Specifications

AlterG M300 Medical Operations Manual Part Number 102508 Rev D
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SECTION 3: PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
AlterG’s technology was originally conceived as part of an effort to help
NASA’s astronauts maintain fitness during prolonged space flight.
AlterG pioneered the concept of combining this technology with an
advanced pressure regulation system and treadmill into a machine that
provides the most effective and comfortable body weight support
system available today.
PHYSICS & TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE ALTERG
DIFFERENTIAL AIR-PRESSURE (DAP) TECHNOLOGY
The physical lifting force generated by the AlterG comes from a
difference in air pressure around the user’s upper and lower body.
AlterG uses this methodology, known as Differential Air Pressure
(DAP) technology to unweight the user.
An inflatable fabric enclosure covers the treadmill. In the middle of the
enclosure is a hole through which the user steps onto the surface of
the treadmill. The user wears a special pair of shorts, and these shorts
are zipped into the hole in the enclosure. A blower is used to inflate
the enclosure. The pressure generated in the inflated enclosure
provides a lifting force against the body. Because the pressure is only
slightly above atmospheric and evenly distributed, the force on the
lower body is almost imperceptible. The AlterG provides a level of
comfort while exercising unmatched by other unweighting systems.
Figure 1. Diagrammatic Representation of Lifting Force