UPDATE Q1/2022: Medical Technology

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12 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Aquatic treadmill: Promoting a range of motion while improving gait and strengthening muscles Rehabilitation Center, Bangkok Hospital

The Rehabilitation Center, Bangkok Hospital has launched a revolutionising aquatic therapy, known as an "aquatic treadmill". Aimed at enhancing rehabilitation and physical performance, the aquatic treadmill deploys hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy and resistance in the water. This integrative underwater treadmill equipment delivers distinct advantages in promoting early range of motion, improving gait patterns and strengthening of affected muscles while facilitating the healing process. Due to an adjustable hydrostatic pressure and water depth, the aquatic treadmill helps patients to improve their range of motion, strength and flexibility based on their individual fitness levels that present are a wide range of health conditions. In addition, treadmill speed and incline can be individually adjusted, allowing for a personalised program that is best suited for each individual. The aquatic treadmill in the Rehabilitation Center of Bangkok Hospital has been

UPDATE 1/2022

installed in private room, enabling patients to retain their privacy while exercising. The treadmill itself is connected to a screen monitor that displays real-time movement images. All functions are controlled automatically with an intuitive touch screen interface. The water depth can be easily adjusted to suit patients or to challenge athletes. Physical exertion under the water enables the rehabilitation specialist to access and evaluate the strength, flexibility and range of motion. As a result, the biomechanics of movement, physical performance and gait patterns can be improved appropriately. Moreover, while running on the aquatic treadmill, the body undergoes greater exertion due to the viscosity of the water, leading to greater hip, leg and foot strength as well as improvements in core muscle groups throughout the body. This aquatic treadmill is highly advised for the following groups: • Patients who require a fast recovery after injuries or surgery; • Obese people who have limited physical fitness levels; • Athletes or persons who need to improve their physical strength and performance.

HOW THE AQUATIC TREADMILL WORKS Aquatic treadmill training is a rehabilitation method of gait training that utilises the water as a therapeutic medium. The beneficial characteristics of water include: 1. Density and buoyancy Based on scientific fact, the average density of the human body is less than water density. In combination with buoyancy, it makes the body float on the water. In addition, water depth helps support body weight. While underwater, the body weight is reduced drastically. The aquatic treadmill deploys water buoyancy and density to run a gait training session with


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