The Effects of Body Weight Assistance On Maximal Aerobic Capacity In College Age Women
Abstract
Maximal oxygen consumption, or VO2max is the maximal capacity for the body to deliver and utilize oxygen during an intense exercise. VO2max can be expressed as an absolute value in liters of oxygen per minute (L/min) or in a relative value as milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min). Body weight assistance (BWA) is often used within the rehabilitation setting as a reliable resource to provide patients the ability to perform a walking motion at a reduced body weight. The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill utilizes the Differential Air Pressure technology to alleviate the individual’s weight. Research has shown that BWA in the form of gait harness and water immersion reduces the metabolic work of the patient while the AlterG yields varying results.