Anti-Gravity Treadmill for Knee and Lower Leg Injuries

(AlterG Trial)

No longer recruiting at 9 trial locations

Overseen By Craig Remenapp, MS

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium

Disqualifiers: Severe brain injury, Stroke, Heart disease, Pregnancy, Others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 10-12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores two methods to aid recovery from specific knee and shinbone injuries. One group will use the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, which reduces joint impact, for early weight-bearing. The other group will follow the usual physical therapy routine. The researchers aim to determine if early weight-bearing improves healing speed and quality. Individuals who had surgery to repair a knee or shinbone injury and could walk before the injury may be suitable candidates, especially if they can begin rehabilitation about a month post-surgery. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative rehabilitation methods that could enhance recovery outcomes for future patients.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill is safe for early advanced weight bearing?

Research has shown that the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill is well-received in rehab settings. Studies have found that this treadmill allows people to exercise with less pressure on their joints, which is particularly beneficial for those recovering from injuries. For instance, one study discovered that using the treadmill at 50% of body weight places similar stress on the knee as walking normally.

No direct evidence of harm or major side effects has been found in studies using the AlterG treadmill, suggesting it is generally safe for easing back into physical activity after an injury. However, consulting a healthcare professional is advised to determine if this treatment is appropriate. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a new approach to early weight-bearing for knee and pilon injuries using the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill. Unlike the standard care, which involves staying off the injured leg for 10-12 weeks, this method allows patients to start weight-bearing activities within 2-4 weeks after surgery. The AlterG treadmill uses advanced technology to reduce body weight impact, making it safer to begin rehabilitation sooner. This could potentially speed up recovery times and improve overall outcomes for patients.

What evidence suggests that the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill is effective for lower extremity periarticular injuries?

Research shows that the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill aids recovery by reducing pain, improving joint function, and enhancing quality of life for those healing from injuries. One study found that using the AlterG treadmill increased walking speed and eased movement. This trial includes an Early Advanced Weight Bearing (EAWB) group, where participants will use the AlterG treadmill to reduce body weight pressure, allowing patients to start walking sooner and more safely than with traditional methods. These benefits suggest it could be useful for individuals with knee and lower leg injuries. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Daniel Stinner, MD

Principal Investigator

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

Ages 18-55

Closed or Open (Gustilo Type I, II or IIIA) fractures: Distal femur (AO/OTA 33B, 33C), tibial plateau (AO/OTA 41B, 41C), or Distal tibia/pilon (AO/OTA 43B, 43C)

Definitively treated with a plate

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive early weight-bearing treatment using the antigravity AlterG treadmill or standard of care physical therapy

10-12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• AlterG anti-gravity treadmill

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Early Advanced Weight Bearing (EAWB) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Early Advanced Weight Bearing (EAWB) group will receive early weight-bearing treatment using the antigravity AlterG treadmill. These sessions will begin 14-28 days following definitive fixation and last for a total of 10 weeks

Group II: Standard of Care Active Control 1 Intervention

The standard of care group will remain non-weight bearing for 10-12 weeks following definitive fixation and receive physical therapy in accordance with standard practice at the treating center.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium

Lead Sponsor

Trials

32

Recruited

27,400+

United States Department of Defense

Collaborator

Trials

940

Recruited

339,000+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8811491/

Role of Antigravity Training in Rehabilitation and Return to ...

Once able to run pain-free (sustained or interval) >95% BWS for >30 min, the runner is likely ready to safely transition to ground running.

2.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030541792300181X

Effect of anti-gravity treadmill (Alter G) training on gait ...

The aim of this study to evaluate the effect of an antigravity treadmill with traditional physical therapy on severely burned adults.

3.

researchprotocols.org

researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e59935

Effectiveness of Anti-Gravity Treadmill Exercise After Total ...

AlterG training also decreased pain, enhanced joint function, improved quality of life (QoL), and maintained thigh muscle strength gains in ...

4.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03562364

Early Advanced Weight Bearing for Peri-articular Knee and ...

The overall objective of this study is to compare outcomes following early advanced weight bearing (EAWB) using the AlterG antigravity treadmill versus standard ...

5.

alterg.com

alterg.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/D001121-Rev-A_AlterG-Clinical-Research-Summary.pdf

How Does it Work?

Lower body positive pressure treadmill training with AlterG resulted in walking faster, large changes in the temporal walking kinematics, an improvement in ...

6.

alterg.com

alterg.com/

AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ - Redefine What's Possible

AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill technology combines precision unweighting technology with real-time gait analytics and video feedback.

7.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11395184/

Simulating space walking: a systematic review on anti- ...

All patients underwent automatic weight estimation by A-GT, followed by a programmed body-weight reduction of 50% in all sessions. The treadmill velocity was ...