Underwater treadmill functionality
Exercising on an underwater treadmill combines the favourable effects of water during the execution of stationary walking exercises. An underwater treadmill turns the pool into a virtually endless pool; the patient does not have to turn at the end. Water has lots of favourable effects on the rehabilitation process. Because of the buoyancy, weight bearing in the legs is reduced, which makes it easier for an injured patient to exercise. At the same time, the warm water makes the ligaments more elastic and therefore range of motion is increased. As an added bonus, submersion in water reduces pain sensation.
All these effects added together makes the underwater treadmill an excellent piece of exercise equipment, that can be extremely useful for obesity treatment, sports endurance training and general rehabilitation of leg problems.
The strict rhythm imposed by the underwater treadmill can be very helpful in treating neurological patients.
Integrating an underwater treadmill in a movable swimming pool floor enables the user to adapt the loading on the patient’s lower extremities to the stage of the rehabilitation process. A completely integrated underwater treadmill makes it possible to perform walking exercises at different body loads.
It is possible to remove the parellel bars, which clears the whole area of the movable swimming pool floor for other hydrotherapy methods.
The underwater treadmill can be fitted in any new pool floor, but can also be excellently fitted in existing EWAC Medical movable swimming pool floors.
EWAC Medical does not only supply underwater treadmills, but also contributes actively in acquiring and dispersing knowledge about hydrotherapy. We are also actively involved in developing new underwater exercise equipment for rehabilitation purposes. On this page you will find more in-depth information about all the aspects that come into play when applying an underwater treadmill.
The proven value of exercising on an underwater treadmill
Exercising on an EWAC Medical underwater treadmill offers a great number of advantages.
Advantage | | Result |
| – Actuated with safe low voltage power drive | | – Optimal security of patients is guaranteed |
| – Infinitely adjustable speeds from 0,1 up to 11 km/h | | – Precise control of exercise intensity |
| – Slow up and down tuning during start and stop | | – Pleasurable walking experience |
| – Patient training program can be stored | | – Follow progress of the rehabilitation process |
| – Can be mounted into an existing pool | | – Added functionality of existing situations |
| – Can be mounted in a modular pool | | – Added functionality of existing and new situations |
| – Can be integrated in an adjustable floor | | – Adjust for optimal weight loading of the patient |
| – Can be retrofitted in existing adjustable floors | | – Increase the possibilities of a current installation |
| – Flush with deck of adjustable floor | | – More functionality within the same available space |
| – Active interaction in the water between patient and therapist | | – Therapist can actively manipulate the patient during exercises |
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 | | Underwater camera | | This special underwater camera enables the therapist to track the movements of the patients, and if necessary record the movements for further analysis. By comparing images from multiple sessions one can get a clear picture of the progress made by the patient. |
 | | Counter current unit or Jetstream | | Countercurrent unit or jetstream. A jetstream offers exercise resistance to the patient moving against the flow. A wall nozzle produces a strong water jet which is aimed at the patient, and depending of the required exercise load, can be softened with air. |
 | | Underwater lighting | | Underwater lighting is highly recommended to improve the sight through, for example, an underwater window. The lighting can be either delivered in monochrome or in colours. |
 | | Observation windows | | Observation windows can be placed in regular pools as well as modular pools. Observation windows enable the therapist to supervise the executions of the patient optimally. |
Two types of underwater treadmills
EWAC Medical supplies two different underwater treadmills:
Integrated underwater treadmill in an adjustable pool floor
The integrated underwater treadmill is completely flush with the adjustable pool floor. Weight bearing of the patient can be adjusted by lowering the adjustable floor. From young children to adults, in any stage of rehabilitation, the combination of an underwater treadmill with an adjustable floor offers an excellent exercise environment.
When the treadmill is not used, removing the parallel bars frees the entire area of the exercise pool for other underwater exercises.
The underwater treadmill can be fitted in any new adjustable pool floor, but can also be excellently retro-fitted in existing EWAC Medical adjustable floors.
Drop-in underwater treadmill
For existing pools with a fixed depth the drop-in underwater treadmill is an excellent piece of exercise equipment. The freestanding underwater treadmill can be placed in any position on the bottom of the swimming pool. The drop-in underwater treadmill turns the pool into a multi role, low impact exercise environment. The underwater treadmill can be completely removed out of the pool, to clear the available space for other underwater exercises.
It can be used in virtually any existing pool situation and works plug and play.
Both underwater treadmills meet the demands set in the ISO-norm 13485.
Technical specifications
| Drop-in underwater treadmill | | | Intergrated underwater treadmill |
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| Dimensions – Total | | L 1540 x B 1040 x H 1740 mm (including handrails) | Dimensions – Total | | L 1750 x B 1200 mm |
| Dimensions – Training area | | L 1150 x B 550 mm | Dimensions – Training area | | L 1400 x B 850 mm |
| Speed capabilties | | 0,1 – 11.0 km/h | Speed capabilties | | 0,1 – 11.0 km/h |
| Power supply | | 16 Amp 220/240 V single phase 50/60Hz | Power supply | | 16 Amp 220/240 V single phase 50/60Hz |
| Maximum load | | 500 kg | Maximum load | | 500 kg |
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