Rishabh Pant uses 'anti-gravity' treadmill developed by NASA during ongoing rehabilitation at NCA

In December of last year, Indian cricket sensation Rishabh Pant suffered a significant setback when he was involved in an accident, resulting in burns and a ligament injury. Following a surgical procedure in Mumbai, he embarked on a challenging path to recovery. Currently, Pant is undergoing an intensive training regimen at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. Notably, a recent social media video showcased him utilizing a unique treadmill that NASA employs to prepare their scientists for space exploration.

This extraordinary treadmill, which the Indian wicketkeeper was seen using, covers the lower half of the body from the waist downwards. What sets it apart is its anti-gravity technology, designed to mimic conditions experienced on low-gravity surfaces like the moon. This innovation significantly reduces the effective weight of the person using it. The treadmill is the brainchild of a company called AlterG, which NASA had commissioned to manufacture. 

While primarily designed for NASA scientists, the AlterG treadmill has found practical applications in various fields, including sports medicine. Athletes facing lower body injuries benefit from it by lightening the load on their upper bodies during rehabilitation. This remarkable piece of technology has also made its way to the NCA in Bangalore, where a model of the AlterG treadmill is available for use.

Here's a video of Rishabh Pant's training at NCA:

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A post shared by Rishabh Pant (@rishabpant)

How does The AlterG treadmill work?

The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill incorporates NASA-patented Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology, which employs an exact air calibration system tailored to the user's real body weight. This technology revolutionises rehabilitation and training by utilising a pressurised air chamber to consistently reduce gravitational load and body weight in accurate 1% increments.

AlterG empowers individuals, both patients and athletes, to move freely and painlessly, aiding in muscle strength, flexibility, balance, function, and fitness restoration and development. It offers unrivalled precision, accuracy, and comfort compared to other unweighting technologies. In India, the treadmill is priced at approximately Rs 4-7 crores, making it a popular choice among athletes, particularly football players, during their injury recovery process.