Adherence to Walking on an Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill

Study Summary

Several barriers to exercise are present that need to be addressed. Morbidly obese individuals experience more skin friction, urinary stress incontinence, knee pain, low back pain, and hip arthritis than the lean population, which may significantly impair their ability to adhere to an exercise regimen (6). Obesity and overweight also contribute to greater perceived effort, oxygen uptake, and less pleasure during treadmill exercise sessions (7). Recent theories suggest that a negative experience associated with exercise can significantly reduce the likelihood of engaging in future exercise sessions (8). Therefore, tools to reduce these barriers may improve outcomes for exercise-based interventions for morbid obesity. The Alter-G, an antigravity treadmill that alleviates body weight while subjects exercise, has potential to reduce pain and exertion during exercise. Overall, these treadmills have been found to be effective for weight loss in obese populations (10). However, although evidence suggests that the Alter-G would reduce pain and exertion, the effect of the Alter-G treadmill on exercise adherence in morbidly obese populations has not been studied. The hypothesis is that the adherence to and progression of the exercise routine of participants walking at a reduced percentage of their body weight will increase relative to those who must exercise at 100% of their body weight. A secondary hypothesis is that participants who use the Alter-G with the anti-gravity function will experience less pain and perceived exertion during exercise compared to those who exercise at 100% of their body weight. Finally, the investigators hypothesize that increased exercise adherence in those using the anti-gravity function of the Alter-G will lead to increased fitness and improved muscle function.

Interventions

• DEVICE unweighting using Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill
• DEVICE normal weight using Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill