Treadmill Training is the Best of the Machines
When you go to the gym, there are several different machine options you can use including stair-steppers, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, rowing machines, cross-country ski machines, and treadmills. While some people may prefer training on a more exciting machine, those who are utilizing the treadmills are probably receiving the best benefits.
Research has shown that treadmill training may be the most productive method of losing weight and burning calories, above and beyond the capabilities of other machines. Tests conducted by the Medical College of Wisconsin displayed data that training by treadmill burned more calories when compared to training by other machines at the same level of intensity. For example, training at the ‘hard’ level on a treadmill at an RPE of 15 will burn about 850 calories an hour while at the same intensity level on a rowing ergometer, stair-stepper, or Airdyne bike (the one with bars that move to work your arm muscles) will only burn approximately 700 calories. And training at the same level on a lowly stationary bike will only shed about 600 calories.
Whether you walk or run, treadmill training seems to be the best way to go if you are interested in burning calories quickly. While the studies conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin were only of healthy adults, the argument is that people are used to walking and running and that will therefore allow them to withstand harder intensities in treadmill training and burn more calories. Still, as you continue training on any machine your stamina will increase and therefore calorie-burning capabilities will increase as well. So if you think training on a treadmill is boring and you do enough walking and running in your daily life, use whatever machine you like because what really matters is feeling healthy and happy.
Treadmill Training for Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Studies in neurological research have shown evidence that neurons located in the spinal cord have the ability to learn or “remember” skills such as walking independently from the brain. This is helpful in spinal cord injury patients who suffer paralysis. More research has discovered that training with a treadmill – with the help of support weights – can dramatically improve the walking abilities of a person with a spinal cord injury.
The beginning of training will vary with the patient and his or her injury status, but some have been known to begin training 5 months after their spinal cord injury. Tests have shown patients with complete paralysis in one leg to be able to walk on a treadmill, but their legs to still show paralysis during tests at rest. Researchers maintain the training helped to increase complex motor patterns at the spinal level.
Treadmill training continually helps spinal cord injury patients all over the world, improving joint and tendon muscles and advancing their motor patterns. While treadmill training may not be a cure for spinal cord injuries, it can give patients hope for the future and a healthy lifestyle.
By Monica Drusch