Benefits of Using a Pool Treadmill
If you’ve been looking for a way to get the same workout benefits as running on land but without the pain and stress, consider a pool treadmill.
This is a great option for people who are recovering from injury or just want a more gentle form of cardio. It also helps to build muscle tone.
Reduced Risk of Injury
A pool treadmill is a great way to exercise without the pain and injury that comes from land-based running and walking. It’s also a great choice for patients recovering from surgery.
Underwater treadmill training is effective in reducing hypertension, according to a recent study by Texas A&M University (TAMU). The water’s hydrostatic pressure reduces stress on the heart and lungs and helps people with high blood pressure to exercise more often than they would otherwise.
This is a great option for the 67 million Americans with hypertension, who are more likely to avoid land-based workouts due to pain and discomfort. It’s also an excellent option for those who want to build muscle mass, because studies have shown that people who do aquatic treadmill workouts combined with on-land strength training see better results than those who only do on-land strength training.
Many athletes are using underwater treadmill workouts as part of their recovery from injuries and to improve strength. In fact, a recent Australian study found that athletes who performed strength training and aquatic treadmill workouts had greater muscle gains than those who did on-land strength training only.
Another benefit of the underwater treadmill is that it provides a low-impact environment for physical therapy. This is important for patients who have chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or present a fall risk. The hydrostatic pressure in the water promotes range of motion and relieves swelling.
It also relaxes joints and enhances strength and flexibility. In addition, the low-impact environment makes it easy for patients to practice gait training while avoiding the fear of falling.
The water can also increase a patient’s cardiovascular endurance, according to a study by TAMU. It’s a good option for individuals who are recovering from surgery, as it helps to speed up their rehabilitation process.
Additionally, people who are overweight can use a pool treadmill to increase their cardiovascular fitness and lose weight. It’s an effective alternative to land-based treadmill workouts because it allows you to run longer and with less strain on your muscles.
In addition, water’s natural buoyancy gently supports your joints while you work against resistance in all directions, causing less soreness than on-land workouts. It’s a great option for people who are unsure about land-based workouts or have health concerns that prevent them from doing so.
Increased Muscle Tone
If you are looking for an effective way to strengthen your muscles without putting additional strain on your joints, consider using a pool treadmill. A recent study conducted by Texas A&M University (TAMU) found that athletes who alternate underwater treadmill workouts with on-land strength training are more likely to build lean body mass than those who only perform on-land exercises.
The water also offers an increase in oxygenation to the working muscle and helps keep cellular waste low by bringing it to the proper places for detoxification. This allows you to work out harder and longer before experiencing early onset fatigue.
In addition, patients who have osteoarthritis or other conditions that reduce their flexibility can benefit from using an underwater treadmill. With the addition of a massage hose, they can experience even more joint and muscle relaxation while walking on the pool treadmill.
Many physical therapists use this type of therapy for their patients as a means to help them improve their range of motion and strength. They often begin therapy with gentle range of motion and slowly increase the level of challenge.
They may also use the aquatic treadmill for other physical activities such as walking, running and plyometrics. In addition to improving their physical mobility, these types of therapies can help prevent injuries and promote overall wellness.
Besides strengthening the leg muscles, runners who utilize an underwater treadmill see improvements in their aerobic capacity and reduced body fat. This is particularly useful for those who have pool treadmill undergone surgery and are unable to exercise normally.
The buoyancy of the water also helps to keep the patient safe while they are walking in an aquatic treadmill. In fact, studies have shown that walking in an underwater treadmill can reduce the risk of falling by 50% compared to walking on land.
In addition, physical therapists are able to prescribe a variety of stretching, ROM, balance and strengthening exercises that patients can do in a therapeutic pool. This is especially beneficial for patients who have had knee or hip surgery and need to rebuild their leg and foot strength.
Reduced Pain
There are a number of benefits associated with using a pool treadmill. For instance, people who are afflicted with arthritis and other chronic pain conditions can benefit from water-based exercise. The warm water of the pool also helps relieve swelling and joint pressure.
The buoyancy of the water in a pool can reduce a person’s body weight by pool treadmill up to 80 percent, removing much of the stress on the joints and muscles. The water also provides a soothing setting that eases the tension of a person’s muscles and joints, which is important for patients who are recovering from injuries.
In addition, underwater treadmills can be used to provide physical therapy for a wide variety of other ailments. For example, a patient with Parkinson’s disease can use a treadmill to exercise and regain muscle tone while improving mobility.
Another study by TAMU has shown that adults with high blood pressure can reduce their blood pressure more effectively through aquatic treadmill workouts than land-based exercises. The researchers believe this is because of the low impact nature of an underwater treadmill.
For individuals with knee osteoarthritis, underwater treadmill walking may help increase their energy expenditure and reduce joint pain. A recent study by the University of Florida found that a group of seniors with osteoarthritis walked on an underwater treadmill and experienced less pain than they did when walking on a land-based treadmill.
Additionally, aquatic therapy is a great way to start rehabilitation for hip and leg injuries. The water in a therapeutic pool is soothing, which can help patients recover faster and better.
It can also help a person walk more quickly and effectively after an injury or surgery. It is especially helpful for a person who has suffered a sprained joint and cannot walk on their own.
A horse who has recently had surgery or has been diagnosed with a condition that limits their range of motion can also take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of an underwater treadmill. Performing specific stretching, ROM, balance and strengthening exercises in a pool can build strength and prevent further injuries or problems.
Improved Balance
One of the most important benefits of using a pool treadmill is improved balance. This can help reduce the risk of falling, a common problem that affects one in three adults over 65 and can be especially frustrating for older patients with joint conditions or injuries that make walking dangerous or even painful.
The buoyancy of water unloads joints and enhances flexibility, which improves balance. The hydrostatic pressure also helps to relax muscles and ease aches and pains.
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy found that a group of stroke survivors who walked on an underwater treadmill for 20 minutes each day experienced a significant increase in their static balance score. They increased their scores by a mean of nine points.
Older patients suffering from osteoarthritis can also benefit from a pool treadmill by improving their strength, endurance and range of motion. This will enable them to walk, run or engage in sports-specific movements without putting extra stress on their joints.
In addition, the turbulence of the water can add resistance to an exercise and challenge a patient’s balance, thereby helping them to improve their performance. All HydroWorx pools are equipped with directional jets and an attachable massage hose that provides soothing relief post-session and strips away lactic acid to minimize soreness.
Lastly, underwater treadmills are an excellent choice for people who are recovering from lower body surgery. The floatability of the water reduces their weight and helps them maintain a healthy activity level for an extended period of time after their procedure.
Many elite sports medicine facilities, physical therapy clinics and senior living communities now have underwater treadmill pools. Adding one to a facility can boost its appeal and encourage new patrons to check it out.
Whether you are a physical therapist, a health club owner or an athlete who is looking for a new way to stay in shape, the benefits of using a pool treadmill are significant. With the right design and maintenance, a pool treadmill can become an essential part of any fitness program. In addition, a pool can be used as a stand-alone exercise machine for a gym that doesn’t have a swimming pool or a large backyard space.
