Presentation: 2025 ND EPSCoR Annual conference 

October 21, 2025, NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, North Dakota

Anti-Gravity Treadmill Versus Traditional Treadmill Gait Training and Strengthening Effect in Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis

Context. Osteoarthritis is associated with pain in weight-bearing and contributes to weakness and loss of function. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of gait training and strengthening using an anti-gravity treadmill versus traditional gait training and strengthening on pain, range of motion, speed of gait and lower extremity endurance. Participants. This study utilized a convenience sample (N=30) consisting of volunteer participants using a snowball effect in recruiting. Design. Each participant was randomly assigned to either the anti-gravity treadmill group or the traditional hallway walking group. Methods. Participants completed a medical history questionnaire, PAR-Q+, painful joint range of motion testing using a goniometer, 20-meter walk test, and a 30 second sit to stand test at pre-test, and the measures were repeated at the end of their twelfth session. Results. Data was analyzed using SPSS to determine the descriptive and parametric statistics. Independent Samples T Test was used to see if groups differed at the beginning of the study. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the treatment groups at baseline other than weight. Paired Samples T Test was used to determine if either treatment made a difference. The results indicate there was a significance difference in pre-test and post-test measures for pain, 20-meter walk test and 30 second sit to stand test for both groups, p < 0.001. Conclusion. Results support that an anti-gravity treadmill is as effective as traditional physical therapy. Further research with a shorter treatment period would be appropriate.