How do underwater treadmills prevent injuries from occurring? Let’s take a closer look…

It’s better to prevent than to cure…that’s the old adage.

Over the last several years, prevention “pros” have come up with several machines that can help runners prevent injuries, common or otherwise. For example, there is the foam waistband that allows you to jog in place inside a swimming pool, which is pretty effective.

Then, there is running with a harness strapped on that supports your body so that there isn’t really any weight put into the workout itself. This usually happens at the therapist’s office.

Recently, it seems like the underwater treadmill is the rising star of prevention, and there is a good reason why. Many rehabilitation centers now use this innovative technology and results show that specialists have benn successful at rehabilitating injuries from common broken ankles to more serious back damage.

This revolutionizing therapy is based on resistance. To be more exact, we’re talking about the resistance that the water jets at the front of the pool provide. Moreover, this resistance is adjustable, and so is the floor of the treadmill. This feature is useful because it adjusts the load on your body.

And don’t think you’re all on your own. The pool is equipped with cameras that record your performance, so your coaches or therapists can monitor you closely as you run.

The interesting part of this entire process is how your neuromuscular system is actively challenged by the movement of the water. This provides an intense core workout.

The reasons why underwater treadmills have become more and more popular are a good argument for their efficacy:

– They imitate the biomechanics of on-land movements

– Increase cardio training

– Improve flexibility and stamina

– Tone the muscles

– Strengthen the injured tissue

– Reduce blood pressure