. The participant demonstrated a 2.75% weight reduction, a decrease in upper body circumference measurements and lower extremity edema of her knees and ankles, and a 9.7% decrease in fasting blood glucose (102mg/dL).
Conclusions Overall, the AlterG Treadmill enabled the participant to exercise and walk pain-free at a distance, intensity level, and speed that she could not accomplish while walking on her own.