Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett Photo is of Spc. Andrew Sullens working out in the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill as physical therapist Jason Patillo looks on. Technology developed for the space program and later adapted to help those with sports-related injuries is being used to help wounded Soldiers heal at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center.

“This has been strictly a piece of equipment for runners, but they are starting to see the rehabilitation side,” said physical therapist, Jason Patillo, of the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill, which arrived at the hospital in mid-September.

The anti-gravity technology allows patients to exercise at less than full-body weight reducing the amount of stress on joints.

Prior to this, patients could either exercise in the pool or they could be attached to a harness to reduce the amount of weight placed upon the joints, said Patillo; however, in the case of the pool, the percentage of body weight cannot be scientifically calculated. Harnesses are very uncomfortable, he said.

Spc. Andrew Sullens’ broke his pelvis and right ankle in May in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated. He uses a cane to get around the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center; however, once he puts on a pair of neoprene shorts and is secured into the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill, he can walk at his regular gait on 70 percent of his body weight.

“I don’t limp as much,” said Sullens, who has less pain while working out on the machine.

Patients can work out on as little as 20 percent of their body weight, said Patillo.

According to the AlterG Anti- Gravity Treadmill, the advantage of working at a lesser body weight is “you can dial in exactly where the pain stops and movement feels good again.”

So far, the physical therapists have tried the machine on a variety of patients.

Patillo said it can benefit those with an array of injuries from brain injuries to amputees. It can assist amputees in learning to walk with their prosthetics, and it can help provide balance to those who have suffered brain injuries.

“It’s super comfortable,” he said. “They can walk more easily.”

The anti-gravity chamber is like a clear plastic balloon and allows the physical therapist to see the patients’ legs during the exercise process. If necessary, the physical therapist can access the patients’ legs through two portals on the side of the balloon.

The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill is a rarity in the VA Medical system, according to Doug Mitchell, rehabilitation manager. There are only two in use within the VA system.

Since this is a new setting for the machine, VA therapists will be testing the machine’s capabilities.

“The company is asking us to do case studies,” said Patillo.