Date of Award

5-2016

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Peter M. McGinnis, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Jeffrey Bauer, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Larissa True, Ph.D.

Abstract

The Alter-G lower body positive pressure treadmill, also known as the antigravity treadmill, provides a unique means of exercising for rehabilitation patients and low-impact training in athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction effect of four different treadmill weighted conditions and three different running velocities (2.68 m.s-1, 3.13 m.s-1, and 3.58 m.s-1) on the kinematic variables of step length, step rate, contact time, and flight time on the Alter-G treadmill (AG) and on the regular treadmill (TM). Fifteen participants completed two separate days of testing. All individuals ran at four different conditions (100%, 80%, 60%, and 40%) on the antigravity treadmill and once on the regular treadmill. The results indicated that the four kinematic variables were significantly different among the treadmill-weighted conditions and between all three running velocities. However, there were no significant differences in the running kinematics between the regular treadmill and the 100% condition on the Alter-G treadmill. In conclusion, practitioners can imply the results from this study when determining exercise protocols for rehabilitation patients, as well as training protocols for athletes. This could benefit physicians, therapists, and coaches who may be interested in using the Alter-G treadmill for treatment or exercise.

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